Zang Fu Patterns Flashcards
dizziness, tinnitus, hardness of hearing, lower backache, dull occipital or vertical headache, insomnia, numbness or tingling of limbs, *dry eyes, blurred vision, *dry throat, dry hair and skin, brittle nails, dry vagina, *night sweating, dry stools, nocturnal emissions, *scanty menstruation or amenorrhea, delayed cycle, infertility
t: normal colour *w/o coating or w/ *rootless coating
p: floating-empty
LV-KI yin xu
KI 3, KI 6, LR 8, CV 4, BL 23, KI 13, SP 6, BL 10
poor appetite, slight abdominal distention after eating, tiredness, lassitude, pale-sallow complexion, weak limbs, loose stools, depression, tendency to obesity, *blood spots under skin, *blood in urine or stools, excessive uterine *bleeding
t: *pale
p: weak or *fine
SP not controlling blood
CV 12, ST 36, SP 3, SP 6, BL 20, BL 21, SP 10, BL 17, SP 1, SP 4
- dry cough, dry skin, dry mouth, *dry throat, thirst, *hoarse voice
t: *dry (but not red)
p: empty, esp. on front right position
LU dryness
LU 9, CV 4, KI 6, SP 6, CV 12, ST 36
- lower abdominal twisting pain, which may extend to back, abdominal distention, dislike of pressure on abdomen, *borborygmi, flatulence, abdominal pain relieved by emission of wind, pain in testis
t: white coating
p: *deep-wiry, esp. on rear positions
SI qi pain
CV 6, LR 13, ST 27, ST 29, SP 6, LR 3, ST 39
constipation w/ *dry stools, *burning sensation in anus, swelling in anus, burning sensation in mouth, scanty-dark urine
t: *thick-yellow-dry coating
p: full-rapid
heat in LI
ST 25, BL 25, LI 11, ST 37, ST 44, ST 44, LI 2, SP 6, KI 6, CV 12
- palpitations, *thirst, mouth and *tongue ulcers, mental restlessness, feeling agitated, feeling of heat, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, red face, dark urine or blood in urine, bitter taste after bad night’s sleep
t: *red, tip redder and swollen w/ red points, yellow coating, midline crack reaching tip
p: full-rapid-overflowing esp. on front left position
HT fire blazing
HT 9, HT 8, HT 7, CV 15, SP 6, KI 6, LI 11, GV 24, GV 19
feeling of stuffiness and *discomfort of the chest, dull ache in chest, very slight s.o.b., *palpitations, anxiety, *insomnia, dizziness, dream-disturbed sleep, poor memory, propensity to be startled, dull-pale complexion, pale lips, cold hands, scanty periods, amenorrhea
t: pale, thin, slightly dry
p: *choppy or fine but very slightly hard on front left position
blood deficiency of PC
PC 6, HT 7, CV 14, CV 15, CV 4, BL 17, BL 20, BL 14, CV 17, PC 6+SP 4
- dull abdominal pain alleviated by pressure, desire for hot drinks, *borborygmi, *diarrhea, pale and abundant urination, cold limbs
t: pale body w/ white coating
p: deep-weak-slow
SI deficient and cold
CV 6, ST 25, ST 39, ST 36, BL 20, BL 27
- poor appetite, slight abdominal distention after eating, *tiredness, lassitude, desire to lie down, pale complexion, weakness of limbs, *loose stools, tendency to obesity
t: pale
p: empty
SP qi xu
CV 12, ST 36, SP 3, SP 6, BL 20, BL 21
- hypochondrial fullness, pain, and distention, nausea, vomiting, inability to digest fats, yellow complexion, scanty-dark yellow urine, fever, thirst w/o desire to drink, *bitter taste, dizziness, yellow sclera, tinnitus, irritability, feeling of heaviness of body, numbness of limbs, swelling of feet, burning on urination, difficulty urinating, excessive yellow vaginal discharge, loose stools or constipation, alternating hot and cold feelings, feeling of heat, *genital papular skin rashes and itching, swelling and heat of scrotum
t: *thick-sticky-yellow coating on right side
