↑ reinforcing ↓ reducing ⊥ even method.
Clinical manifestations: A lump-in-the-throat (plum-pit) sensation; distension and pain along the ribs; frequent sighing; irritability; chest tightness. Worse with stress, greasy food and a sedentary lifestyle; better with deep breathing and gentle exercise.
Tongue: Normal to slightly dark with red sides, thin white coat. Pulse: Wiry, taut like a guitar string.
Treatment principle: Courses the Liver, resolves constraint and moves Qi.
Note: no moxa.
2. Qi-Phlegm
Clinical manifestations: A lump sensation that cannot be swallowed or coughed up; oppression in the chest and upper abdomen; a white greasy tongue coating; frequent sighing; nausea. Worse with stress and greasy or dairy foods.
Tongue: Normal or possibly swollen, white greasy slippery coat. Pulse: Wiry and slippery.
Treatment principle: Moves Qi, dissipates nodules, descends Qi and resolves Phlegm.
Note: Mixed Deficiency/Excess. This site's decks have no Qi-Phlegm slide — no pattern link is given here.
Clinical manifestations: A throat lump or constriction relieved by belching; distending upper-abdominal pain radiating to the ribs; frequent belching or acid reflux; irritability. Worse with stress, spicy or greasy food and overeating.
Tongue: Normal to slightly red with redder sides, thin white coat. Pulse: Wiry, especially at the left middle position.
Treatment principle: Descends rebellious Stomach Qi, soothes the Liver and harmonizes Liver and Spleen.
Note: no moxa.
4. Qi and Blood Stagnation
Clinical manifestations: A fixed, constricting sensation that does not shift; stabbing, sharp throat pain; dark or purplish lips or complexion; pain worse with pressure.
Tongue: Purple or dark, stasis spots, distended sublingual veins, thin white coat. Pulse: Wiry and choppy.
Treatment principle: Invigorates Blood, dispels stasis, moves Qi and opens the chest.
Note: no moxa. No combined Qi-and-Blood-stagnation slide exists on this site's decks — no pattern link is given here.
Clinical manifestations: Throat tightness that fluctuates with energy levels; palpitations; anxiety; poor appetite with bloating; fatigue; dizziness; pale complexion; insomnia with vivid dreams.
Tongue: Pale, tender, tooth-marked, thin white coat. Pulse: Fine and weak; the left front and right middle positions especially weak.
Treatment principle: Tonifies Qi, nourishes Blood, strengthens the Spleen and calms the Spirit.
Note: moxa is appropriate. Linked to the closest slide (Spleen- and Heart-Blood deficiency); it names Blood only, so treat as a partial match.