↑ 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: Chills more prominent than fever; clear, watery nasal discharge; cough with thin, white, watery phlegm; headache and body aches; an itchy throat; brought on by exposure to cold wind or drafts, cold or raw food, overexertion, or wind and damp; eased by warmth and covering up, warm ginger tea, rest, light sweating, or a warm bath.
Tongue: Normal or slightly Pale body, thin white moist coating. Pulse: Floating, Tight.
Treatment principle: Release the Exterior, expel Wind-Cold.
Note: moxa applicable.
Clinical manifestations: Fever stronger than chills; sore throat; yellow or turbid nasal discharge; thirst; cough with thick yellow phlegm; brought on by spicy or fried food, a hot stuffy environment, overexertion, smoking, or stress; eased by cool drinks (chrysanthemum, mint tea), rest, cool fresh air, or light breathable clothing.
Tongue: Red tip, thin yellow coating, body slightly Red. Pulse: Floating, Rapid.
Treatment principle: Release the Exterior, expel Wind-Heat.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: A heavy, wrapped sensation in the head; chest or upper-abdominal distension; fever with little improvement after sweating; thirst with no desire to drink; brought on by hot humid weather, heavy greasy meals, cold or raw food, or overexertion; eased by a cool dry environment, light bland food, or resting in the shade.
Tongue: Red body, white greasy coating (may turn yellow). Pulse: Soggy, Rapid.
Treatment principle: Clear Summer-Heat, resolve Dampness.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: A mild fever with more fatigue than chills; spontaneous sweating without exertion; recurrent colds that linger; shortness of breath on mild exertion; brought on by overexertion, cold or raw food, stress, or cold damp weather; eased by warm soups, broths or herbal tea, rest, gentle exercise (tai chi), or moxibustion on the lower back.
Tongue: Pale, puffy, tender body with tooth marks, thin white coating. Pulse: Empty, Weak.
Treatment principle: Tonify Qi, strengthen the Exterior.
Note: moxa applicable.
5. Wind-Cold Invading with Blood and Yin Deficiency
Clinical manifestations: Chills more noticeable than fever; a pale complexion, lips and nail beds; dizziness or light-headedness; a dry mouth and throat; fatigue and general weakness; heart palpitations; brought on by cold or raw food, overexertion, exposure to cold wind or drafts, or stress; eased by warm ginger tea, rest, warmth and covering up, or warm soups and broths.
Tongue: Pale, thin body, slightly dry, thin white coating. Pulse: Floating, Thin, lacking force.
Treatment principle: Release the Exterior while supporting Blood and Yin.
6. Dry-Wind
Clinical manifestations: A dry cough with little or no mucus; a dry nose, mouth and throat; an itchy, scratchy throat; a mild aversion to cold or wind with a low-grade fever; dry, cracked lips and dry skin; brought on by dry heated indoor air, spicy or fried food, windy arid weather, or overuse of the voice; eased by a humidifier or steamy bathroom, warm soups or broths, rest in a calm moist environment, or a cool gentle mist.
Tongue: Slightly Red body with a dry surface, thin white dry coating, possibly cracked. Pulse: Floating, Rapid.
Treatment principle: Release the Exterior, moisten Dryness.
Note: no moxa.