p: slippery-wiry-rapid
LV-GB damp heat
GB 24, GB 34, BL 18, CV 12, LR 14, Dan Nang Xue, GV 9, BL 19, BL 20, LI 11, TE 6, ST 19, LR 3, LR 5
irritability, *epigastric and hypochondrial distention and pain, feeling of oppression in epigastrium, sour regurgitation, hiccups, belching, nausea, vomiting, sighing, weak limbs
t: normal colour or slightly red on sides
p: *wiry on left, weak on right, or wiry on both middle positions
rebellious LV qi invading ST
LR 14, GB 34, CV 13, CV 10, ST 21, ST 19, ST 36, ST 34, BL 21
palpitations, feeling of *distention or oppression of chest, depression, *slight feeling of lump in throat, slight s.o.b., *sighing, poor appetite, weak and cold limbs, slightly purple lips, pale complexion
t: slightly pale-purple on sides in chest area
p: empty but slightly overflowing on front left position
HT qi stagnation
PC 6, HT 5, HT 7, CV 15, CV 17, LU 7, ST 40, LI 4
slight s.o.b., slight cough, weak voice, dislike of speaking, bright-white complexion, propensity to catch colds, tiredness, palpitations, depression, spontaneous sweating, sighing
t: pale
p: empty, esp. on both front positions
LU and HT qi xu
LU 9, LU 7, CV 6, BL 13, GV 12, ST 36, CV 12, HT 5, PC 6, BL 15, CV 17
- constipation, burning in anus, *abdominal distention and pain, worse w/ pressure, *high fever or tidal fever, sweating esp. on limbs, vomiting, thirst, delirium
t: *thick-dry-yellow coating
p: deep-full
heat obstructing LI
(presence of fever is absolutely essential to diagnose this pattern: if there is no fever, it is not this pattern; then it is simply ‘heat in LI’.)
LI 11, LI 4, SP 15, TE 6, SP 6, LI 2, ST 44, ST 25
epigastric pain and *distention, *belching, nausea, vomiting, hiccups, *irritability
t: no particular signs
p: wiry on right middle position
ST qi stagnation
ST 34, ST 21, ST 29, KI 21, TE 6, PC 6 + SP 4, GB 34, CV 12, ST 40
- cough w/ expectoration of *white watery sputum, aggravated by exposure to cold, feeling of cold, cold hands, *phlegm in throat, dizziness, feeling of oppression in chest, feeling of cold in chest, feeling of heaviness, muzziness and dizziness of head
t: *swollen and wet w/ sticky white coating
p: slippery-slow
cold-phlegm in LU
LU 5, LU 7, LU 1, CV 17, ST 40, PC 6, CV 22, CV 12, BL 20, CV 9, BL 13, BL 23
- fever at night, mental confusion, incoherent speech or aphasia, *delirium, body hot, hands and feet cold, macules
t: *red and dry w/o coating
p: fine-rapid
heat in PC
PC 9, PC 8, HT 9, KI 6
- poor appetite, slight abdominal distention after eating, *tiredness, lassitude, pale complexion, weak limbs, loose stools, tendency to obesity, *slight s.o.b., slight cough, weak voice, spontaneous daytime sweating, dislike of speaking, propensity to catch colds, dislike of cold
t: pale
p: empty, esp. on right side
LU-SP qi xu
LU 9, LU 7, CV 6, BL 13, GV 12, ST 36, CV 12, SP 3, SP 6, BL 20, BL 21
- edema esp. of legs and *ankles, cold feeling in legs and back, fullness and distention of abdomen, soreness of lower back, feeling of cold, scanty clear urination
t: *pale, swollen, and wet w/ white coating
p: *deep-weak-slow
KI yang xu, water overflowing
GV 4, BL 23, BL 22, BL 20, CV 9, ST 28, SP 9, SP 6, KI 7
water overflowing to HT: plus palpitations, breathlessness, cold hands + GV 14, BL 15
water overflowing to LU: plus thin watery frothy sputum, cough, asthma, breathlessness on exertion + LU 7, BL 13, GV 12
- dry stools that are difficult to discharge, dry mouth and throat, *thin body, foul breath, dizziness
t: dry, either pale or red body w/ rootless coating
p: fine
