↑ 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: Thick, white or grey-white, sticky nasal discharge; persistent nasal congestion with a heavy, blocked sensation; chest oppression and fullness; fatigue and a heavy feeling in the body, especially after eating; poor appetite and loose stools; brought on by a diet heavy in greasy or sweet food, damp weather, a sedentary lifestyle, or chronic Spleen weakness feeding Phlegm production; eased by warm, plainly-cooked food, staying active, a dry warm environment, or clearing phlegm from the throat.
Tongue: Pale and swollen body with tooth marks, thick white greasy coating. Pulse: Slippery.
Treatment principle: Dry Dampness, transform Phlegm, regulate Qi, harmonize the Middle Burner, direct rebellious Qi downward.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: Thick, yellow or greenish nasal discharge; red, swollen nasal passages; a fever or a sensation of body heat; headache or facial pressure; thirst with a desire for cold drinks; a sore, red throat; brought on by spicy or fried food, a hot stuffy environment, smoking, or lingering unresolved Wind-Cold turning into Heat; eased by cool drinks, fresh air, avoiding spicy or fried food, or a cool environment.
Tongue: Red body, especially at the tip and edges, yellow dry coating. Pulse: Rapid, possibly Slippery if Phlegm is forming, or Overflowing at the right Cun position.
Treatment principle: Clear Lung-Heat, unblock the nasal passages, disperse Wind, protect body fluids from Heat damage.
Note: no moxa.
3. Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
Clinical manifestations: Sticky, greasy nasal discharge; a heavy feeling in the limbs; fatigue that worsens after meals; loose stools or bloating; brought on by irregular meals or overeating, cold raw food and drinks, overthinking and worry, or damp weather; eased by warm cooked food, regular mealtimes, rest after meals, or gentle exercise.
Tongue: Pale and swollen body with tooth marks, white greasy coating, moist surface. Pulse: Soggy, Slow, possibly Slippery.
Treatment principle: Tonify Qi, strengthen the Spleen, drain Dampness.
Note: moxa applicable on the Tonify-Spleen points; no deck slide combines a deficiency presentation with the swollen tongue and Soggy pulse of this pattern, so no pattern link is given here.
Clinical manifestations: Clear, thin, watery nasal discharge; chronic nasal congestion that worsens with fatigue; catching colds easily; a weak, low voice with reluctance to speak; spontaneous daytime sweating; general tiredness; brought on by overwork and chronic fatigue, repeated exposure to cold and wind, a long illness, or lack of sleep; eased by rest, warm clothing and avoiding drafts, warm nourishing food, or moxibustion on the back.
Tongue: Pale, tender body, possible tooth marks, thin white coating. Pulse: Empty or Weak, especially deficient at the right Cun (Lung) position.
Treatment principle: Tonify Qi, secure the Exterior, astringe to stop sweating.
Note: moxa applicable.
Clinical manifestations: Clear, thin, watery nasal discharge; a feeling of cold, especially in the lower back and legs; frequent urination, especially at night; fatigue and low spirits; a pale or dark complexion; brought on by cold weather, ageing, chronic illness, or overwork; eased by warmth on the lower back, 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 Chi (rear) positions.
Treatment principle: Tonify Kidney-Yang, promote urination, warm Yang and transform Qi.
Note: moxa applicable.