↑ reinforcing ↓ reducing ⊥ even method — technique below follows standard Excess/Deficiency treatment principle for each pattern, not tied to a specific point-by-point source.
Clinical manifestations: Frequent sighing; distension or bloating along the ribs and flanks; emotional irritability or depression; chest tightness; a sensation of a lump in the throat; brought on by stress and frustration, alcohol and greasy food, a sedentary lifestyle, or suppressing emotions; eased by gentle exercise, deep breathing, warmth on the ribs, or talking through feelings.
Tongue: Normal or slightly Dark body, Red or slightly Purple sides, thin white coating. Pulse: Wiry.
Treatment principle: Soothe the Liver, regulate Qi.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: Explosive anger and irritability; a bitter taste in the mouth; temple headache; a red face and eyes; brought on by anger and frustration, spicy or greasy food, alcohol and coffee, stressful situations, or overwork and lack of sleep; eased by cooling food and drinks, gentle exercise, deep breathing, or a calm quiet environment.
Tongue: Red body, especially at the sides, yellow coating. Pulse: Wiry, Rapid.
Treatment principle: Soothe the Liver, clear Heat.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: Palpitations with a pale, sallow face; poor appetite, bloating, and loose stools; fatigue and mental exhaustion; anxiety that worsens with overthinking; difficulty falling asleep; brought on by overthinking and worry, skipping meals or irregular eating, cold raw food and drinks, excessive mental work, or fatigue and exhaustion; eased by rest and avoiding overthinking, warm nourishing food, gentle exercise, regular mealtimes, or calming meditation.
Tongue: Pale and tender, tooth-marked, thin white coating. Pulse: Fine, Weak, possibly Choppy.
Treatment principle: Tonify the Heart and Spleen.
Note: moxa applicable.
Clinical manifestations: Mental restlessness and agitation; chest oppression with thick yellow phlegm; insomnia or severely disturbed sleep; a bitter taste in the mouth; a red face and eyes; brought on by spicy or greasy food, alcohol, hot humid weather, or emotional outbursts; eased by cooling food and drinks, deep breathing, clearing phlegm from the throat, or avoiding alcohol and greasy food.
Tongue: Red, swollen body with a red prickly tip, thick yellow greasy coating. Pulse: Slippery, Rapid, Full, Overflowing.
Treatment principle: Clear Fire, resolve Phlegm, calm the Mind.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: Easily startled by small noises or movements; indecisiveness and low self-confidence; restless sleep with vivid or frightening dreams; heart palpitations; brought on by sudden loud noises, stressful decisions or pressure, fatigue and exhaustion, or cold raw food and drinks; eased by a calm quiet environment, warm nourishing food, gentle reassurance and support, or restful sleep.
Tongue: Pale body, thin white coating. Pulse: Fine, Weak, often Wiry.
Treatment principle: Tonify the Gall Bladder, calm the Mind.
Note: moxa applicable.
Clinical manifestations: Deep-seated fear and insecurity; low back and knee soreness; dizziness and tinnitus; poor memory and concentration; premature greying or hair loss; frequent night-time urination; brought on by overwork and chronic stress, excessive sexual activity, lack of sleep, or cold raw food and drinks; eased by restful sleep, warm nourishing food, or gentle grounding movement.
Tongue: Pale, thin body, little or no coating, possible fine cracks. Pulse: Fine, Deep, Weak at both rear (Chi) positions.
Treatment principle: Tonify Kidney-Essence, calm the Mind.
Note: moxa applicable.