LI dryness
ST 36, SP 6, CV 4, KI 6, ST 25, SP 15
- palpitations, mental restlessness, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, poor memory, *dizziness, *tinnitus, hardness of hearing, lower backache, nocturnal emissions w/ dreams, feeling of heat in evening, dry throat at night, thirst w/ desire to drink in small sips, *night sweating, five-centre heat, scanty dark urine, dry stools
t: *red w/ redder tip w/o coating, midline crack
p: floating-empty and rapid, or deep-weak on both rear positions and relatively overflowing on both front positions
HT-KI disharmony
*KI yin xu failing to nourish HT yin (causing HT yin xu)
HT 7, HT 6, HT 5, Yin Tang, BL 15, CV 15, GV 24, KI 3, KI 6, KI 10, KI 9, CV 4, SP 6
dizziness, blurred vision, floaters in eyes, nervousness, *timidity, propensity to being easily startled, *lack of courage and initiative, *indecision, sighing, waking up early in the morning, restless dreams
t: pale or normal
p: weak
GB xu
GB 40, LR 8, ST 36, SP 6, CV 4, BL 18, BL 47
- lower backache, cold and weak knees, sensation of cold in back, *feeling of cold, weak legs, bright-white complexion, impotence, premature ejaculation, low sperm count, cold and thin sperm, decreased libido, tiredness, lassitude, abundant clear urination, scanty clear urination, urination at night, apathy, edema of legs, infertility in women, *loose stools, depression, poor appetite, slight abdominal distention, desire to lie down, early-morning diarrhea, chronic diarrhea
t: pale and wet
p: deep-weak
SP-KI yang xu
BL 23, GV 4, CV 4, CV 6, KI 3, KI 7, BL 52, Jing Gong, CV 12, ST 36, SP 3, BL 20, BL 21, CV 9, ST 37, ST 25, BL 25
- breathlessness, *asthma, feeling of *fullness and distention of chest and hypochondrium, cough w/ yellow or blood-tinged sputum, *headache, dizziness, red face, thirst, bitter taste, bloodshot eyes, scanty dark urine, constipation
t: red w/ redder sides and dry yellow coating
p: *wiry
LV fire insulting LU
LR 2, LR 3, LR 14, CV 17, CV 22, PC 6, LU 7, LI 11
- abdominal distention and pain, constipation w/ *bitty stools, irritability, aggravation of condition according to mood
t: normal or slightly red on sides
p: wiry on both rear positions
qi stagnation in LI
CV 6, GB 34, ST 25, SP 15, ST 37, SP 6, BL 25
- loose stools like duck droppings, *dull abdominal pain, borborygmi, pale urine, *cold limbs
t: pale
p: deep-weak
LI cold
ST 25, CV 6, ST 36, ST 37, BL 25, BL 20
- barking cough w/ profuse *sticky yellow or green sputum, s.o.b., wheezing, feeling of oppression in chest, phlegm in throat, feeling of heat, thirst, insomnia, agitation, feeling of heaviness and muzziness of head, dizziness
t: red, swollen w/ *thick-sticky-yellow coating
p: *slippery-rapid
phlegm-heat in LU
LU 5, LU 7, LU 10, LI 11, LU 1, BL 13, CV 12, ST 40
- frequent pale abundant urination, incontinence, enuresis, lower backache, dizziness, nocturia, white urethral discharge, feeling of cold
t: pale, wet
p: *deep-weak
BL deficient and cold
similar to KI yang xu or KI qi not firm but w/ emphasis on pathology of BL rather than KI
BL 23, GV 4, BL 28, CV 4, CV 3, CV 6, GV 20
- irritability, propensity to outbursts of anger, tinnitus, deafness, *temporal headache, dizziness, *red face and eyes, thirst, bitter taste (whole day), dream-disturbed sleep, constipation w/ dry stools, dark-yellow urine, epistaxis, haematemesis, haemoptysis
t: *red body, redder on sides, dry yellow coating
p: full-wiry-rapid
LV fire blazing
LR 2, LR 3, GB 20, Tai Yang, GB 13, LI 11, GB 1, GB 8, GB 9, GB 6, SP 6, LR 1
