↑ 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: A weak, low-force cough that worsens with exertion; thin, clear, watery phlegm; spontaneous daytime sweating; sensitivity to wind; fatigue; catching colds easily; a hoarse or weak voice; brought on by overwork and chronic fatigue, repeated exposure to cold and wind, a long illness, or lack of sleep; eased by rest, warm clothing and avoiding drafts, warm nourishing food, or moxibustion on the back.
Tongue: Pale, tender body with tooth marks, thin white coating. Pulse: Empty, Weak, especially at the right Cun position.
Treatment principle: Tonify Lung-Qi, consolidate the Exterior, astringe the Lungs to stop cough.
Note: moxa applicable.
Clinical manifestations: A dry cough with scant, sticky phlegm; a dry, scratchy throat and mouth; night sweats; an afternoon low-grade fever; a hoarse or weak voice; brought on by a long illness, chronic dryness, smoking, or lack of sleep; eased by rest, moistening food and drinks, a humid environment, or avoiding smoking and dry air.
Tongue: Red, thin body with cracks, little or no coating, dry surface. Pulse: Fine, Rapid, weak at the right Cun position.
Treatment principle: Nourish Yin, moisten dryness, resolve Phlegm to stop cough.
Note: no moxa (Yin deficiency).
Clinical manifestations: Copious white, frothy or sticky phlegm that is easy to expectorate; chest heaviness and oppression; poor appetite with abdominal bloating; loose stools; fatigue and a heavy sensation in the limbs; brought on by a diet heavy in greasy or sweet food, damp weather, a sedentary lifestyle, or chronic Spleen weakness feeding Phlegm production; eased by warm, plainly-cooked food, staying active, a dry warm environment, or clearing phlegm from the throat.
Tongue: Pale, swollen body with tooth marks, thick white greasy coating. Pulse: Slippery, like rolling beads.
Treatment principle: Dry Dampness, transform Phlegm, regulate Qi, harmonize the Middle Burner.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: Thick, yellow or green sputum that is sticky and hard to expectorate; chest oppression and fullness; a fever or a sensation of heat with thirst; restlessness and irritability; brought on by spicy or fried food, smoking, an unresolved lingering Wind-Heat or Damp-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, possible front swelling, yellow greasy coating with possible red prickles on the front third. Pulse: Slippery, Rapid.
Treatment principle: Clear Heat, transform Phlegm, regulate Qi, descend rebellious Lung-Qi to stop cough.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: A cough with thin, white, watery phlegm; chills and an aversion to cold; nasal congestion with clear watery discharge; an itchy throat; 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: Expel Wind-Cold, release the Exterior, restore the descending and diffusing of Lung-Qi.
Note: moxa applicable.
Clinical manifestations: A cough with thick yellow or sticky phlegm; a sore, scratchy throat; thirst and a dry mouth; a low-grade fever or a sensation of heat; nasal congestion with yellow mucus; brought on by spicy or fried food, a hot stuffy environment, overexertion, or stress; eased by cool drinks, rest, cool fresh air, or light breathable clothing.
Tongue: Red tip with thin yellow coating, body slightly Red. Pulse: Floating, Rapid.
Treatment principle: Disperse Wind-Heat, clear Lung-Heat, restore Lung diffusing and descending functions.
Note: no moxa.