↑ 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: Distending epigastric pain radiating to the ribs; worse with emotional stress, greasy or fried food, sedentary habits, or premenstrually; eased by relieving stress, gentle exercise, deep breathing, warmth, or small light meals.
Tongue: Normal to slightly Red body, possibly Redder at the sides, thin white coating. Pulse: Wiry.
Treatment principle: Soothe the Liver, harmonize the Stomach.
Clinical manifestations: Dull, cold, aching epigastric pain eased by warmth; worse with cold or raw food, cold weather, overwork, or skipping meals; eased by a warm compress, warm cooked meals, rest after eating, or warm ginger tea.
Tongue: Pale, puffy, tooth-marked body, white slippery coating. Pulse: Deep, Slow, Weak.
Treatment principle: Warm and tonify Stomach-Yang.
Note: moxa applicable; Ren-8 is moxa only, not needled.
Clinical manifestations: Dull, burning epigastric pain with dry mouth and gnawing discomfort; worse with greasy or fried food, alcohol, overwork, dry weather, or emotional stress; eased by cool, moistening food, small light meals, or adequate sleep.
Tongue: Red, thin body, dry centre, little or no coating, possibly cracked. Pulse: Fine, Rapid.
Treatment principle: Nourish Stomach-Yin.
Note: no moxa (Yin deficiency).
Clinical manifestations: Distending epigastric pain with fullness, worse after eating, eased by vomiting; worse with overeating, greasy food, alcohol, pressure on the abdomen, or eating late; eased by vomiting, passing gas, skipping a meal, gentle massage, or warm ginger tea.
Tongue: Normal body, thick greasy curd-like coating, thickest at the centre. Pulse: Slippery, Full.
Treatment principle: Reduce food stagnation, harmonize the Stomach.
Clinical manifestations: Sudden, sharp or cramping epigastric pain after cold food, eased by warmth; worse with cold or raw food, cold weather; eased by a warm compress, warm drinks, rest and staying warm, or moxibustion.
Tongue: Pale body, moist thin white slippery coating. Pulse: Tight, Slow.
Treatment principle: Warm the Stomach, dispel Cold.
Note: reducing method with moxa (Excess-Cold — expel the pathogen while warming).
Clinical manifestations: Burning epigastric pain with a bitter taste, nausea and heaviness; worse with greasy or fried food, alcohol, hot humid weather, overeating, or rich food; eased by light cooling meals, cool rest, plenty of water, or gentle exercise.
Tongue: Red body, possibly swollen with prickles at the centre, thick yellow greasy coating. Pulse: Slippery, Rapid.
Treatment principle: Clear Heat, resolve Dampness.
Note: no moxa.