hypochondrial or epigastric distention, hiccups, sighing, nausea, vomiting, *belching, churning feeling in stomach, *irritability, breast distention in women
t: normal, or red on sides
p: *wiry
rebellious LV qi
*attacking horizontally to ST
LR 14, PC 6, GB 34, LR 3, TE 6, LI 4, ST 21, ST 19
- abdominal pain that is not relieved by bowel movement, abdominal fullness, *diarrhea, *mucus and blood in stools, offensive odour of stools, burning in anus, scanty-dark urine, fever, sweating that does not decrease fever, feeling of heat, thirst w/o desire to drink, feeling of heaviness of body and limbs
t: red w sticky-yellow coating
p: slippery-rapid
damp-heat in LI
(LI can have dampness w/o heat, in which case there would be mucus in the stools but not blood)
SP 9, SP 6, CV 3, BL 22, ST 25, ST 27, CV 6, BL 25, LI 11, CV 12, BL 20, ST 37, SP 10
- aversion to cold, fever, cough, itchy throat, slight breathlessness, blocked or runny nose w/ clear watery discharge, *sneezing, occipital headache, body aches
t: thin white coating
p: *floating-tight
invasion of LU by wind-cold
LU 7, BL 12 (cupping), GV 16
dizziness, numbness or tingling of limbs, insomnia, *blurred vision, floaters in eyes, *dry eyes, diminished night vision, scanty menstruation or amenorrhea, dull-pale complexion w/o lustre but w/ red cheekbones, muscular weakness, cramps, withered and brittle nails, very dry hair and skin, depression, feeling of aimlessness
t: normal colour *w/o coating or *w/ rootless coating
p: floating-empty
LV yin xu
w/ empty heat: malar flush, anxiety, feeling of heat in evening, night sweating, five-centre heat, thirst w/ desire to drink in small sips, heavy menstrual bleeding
t: red w/o coating
p: floating-empty and slightly rapid
LR 8, SP 6, ST 36, CV 4, KI 3, KI 6, LR 2
jaundice, dull-yellow eyes and skin, *hypochondrial pain, *fullness and distention, nausea, vomiting, inability to digest fats, dull-yellow sclera, turbid urine, lack of thirst, sticky taste, dull headache, *feeling of heaviness of the body
t: *thick-sticky white coating, either bilateral in two strips or *unilateral
p: slippery-wiry
dampness in GB
GB 24, GB 34, GV 9, BL 19, LR 14, CV 12, BL 20, TE 6, ST 19
palpitations, *feeling of oppression and heat of chest, *chest pain, rapid breathing, thirst, red face, bitter taste, expectoration of phlegm, rattling sound in throat, *mental restlessness, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, *agitation, *incoherent speech, *mental confusion, *rash behaviour, *tendency to hit or scold people, *uncontrolled laughter or crying, *shouting, *muttering to oneself, *mental depression and dullness, *manic behaviour
t: *red and swollen w/ yellow sticky-dry coating, deep HT crack
p: full-rapid-slippery
phlegm-fire harassing PC
PC 5, HT 7, HT 8, HT 9, PC 7, CV 15, BL 15, BL 14, CV 17, CV 12, ST 40, SP 6, BL 20, LR 2, GV 20, GB 13, GV 24, GB 17
mental restlessness, insomnia, *tongue/mouth ulcers, pain in throat, deafness, uncomfortable feeling and heat sensation in chest, *abdominal pain, thirst w/ desire to drink cold liquids, *scanty-dark urine, *burning pain on urination, blood in urine
t: red w/ redder and swollen tip, yellow coating
p: overflowing-rapid, esp. in front position
full heat in SI
(HT fire transmitting to SI)
SI 2, SI 5, HT 5, HT 8, ST 39
- burning epigastric pain, *intense thirst w/ desire to drink cold liquids, mental restlessness, bleeding gums, dry stools, dry mouth, mouth ulcers, sour regurgitation, nausea, vomiting soon after eating, excessive hunger, foul breath, feeling of heat
