↑ reinforcing ↓ reducing ⊥ even method.
1. Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
Clinical manifestations: Generalized edema with a pale puffy face, loose stools, poor appetite, heaviness of the limbs, fatigue.
Tongue: S Pulse: t
Treatment principle: pale, swollen body with teeth marks, white greasy coating,soggy, weak, and soft
Clinical manifestations: Severe pitting edema especially of the lower body, cold limbs and lower back, profound exhaustion, a pale bright complexion, loose stools.
Tongue: W Pulse: a
Treatment principle: pale, swollen body with wet white coating,deep, slow, and weak
Clinical manifestations: Persistent mild edema, night sweats, heat in the palms soles and chest, restlessness, dry mouth, scanty dark urine — often seen during steroid therapy.
Tongue: N Pulse: o
Treatment principle: red body with little or no coating, possible cracks,fine and rapid
4. Deficiency of both Kidney Yin and Yang
Clinical manifestations: Alternating chills and heat, persistent mild edema, soreness of the lower back and knees, fatigue.
Tongue: N Pulse: o
Treatment principle: pale-red, thin body,deep, fine, and weak
5. Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner
Clinical manifestations: Scanty dark urine, a bitter taste in the mouth, heavy legs, possible fever from infection, lower abdominal fullness.
Tongue: C Pulse: l
Treatment principle: red body with yellow greasy coating,slippery and rapid
6. Qi and Yin Deficiency
Clinical manifestations: Fatigue especially during steroid tapering, dry mouth, mild persistent edema, a low-grade heat sensation.
Tongue: T Pulse: o
Treatment principle: red, thin body, dry surface,fine, weak, and slightly rapid