↑ reinforcing ↓ reducing ⊥ even method.
1. Dry-Wind
Clinical manifestations: Sudden onset of dryness and peeling, mild itching or rough texture, dry nose and throat, mild aversion to wind or cold, possible low-grade fever.
Tongue: Slightly red body with a dry surface and thin white dry coating, possible cracks. Pulse: Floating and rapid, right Cun relatively stronger.
Treatment principle: Dispel exterior Wind and moisten dryness, nourishing Lung and Stomach Yin to generate fluids.
Note: no moxa. No deck on this site has a dedicated Dry-Wind slide, so no pattern link is given here.
Clinical manifestations: Chronic dry cracked lips with dull red colour, thirst desiring small sips but not gulping, poor appetite without desire to eat, dull or burning stomach discomfort after eating, mild afternoon low-grade heat.
Tongue: Red, thin body with cracks in the centre, little or no coating, dry surface. Pulse: Fine and possibly rapid, weak at right Guan.
Treatment principle: Protect the Stomach, generate fluids and moisten dryness by nourishing Stomach-Yin.
Note: no moxa given the Yin deficiency. Direct match with this site's own Stomach-and-Spleen-Yin-deficiency slide.
3. Body Fluids Deficiency
Clinical manifestations: General dryness of the mouth and throat, scanty dark urine, dry hard stools, dry skin lacking moisture, thirst desiring water, possible low-grade fever.
Tongue: Red, dry, thin body with cracks, little or no coating. Pulse: Fine and rapid.
Treatment principle: Nourish Yin, generate fluids, moisten dryness and clear Heat.
Note: no moxa. No deck on this site has an organ-nonspecific Body-Fluids-deficiency slide distinct from Yin deficiency, so no pattern link is given here.
4. Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen
Clinical manifestations: Dry red swollen lips that may ooze fluid, bitter or sticky taste in the mouth, bloating and heavy feeling after eating, thirst with little desire to drink.
Tongue: Red body, possibly swollen with teeth marks, thick yellow greasy coating especially at the centre and root. Pulse: Soggy and rapid, often slippery.
Treatment principle: Clear Heat, drain Dampness, regulate Qi and harmonize the middle burner.
Note: no moxa. No deck on this site combines Damp-Heat across both the Stomach and Spleen into one slide, so no pattern link is given here.
Clinical manifestations: Burning sensation in the lips, redness and swelling of the lips, foul breath, thirst desiring cold drinks, constipation with dry hard stools, swollen painful or bleeding gums.
Tongue: Red body, possibly with central prickles, thick dry yellow coat. Pulse: Rapid, slippery and forceful, especially strong in right Guan.
Treatment principle: Clear Stomach-Heat, cool the Blood, nourish Yin.
Note: no moxa. Direct match with this site's own Stomach-Heat-(or-Phlegm-Heat) slide.
Clinical manifestations: Pale, dry, lusterless lips, fatigue and lack of energy, poor appetite with bloating, palpitations or awareness of heartbeat, difficulty falling asleep, sallow or pale complexion.
Tongue: Pale, tender body with teeth marks, thin white coating. Pulse: Fine and weak.
Treatment principle: Tonify Qi, nourish Blood, strengthen the Spleen — the Spleen opens into the lips, and when both Heart and Spleen are deficient, insufficient Qi and Blood reach and moisten the lips.
Note: moxa applicable throughout. Direct match with this site's own Spleen-and-Heart-Blood-deficiency slide.