t: *red in centre w/ dry-yellow or dark-yellow (or even black) coating
p: rapid and slightly overflowing on right middle position
ST fire (or phlegm-fire)
ST 44, ST 34, ST 21, CV 12, CV 13, LI 11, LI 4, CV 11, SP 15
frequent and urgent urination, *burning on urination, *difficult urination (stopping mid-flow), *dark-yellow/turbid urine, blood in urine, fever, thirst w/o desire to drink, hypogastric fullness and pain, feeling of heat
t: thick-sticky-yellow coating on root w/ red spots
p: slippery-rapid, slightly wiry on left rear position
damp-heat in BL
SP 9, SP 6, BL 22, BL 28, CV 3, BL 63, BL 66, ST 28
palpitations, s.o.b. w/ inability to lie down, depression, mental restlessness, flustered feeling, feeling of oppression in chest, *stabbing or pricking pain in heart region that comes and goes and may radiate to upper back or shoulder, pain aggravated by exposure to cold and alleviated by heat, expectoration of phlegm, feeling of heaviness, dislike of speaking, cold hands, sighing, purple lips, face, and nails
t: purple on sides in chest area, swollen w/ sticky coating
p: wiry, choppy, or knotted
HT vessel obstructed
*one of two HT patterns w/ chest pain
PC 6, HT 5, HT 7, CV 15, CV 17, LU 7, LI 4, ST 40, BL 15, BL 17, CV 12
- sudden severe abdominal pain, dislike of pressure, abdominal distention, *constipation, *vomiting, borborygmi, flatulence
t: thick-white coating
p: *deep-wiry
SI qi tied
ST 39, Lan Wei Xue, CV 6, GB 34, ST 25, SP 6, LR 3
tremor, irritability, propensity to outbursts of anger, tinnitus and/or deafness w/ sudden onset, temporal headache, dizziness, red face and eyes, thirst, bitter taste, dream-disturbed sleep, constipation w/ dry stools, dark yellow urine, epistaxis, haematemesis, haemoptysis
t: red w/ redder sides and dry yellow coating
p: wiry-rapid
LV wind agitating within -
LV fire generating wind
- discomfort or dull pain in epigastrium, *better after eating, better w/ pressure or massage, no appetite, preference for warm drinks and foods, vomiting of clear fluid, lack of thirst, *cold and weak limbs, *tiredness, pale complexion
t: pale and wet
p: deep-weak-slow, esp. right middle position
ST deficient and cold
ST 36, CV 12, BL 20, BL 21, CV 6
poor appetite, feeling of *fullness of epigastrium or *abdomen, or both, feeling of cold in epigastrium that improves w/ heat, *feeling of heaviness of head and body, sweetish taste or absence of taste, no thirst, loose stools, lassitude, tiredness, nausea, edema, dull-white complexion, excessive white vaginal discharge
t: pale w/ *sticky-white coating
p: slippery-slow
cold-dampness invading SP
SP 9, SP 6, CV 12, SP 3, ST 8, BL 22, BL 20, CV 9, CV 11, ST 22, ST 28
- palpitations, s.o.b. on exertion, tiredness, spontaneous sweating, slight feeling of stuffiness or discomfort in heart region, feeling of cold, *cold hands, bright-pale face, slightly dark lips
t: pale, slightly wet
p: *deep-weak; knotted if severe
HT yang xu
HT 5, PC 6, BL 15, CV 17, CV 6, GV 14
- mental confusion, unconsciousness, lethargic stupor, incoherent speech, slurred speech, aphasia, vomiting of phlegm, *rattling sound in throat, mental depression, very dull eyes
t: *swollen w/ thick sticky coating, midline crack reaching tip
p: slippery
phlegm misting the mind
*only HT pattern w/o palpitations
PC 5, HT 9, BL 15, ST 40, GV 26, CV 12, BL 20, GV 14
palpitations, *stabbing or pricking pain in chest that may radiate to inner aspect of left arm or to shoulder, feeling of oppression or constriction of chest, *cyanosis of lips and nails, cold hands
