↑ reinforcing ↓ reducing ⊥ even method.
1. Phlegm in the Channels, Joints and Muscles
Clinical manifestations: Firm, movable nodules under the skin; fixed, stabbing pain in the muscles or joints; joint swelling, hard to the touch; purplish discoloration around the joints; stubborn numbness; joint stiffness.
Tongue: Purple with stasis spots, white greasy coating, distended sublingual veins. Pulse: Wiry and choppy, or wiry and slippery when Phlegm predominates.
Treatment principle: Resolves Phlegm, activates Blood circulation and unblocks the channels to soften nodules and relieve pain.
Note: no moxa. This site's decks have no Phlegm-in-the-channels slide, confirmed absent again — no pattern link is given here.
2. Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
Clinical manifestations: Loose or unformed stools; abdominal bloating worse after eating; heaviness of the body and limbs; poor appetite; fatigue and drowsiness after meals; a greasy mouth sensation.
Tongue: Pale, swollen, teeth-marked, white greasy moist coating. Pulse: Soggy and moderate, soft and weak at the right middle position.
Treatment principle: Strengthens the Spleen, dries Dampness and halts diarrhea to address the root deficiency generating Phlegm.
Note: moxa is appropriate. No standalone Spleen-Deficiency-with-Dampness slide exists on this site's decks — no pattern link is given here.
Clinical manifestations: Seizures or convulsions; mental confusion; rattling or gurgling throat sounds; heavy-headedness and dizziness; a blank stare; slurred or unclear speech.
Tongue: Pale, swollen, thick white greasy coating, may appear stiff. Pulse: Slippery, especially strong at the middle position.
Treatment principle: Flushes Phlegm, opens the Heart orifices and restores clear consciousness by clearing turbidity.
Note: MEDICAL EMERGENCY if seizures are present — seek urgent care first. no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: Fixed, stabbing pain in the nodules, worse at night and with pressure; a dark purple tongue with stasis spots; hard, immovable lumps; a dusky facial complexion; dark under-eye circles.
Tongue: Dark purple with stasis spots, distended dark sublingual veins, thin white coat. Pulse: Choppy or wiry.
Treatment principle: Invigorates Blood, dispels stasis and unblocks the collaterals to soften hard masses and ease stabbing pain.
Note: no moxa. Linked to this site's own Liver-Blood-stasis slide per the discoloration-marker rule.