↑ reinforcing ↓ reducing ⊥ even method.
Clinical manifestations: Distending, wandering rib pain that shifts location; worse with emotional stress; frequent sighing; irritability and mood swings; improves after sighing or deep breathing.
Tongue: Normal or slightly red with red/purplish sides, thin white coat. Pulse: Wiry, like a guitar string.
Treatment principle: Soothes Liver Qi, courses constraint, moves Qi and relieves pain.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: Fixed, stabbing pain in one spot; worse at night and with pressure; dark circles under the eyes; a sharp, knife-like sensation that does not move.
Tongue: Dark purple, stasis spots, distended sublingual veins, thin white coat. Pulse: Choppy or wiry.
Treatment principle: Invigorates Blood, dispels stasis, moves Qi and opens the chest.
Note: no moxa. Linked to this site's own Liver-Blood-stasis slide (dark circles, fixed stabbing pain).
Clinical manifestations: Burning, heavy, distending pain along the ribs; bitter taste; nausea or vomiting; dark yellow urine; heaviness in the body; worse in hot, humid weather.
Tongue: Red with redder sides, yellow greasy coat. Pulse: Wiry, slippery, rapid.
Treatment principle: Drains Liver and Gall Bladder Fire and clears Damp-Heat from the Liver channel.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: Dull, lingering rib ache, sometimes with slight burning; dry eyes and dry mouth; night sweats; irritability and restlessness; worse with overwork and late nights.
Tongue: Red, thin, redder sides, dry, little or no coat. Pulse: Wiry, fine, rapid.
Treatment principle: Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin, soothes the Liver and nourishes Blood.
Note: no moxa (Yin deficiency with heat signs).