↑ 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: Hiccups triggered by cold food or drink; low-pitched or slow hiccups; a cold feeling in the stomach area; stomach pain relieved by warmth; a pale complexion; brought on by cold or raw food and drinks, sudden cold exposure, or overexertion; eased by warmth and warm food, a warm compress on the abdomen, rest, or a warm ginger tea.
Tongue: Pale body, moist, thin white slippery coating. Pulse: Tight, possibly Slow, especially at the right middle position.
Treatment principle: Warm the Middle Burner, expel Cold, descend rebellious Qi.
Note: moxa applicable.
Clinical manifestations: Loud, forceful hiccups; a burning sensation in the upper stomach or chest; thirst for cold drinks; bad breath; acid reflux; constipation with dry stools; brought on by spicy or fried food, alcohol, or a hot stuffy environment; eased by cool drinks, fresh air, avoiding spicy or fried food, or a cool environment.
Tongue: Red body, thick dry yellow coating, especially at the centre. Pulse: Rapid, Slippery, Forceful, strong at the right middle position.
Treatment principle: Clear Stomach-Heat, generate fluids, descend rebellious Qi.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: Hiccups that worsen with emotional stress or anger; distending pain or fullness in the chest and along the ribs; frequent sighing or belching; irritability; moodiness; brought on by stress and frustration, suppressed emotions, or a sedentary lifestyle; eased by gentle exercise, deep breathing, talking through emotions, or a calm environment.
Tongue: Normal or slightly red body, redder at the sides, thin white coating. Pulse: Wiry, taut like a guitar string, strongest at the left middle position.
Treatment principle: Smooth the Liver-Qi, release emotional tightness, direct Qi downward.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: A heavy sensation in the body and limbs; poor appetite with no thirst; loose, sticky stools; stuffiness in the upper belly; brought on by a diet heavy in greasy or sweet food, damp weather, cold raw food and drinks, or a sedentary lifestyle; eased by warm, plainly-cooked food, staying active, or a dry warm environment.
Tongue: Pale, swollen body with tooth marks, thick white greasy coating, especially at the centre. Pulse: Soggy, Moderate, or Slippery.
Treatment principle: Dry Dampness, transform Phlegm, clear obstruction from the Middle Burner.
Note: moxa applicable.
Clinical manifestations: Low-pitched, slow, chronic hiccups; upper belly pain relieved by warmth; a preference for hot drinks; cold hands and feet; tiredness; loose stools; poor appetite; brought on by chronic overwork, a long illness, cold raw food and drinks, or ageing; eased by warmth, warm nourishing food, rest, or moxibustion.
Tongue: Pale, puffy, tender body with tooth marks, white slippery coating. Pulse: Deep, Slow, Weak, especially at the right middle position.
Treatment principle: Warm the Middle Burner, tonify Spleen and Stomach Yang, address the root deficiency.
Note: moxa applicable.
Clinical manifestations: A dry mouth and throat, especially at night; a dull, burning sensation in the stomach; feeling hungry but not wanting to eat; thirst with a preference for small sips; brought on by a long illness, chronic dryness, lack of sleep, or overwork; eased by rest, moistening food and drinks, or a calm evening routine.
Tongue: Red, thin body, dry at the centre, little or no coating, possibly cracked. Pulse: Fine, Rapid.
Treatment principle: Nourish Stomach-Yin, moisten dryness, clear deficiency Heat, descend rebellious Qi.
Note: no moxa (Yin deficiency).