↑ 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: Thick, yellow, sticky phlegm; wheezing with chest tightness; thirst with a desire for cold beverages; irritability and restlessness; a flushed face with a sensation of heat; brought on by spicy or fried food, smoking, an unresolved lingering Wind-Heat or Cold-Phlegm turning into Heat, or a hot stuffy environment; eased by cool drinks, fresh air, avoiding spicy or fried food, or a cool environment.
Tongue: Red body, yellow greasy coating with red prickles. Pulse: Slippery, Rapid.
Treatment principle: Clear Lung-Heat, transform Phlegm, redirect rebellious Qi downward.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: Copious white, watery or foamy phlegm; chest tightness and stuffiness; a cold sensation with cold extremities; no thirst, a preference for warm drinks; a gurgling, rattling wheeze; brought on by cold and damp exposure, cold or raw food and drinks, a diet heavy in greasy or sweet food, or chronic Spleen weakness feeding Phlegm production; eased by warmth, warm food and drinks, staying active, or moxibustion.
Tongue: Pale, swollen body with tooth marks, thick white greasy coating. Pulse: Slippery, Slow.
Treatment principle: Warm the Lungs, transform Cold-Phlegm, descend Lung-Qi, calm wheezing.
Note: moxa applicable.
Clinical manifestations: Shortness of breath on exertion; thin, watery, white phlegm; poor appetite and bloating; fatigue with a weak voice; loose stools; a pale face; spontaneous sweating with exertion; brought on by overwork and chronic fatigue, poor diet, a long illness, or lack of sleep; eased by rest, warm nourishing food, gentle exercise, or moxibustion.
Tongue: Pale, puffy body with tooth marks, thin white slippery coating. Pulse: Weak overall, especially at the Lung and Spleen positions.
Treatment principle: Tonify the Middle Qi to strengthen the Spleen and support Lung function, reducing Phlegm production.
Note: moxa applicable.
Clinical manifestations: Exhalation feels prolonged while inhalation feels short and insufficient; breathlessness that worsens with any exertion; soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees; fatigue with low stamina and a quiet, weak voice; frequent urination at night; spontaneous sweating with exertion; brought on by ageing, chronic overwork, a long illness affecting the Lungs and Kidneys, or excessive strain; eased by rest, warmth on the lower back and abdomen, warm nourishing food, or moxibustion.
Tongue: Pale, puffy body with tooth marks, thin white moist coating. Pulse: Deep, Weak, especially feeble at the rear position.
Treatment principle: Warm Kidney-Yang, restore the Kidney's ability to grasp Qi.
Note: moxa applicable.
Clinical manifestations: A dry cough with scanty, sticky phlegm that is difficult to expectorate; wheezing and breathlessness that worsen on exertion; night sweats and an afternoon low-grade fever; soreness in the lower back with weak knees; a malar flush with heat in the palms and soles; a dry throat, a hoarse voice, thirst for small sips; brought on by a long illness, chronic dryness, ageing, or lack of sleep; eased by rest, moistening food and drinks, a humid environment, or a calm evening routine.
Tongue: Red and thin body with cracks, little or no coating, dry surface. Pulse: Fine, Rapid, weak at the rear positions.
Treatment principle: Nourish Lung and Kidney Yin, clear deficiency Heat, moisten the airways to stop dry wheezing.
Note: no moxa (Yin deficiency).
Clinical manifestations: Sudden wheezing and cough after cold exposure; chills with an aversion to cold; thin, white, watery phlegm; nasal congestion with clear runny discharge; no sweating; brought on by sudden exposure to cold wind or drafts, cold or raw food, overexertion, or seasonal changes; eased by warmth and covering up, warm ginger tea, rest, or a warm bath.
Tongue: Normal or slightly pale body, thin white moist coating. Pulse: Floating, Tight.
Treatment principle: Release the Exterior, expel Cold, restore the descending and diffusing of Lung-Qi to stop wheezing.
Note: moxa applicable.