↑ 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: Burning acid reflux with a bitter taste; irritability; distending rib pain; a red face and eyes; brought on by emotional stress, spicy or greasy food, alcohol, overeating, or lying down after eating; eased by deep breathing, cooling foods, small frequent meals, or peppermint tea.
Tongue: Red body, especially at the sides, yellow coating. Pulse: Wiry, Rapid.
Treatment principle: Soothe the Liver, clear Heat.
Note: no moxa.
2. Qi-Phlegm
Clinical manifestations: A sensation of a lump in the throat that can't be swallowed or coughed up; chest oppression; sensitivity to emotional stress; frequent sighing; nausea; brought on by emotional stress, greasy or dairy food, cold or raw food, or overeating; eased by gentle exercise, warm cooked food, stress reduction, or deep breathing.
Tongue: Normal or slightly swollen body, white greasy/slippery coating. Pulse: Wiry, Slippery.
Treatment principle: Move Qi, resolve Phlegm.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: Sour regurgitation (not burning); epigastric distension radiating to the ribs; frequent belching or sighing; a sensation of a lump in the throat; irritability; brought on by emotional stress or frustration, skipped or irregular meals, cold or raw food, or rushed eating; eased by deep breathing, warm small meals, gentle exercise, or emotional expression.
Tongue: Normal or 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 upper-abdominal pain eased by warmth and pressure; clear, bland, watery regurgitation; poor appetite with a preference for hot drinks; cold extremities; fatigue and loose stools; brought on by cold or raw food and drink, cold weather, overwork, emotional stress, or skipped meals; eased by warmth on the stomach, hot ginger tea, warm small meals, rest, or gentle pressure.
Tongue: Pale, puffy, tender, tooth-marked, white slippery coating. Pulse: Deep, Slow, Weak.
Treatment principle: Warm and tonify Stomach-Yang.
Note: moxa applicable.
Clinical manifestations: Bland, watery reflux (not burning); poor appetite with early fullness; bloating after eating; chronic fatigue and weak limbs; loose stools; brought on by overeating, cold or raw food, overwork, or emotional stress; eased by warm small meals, rest after eating, gentle exercise, or a warm abdominal compress.
Tongue: Pale, puffy, tooth-marked, thin white coating. Pulse: Weak, Soft.
Treatment principle: Tonify Spleen and Stomach Qi.