↑ 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: Elbow pain distinctly worse in cold, damp weather; stiffness and difficulty moving the elbow; heaviness or numbness in the forearm; pain eased by warmth and gentle movement; no redness or warmth at the elbow; brought on by repetitive strain in cold conditions, sudden cold exposure, damp weather, or overuse; eased by warmth, a warm compress, gentle stretching, or moxibustion.
Tongue: Pale, slightly swollen body with tooth marks, white greasy coating. Pulse: Wiry and Tight, or Slow, or Soggy if Dampness predominates.
Treatment principle: Dispel Wind-Cold-Damp, unblock the channels, relieve elbow pain.
Note: moxa applicable.
2. Painful Obstruction due to Damp-Heat in Channels
Clinical manifestations: Burning pain at the elbow; redness and swelling; the area feels hot to the touch; pain worse with warmth, better with cold; thirst; brought on by hot humid weather, overuse combined with local inflammation, spicy or greasy food, or an acute flare of a chronic injury; eased by cool compresses, rest, cooling food and drinks, 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.
3. Painful Obstruction with Qi and Blood Deficiency
Clinical manifestations: A dull ache at the elbow; worse with fatigue or overuse; numbness or tingling in the forearm; general fatigue and lack of strength; a pale face; sensitivity to cold; brought on by overwork, repetitive strain without adequate rest, poor diet, or a long illness; eased by rest, warm nourishing food, gentle graded exercise, or moxibustion.
Tongue: Pale, possibly thin with tooth marks, thin white coating. Pulse: Fine and Weak, may be Slow.
Treatment principle: Tonify Qi, nourish Blood, strengthen the Spleen, nourish the sinews.
Note: moxa applicable on the tonifying points.
4. Painful Obstruction with Liver and Kidney Deficiency
Clinical manifestations: Dull, aching elbow pain that worsens with cold or damp; soreness or weakness in the lower back and knees; fatigue and lack of stamina; numbness or tingling in the limbs; a preference for warmth and aversion to cold; brought on by ageing, chronic overuse, a long-standing untreated injury, or overwork; eased by warmth, rest, gentle strengthening exercise, or moxibustion.
Tongue: Pale, thin body, thin white coating. Pulse: Fine, Weak, Slow, especially weak at the Chi (rear) position.
Treatment principle: Dispel Wind-Dampness, relieve painful obstruction, supplement Liver and Kidneys to strengthen the tendons and bones.
Note: moxa applicable throughout.