↑ 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: Hot flashes and night sweats; a hot sensation in the palms, soles and chest; a dry mouth and throat; soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees; dizziness and tinnitus; insomnia with vivid dreaming; dry eyes; brought on by ageing, the natural decline of Kidney-Yin around menopause, chronic overwork, or lack of sleep; eased by rest, cooling hydrating food, avoiding overheating, or a calm evening routine.
Tongue: Red, thin, dry body, little or no coating, visible cracks. Pulse: Fine, Rapid, weak at the left rear (Kidney) position.
Treatment principle: Nourish Kidney-Yin, subdue Empty-Heat, benefit Essence and fill the Marrow.
Note: no moxa (Yin deficiency).
Clinical manifestations: Aversion to cold, especially in the lower body; cold, aching lower back and knees; frequent urination at night; fatigue and low spirits; a pale or dark complexion; watery or profuse clear vaginal discharge; brought on by ageing, chronic cold exposure, overwork, or a long illness; eased by warmth on the lower back and abdomen, warm food and drinks, rest, or moxibustion.
Tongue: Pale, puffy, tender body with tooth marks, wet white coating. Pulse: Deep, Slow, Weak, especially at the right Chi position.
Treatment principle: Tonify Kidney-Yang, benefit Essence and fill the Marrow, warm the Gate of Life (Ming Men).
Note: moxa applicable.
3. Deficiency of Both Kidney Yin and Yang
Clinical manifestations: Alternating chills and hot flushes; a cold, aching lower back; deep fatigue and a lack of vitality; frequent urination at night; loose stools or early-morning diarrhoea; a dry mouth with no desire to drink; a pale, puffy, tender body; brought on by ageing, chronic overwork, a long illness, or excessive strain on the Kidneys; eased by rest, warmth on the lower back, warm nourishing food, or moxibustion.
Tongue: Pale, puffy-tender body with tooth marks and cracks, thin white coating (partially peeled). Pulse: Deep, Fine, Weak, weakest at the Chi position.
Treatment principle: Tonify Kidney-Yang, tonify Kidney-Essence, drain Ministerial Fire.
Note: moxa applicable on the Tonify-Yang points only; no deck slide combines both Kidney-Yin and Kidney-Yang deficiency in one pattern, so no pattern link is given here.
Clinical manifestations: Dry eyes with blurred vision; irritability and a short temper; dizziness and tinnitus; a dull, aching pain along the ribs; night sweats with heat in the palms, soles and chest; soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees; a dry mouth; brought on by ageing, chronic overwork, excessive sexual activity, or lack of sleep; eased by rest, avoiding stimulants in the evening, or a calm quiet environment before bed.
Tongue: Red, thin body with cracks, little or no coating, dry surface. Pulse: Fine, Rapid, often Wiry, weak at the left Chi (Kidney) and Guan (Liver) positions.
Treatment principle: Nourish Liver and Kidney Yin, brighten the eyes, clear Liver-Heat.
Note: no moxa (Yin deficiency).
Clinical manifestations: Difficulty falling or staying asleep; palpitations and anxiety; night sweats and a hot sensation in the palms, soles and chest; soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees; vivid or disturbing dreams; brought on by chronic stress, overwork, insufficient sleep, or the natural decline of Kidney-Yin around menopause; eased by rest, cooling hydrating food, avoiding overheating, or a calm evening routine.
Tongue: Red, thin body with a redder tip, little or no coating, possible midline crack. Pulse: Fine, Rapid, weaker at the Chi position, more perceptible at the left Cun position.
Treatment principle: Nourish Yin, nourish Blood, tonify Heart-Qi.
Note: no moxa (Yin deficiency).
Clinical manifestations: Irritability and angry outbursts; distension and pain along the ribs or chest; a bitter taste in the mouth; brought on by anger and frustration, alcohol, spicy or greasy food, or stress and hormonal changes; eased by cooling food and drinks, a calm environment, avoiding alcohol, or deep breathing.
Tongue: Red body, especially at the sides, dry yellow coating. Pulse: Wiry, Rapid, strongest at the left middle position.
Treatment principle: Soothe the Liver, clear stagnant Heat, relieve irritability and rib-side distension.
Note: no moxa.