↑ 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: Stabbing, fixed pain in the lower abdomen, worse with pressure; dark, clotted menstrual blood; breast distension and tenderness before the period; irritability and mood swings; brought on by emotional stress, cold food and icy drinks, prolonged sitting, or pressure on the abdomen; eased by gentle movement, warmth on the abdomen, emotional calm, or warm herbal tea.
Tongue: Dark Purple body with stasis spots, distended sublingual veins. Pulse: Wiry, Choppy.
Treatment principle: Move Qi, invigorate Blood, resolve stasis.
Note: no moxa.
2. Qi and Blood Deficiency
Clinical manifestations: Dull, lingering cramping pain during or after menstruation; scanty, pale menstrual flow; fatigue and low energy; pale complexion and lips; dizziness or palpitations; brought on by overexertion or prolonged standing, skipping meals, cold raw food, emotional stress, or heavy lifting; eased by rest and lying down, warmth on the abdomen, gentle pressure or massage, warm nourishing meals, or adequate sleep.
Tongue: Pale body, may be thin with tooth marks, thin white coating. Pulse: Fine, Weak.
Treatment principle: Tonify Qi and Blood.
Note: moxa applicable.
3. Liver-Blood and Kidney-Yin Deficiency
Clinical manifestations: Dull, lingering lower abdominal pain after the period; lower back soreness and weakness; scanty, pale menstrual flow; dizziness and tinnitus; blurred vision or dry eyes; night sweats and a dry throat at night; brought on by overwork, staying up late, emotional stress, excessive exercise, or spicy, greasy or drying food; eased by rest and lying down, warmth on the abdomen, warm nourishing meals, or gentle pressure and massage.
Tongue: Red or pale-Red, thin body, little or no coating, possibly cracked and dry. Pulse: Fine, Weak, with a Wiry quality at the left Guan.
Treatment principle: Nourish Liver-Blood and Kidney-Yin.
Note: no moxa.
4. Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner
Clinical manifestations: Burning or stabbing pain; dark, clotted menstrual blood; pain worse with abdominal pressure; irritability or restlessness; a dry mouth and throat; a feverish feeling, especially at night; brought on by spicy, greasy or drying food, emotional stress, hot weather, alcohol, or pressure on the abdomen; eased by cooling food, staying hydrated, gentle movement, a cool compress on the lower abdomen, or rest in a cool room.
Tongue: Reddish-Purple body with stasis spots, distended sublingual veins, dry yellow coating. Pulse: Deep, Choppy, Rapid.
Treatment principle: Clear Heat, invigorate Blood, resolve stasis.
Note: no moxa.