↑ 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: Hard, dry stools difficult to pass; intense thirst; a feeling of heat; a flushed red face; dark, scanty urine; restlessness; brought on by spicy, greasy or fried food, alcohol, hot dry weather, stress, or overexertion; eased by cold drinks, cooling foods, a cool environment, gentle exercise, or water.
Tongue: Red body, possibly with prickles, thick dry yellow coating. Pulse: Rapid, Forceful, Overflowing.
Treatment principle: Clear Heat, moisten the Intestines.
Note: no moxa.
2. Qi Deficiency
Clinical manifestations: Straining to pass stools despite the urge; fatigue and shortness of breath during bowel movements; sweating; soft stools; pale complexion; bloating; brought on by overexertion, raw or cold food, irregular eating, stress, or a sedentary lifestyle; eased by rest, warm nourishing food, gentle exercise, abdominal massage, or regular mealtimes.
Tongue: Pale, puffy, tender body with tooth marks, thin white coating. Pulse: Empty, Weak.
Treatment principle: Tonify Qi, moisten the Intestines.
3. Blood Deficiency
Clinical manifestations: Dry, hard stools difficult to pass; pale or sallow complexion; pale lips and nails; dizziness; brought on by overexertion, postpartum depletion, raw or cold food, or excessive fasting; eased by warm nourishing food, rest, or gentle exercise.
Tongue: Pale, thin body, thin white coating. Pulse: Fine, Weak.
Treatment principle: Nourish Blood, moisten the Intestines.
Clinical manifestations: Constipation worse with stress or frustration; bloating and distension; frequent belching; a feeling of incomplete evacuation; irritability; brought on by emotional stress, frustration, anger, a sedentary lifestyle, or irregular eating; eased by relaxation, gentle exercise, or warm peppermint or fennel tea.
Tongue: Normal or slightly Dark body with Red or slightly Purple sides, thin white coating. Pulse: Wiry.
Treatment principle: Soothe the Liver, regulate Qi.
Clinical manifestations: Small, dry, pellet-like stools; dry mouth and throat; often follows a febrile illness or heavy sweating; dry, rough skin; brought on by spicy, greasy or fried food, excessive sweating, overexertion, or dry heated air; eased by plenty of water, moistening food, or rest.
Tongue: Red, thin, dry body with cracks. Pulse: Fine, possibly Choppy.
Treatment principle: Moisten the Intestines, generate fluids.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: Stools like dry pebbles or hard lumps; night sweats; dry mouth and throat; heat in the palms, soles and chest; brought on by spicy, greasy or fried food, overexertion, hot dry weather, or stress; eased by rest, moistening food, a cool humid environment, or water.
Tongue: Red, thin body with cracks, little or no coating. Pulse: Fine, Rapid.
Treatment principle: Nourish Yin, moisten the Intestines.
Note: no moxa (Yin deficiency).