↑ reinforcing ↓ reducing ⊥ even method — technique below follows standard Excess/Deficiency treatment principle for each pattern, not tied to a specific point-by-point source.
1. Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
Clinical manifestations: Sharp, fixed pain running along the sciatic nerve path from the buttock down the leg; pain and stiffness distinctly worse with cold and damp weather; heaviness and numbness in the leg; stiffness that limits movement in the lower back and hip; brought on by exposure to cold and damp, sitting on cold surfaces, sudden weather changes, or overexertion; eased by warmth and heat packs, gentle movement once warmed up, dry conditions, or moxibustion.
Tongue: Pale, slightly swollen body with tooth marks, white greasy coating. Pulse: Wiry and Tight, or Soggy and Slow.
Treatment principle: Dispel Wind-Cold-Damp, relieve painful obstruction, warm the channels, support Liver and Kidneys.
Expel Wind-Cold-Damp, local
Note: moxa applicable throughout.
2. Blood Stagnation
Clinical manifestations: Fixed, stabbing pain along the buttock and leg that doesn't shift location; pain distinctly worse at night and with pressure on the area; a history of trauma, injury, or prolonged sitting; dark circles under the eyes or dusky lips; brought on by an old injury, prolonged sitting or poor posture, cold exposure constricting circulation, or overexertion; eased by gentle movement, warmth, avoiding prolonged sitting, or gentle massage once the acute pain settles.
Tongue: Purple or dusky body with stasis spots, distended dark sublingual veins. Pulse: Choppy or Wiry.
Treatment principle: Invigorate Blood, dispel stasis, unblock the channels, alleviate pain.
Note: no moxa.
3. Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat
Clinical manifestations: Burning, heavy pain along the outer hip and thigh; pain distinctly worse in humid or hot weather; a bitter taste in the mouth; irritability and restlessness; redness and warmth along the path of the pain; brought on by hot humid weather, spicy or greasy food, alcohol, or stress and frustration; eased by cool dry conditions, cooling food and drinks, rest, or avoiding alcohol and spicy food.
Tongue: Red body, especially at the sides, thick yellow greasy coating. Pulse: Wiry, Slippery, Rapid.
Treatment principle: Drain excess Fire from the Liver and Gall Bladder, clear Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner.
Note: no moxa.
4. Painful Obstruction with Liver and Kidney Deficiency
Clinical manifestations: Dull, chronic aching pain rather than sharp or burning; soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees; numbness or tingling in the leg; fatigue with weak, heavy legs; pain distinctly worse in cold, damp weather; brought on by ageing, chronic overwork, a long-standing untreated injury, or cold damp exposure; eased by warmth, rest, gentle strengthening exercise, or moxibustion on the lower back.
Tongue: Pale, thin body, thin white coating. Pulse: Fine and Weak, often Slow, especially faint at the rear (Kidney) position.
Treatment principle: Dispel lingering Wind-Cold-Damp while tonifying Liver and Kidneys to strengthen the lower back and legs.
Local channel, dispel lingering Cold-Damp
Note: moxa applicable throughout.
5. Painful Obstruction with Qi and Blood Deficiency
Clinical manifestations: Dull, aching pain along the leg; numbness or tingling in the limb; fatigue and a general lack of strength; a pale face and lips; pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest; brought on by chronic illness, overwork, poor diet, or a long recovery from injury; eased by rest, warm nourishing food, gentle graded exercise, or moxibustion.
Tongue: Pale body, possibly thin, with tooth marks, thin white coating. Pulse: Fine and Weak, may be Slow.
Treatment principle: Tonify Qi and Blood, strengthen the Spleen, nourish tissue to relieve dull pain and numbness.
Note: moxa applicable on the tonifying points.