↑ 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: Dull, aching heel pain that is worse with prolonged standing or walking, better with rest; soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees; dizziness, tinnitus, or dry eyes; night sweats, a dry mouth, or heat in the palms and soles; brought on by ageing, chronic overwork, excessive standing, or lack of sleep; eased by rest, avoiding prolonged standing, or a calm quiet environment before bed.
Tongue: Red, thin body with cracks, little or no coating, dry surface. Pulse: Fine and Rapid, Wiry, weak at the left Chi (Kidney) position.
Treatment principle: Nourish Kidney and Liver Yin, strengthen bones and sinews, relieve dull heel pain.
Note: no moxa (Yin deficiency).
2. Qi and Blood Stagnation
Clinical manifestations: Fixed, stabbing heel pain at a precise spot; worse with direct pressure; a history of foot injury, overuse, or prolonged standing; pain that doesn't improve with rest and can worsen at night; brought on by an old injury, repetitive strain, or prolonged standing on hard surfaces; eased by gentle movement, warmth, or gentle massage once the acute pain settles.
Tongue: Dark purple body with stasis spots, distended sublingual veins, thin white coating. Pulse: Wiry, Choppy.
Treatment principle: Invigorate Blood, dispel stasis, unblock the channels, alleviate pain, move Qi.
Note: no moxa.
3. Qi and Blood Deficiency
Clinical manifestations: Dull, aching heel pain, better with rest, worse with overexertion; overall fatigue and weakness; a pale face, lips and nail beds; dizziness or lightheadedness; poor appetite or reduced food intake; brought on by overwork, chronic illness, poor diet, or a long recovery from injury; eased by rest, warm nourishing food, gentle graded exercise, or moxibustion.
Tongue: Pale body, may be thin or have tooth marks, thin white coating. Pulse: Fine, Weak.
Treatment principle: Tonify Qi, nourish Blood, strengthen the Spleen, relieve dull heel ache.
Note: moxa applicable.
4. Painful Obstruction due to Damp-Heat in Channels
Clinical manifestations: Heel pain with a burning or hot sensation; visible redness and swelling around the heel; pain relieved by cold packs, worsened by warmth; a heavy, aching sensation in the legs; thirst and dark, scanty urine; brought on by hot humid weather, spicy or greasy food, alcohol, or an acute flare of a chronic injury; eased by cool compresses, cooling food and drinks, rest, or avoiding heat on the area.
Tongue: Red body, possibly slightly swollen, yellow greasy coating. Pulse: Slippery, Rapid.
Treatment principle: Clear Heat, drain Dampness, unblock the channels and collaterals, relieve painful obstruction.
Note: no moxa.