t: *purple entirely or only on sides in chest area
p: choppy, wiry, or knotted
HT blood stasis
- one of two HT patterns w/ chest pain
- sx will vary according to cause of HT blood stasis as this is a mixed empty-full pattern, usually due to HT yang xu or HT blood xu
PC 6, PC 4, HT 7, CV 17, BL 14, BL 17, SP 10, KI 25
- chronic diarrhea, *prolapse ani, hemorrhoids, tiredness after bowel movements, cold limbs, no appetite, mental exhaustion, desire to drink warm liquids, desire to have abdomen massaged
t: pale
p: deep-fine-weak
collapse of LI
CV 6, ST 25, ST 36, SP 3, BL 20, BL 21, GV 20
poor appetite, slight abdominal distention after eating, tiredness, lassitude, pale complexion, weak limbs, loose stools, depression, tendency to obesity, *bearing-down sensation in abdomen, prolapse of stomach, uterus, anus, or bladder, frequency and urgency of urination, menorrhagia
t: pale
p: *weak
SP qi sinking
CV 12, ST 36, SP 3, SP 6, BL 20, BL 21, GV 20, CV 6, ST 21, GV 1
no appetite or slight hunger but w/o desire to eat, constipation, dry stools, *dull or slightly burning epigastric pain, *dry mouth and throat, esp. in afternoon, *desire to drink in small sips, slight feeling of fullness after eating
t: *w/o coating in centre, or w/ *rootless coating, normal body colour
p: floating-empty on right middle position
ST yin xu
w/ empty-heat: thirst w/ desire to drink in small sips, feeling of hunger, night sweating, five-centre heat, bleeding gums, feeling of heat in evening
t: red w/o coating
p: floating-empty on right middle position, slightly rapid
CV 12, ST 36, SP 6, SP 3
LV yang rising generating wind can be the result of:
LV yin xu
LV and KI yin xu
LV blood xu
- palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, propensity to be startled, poor memory, anxiety, *mental restlessness, uneasiness, fidgetiness, dry mouth and throat, *night sweating
t: *no coating, deep midline crack reaching tip
p: floating-empty
HT yin xu
w/ empty-heat: malar flush, feeling of heat in evening, feeling hot and bothered, five-centre heat
t: red w/o coating
p: floating-empty and rapid or fine-rapid
HT 7, PC 6, CV 14, CV 15, CV 4, HT 6, SP 6, KI 7
- soreness and weakness of lower back, weak knees, clear frequent urination, weak-stream urination, abundant urination, *dribbling after urination, incontinence of urine, enuresis, urination at night, nocturnal emissions w/o dreams, premature ejaculation, spermatorrhea, tiredness, feeling of cold, cold limbs, prolapse of uterus, *chronic white vaginal discharge, dragging-down feeling in lower abdomen, recurrent miscarriage
t: pale
p: deep-weak, esp. in rear positions
KI qi not firm
BL 23, GV 4, KI 3, BL 52, CV 4, Jing Gong, CV 6, GV 20, KI 13, BL 32
poor appetite, slight abdominal distention after eating, *tiredness, lassitude, desire to lie down curled up, pale complexion, weakness of limbs, *loose stools, tendency to obesity, *feeling cold, *cold limbs, edema
t: pale, wet
p: deep-weak
SP yang xu
CV 12, ST 36, SP 3, SP 6, BL 20, BL 21, SP 9, CV 9, ST 28, BL 22
feeling of *distention of hypochondrium, chest, epigastrium, or abdomen, sighing, melancholy, *depression, *moodiness, fluctuation of mental state, feeling wound-up, feeling of lump in throat, irregular periods, breast distention before periods, premenstrual tension and irritability
t: normal or slightly red on sides
p: wiry, esp. left side
LV qi stagnation
GB 34, LR 3, LR 13, LR 14, TE 6, PC 6
severe, *stabbing epigastric pain that may be worse at night, dislike of pressure, nausea, vomiting, possibly *vomiting of blood, vomiting of food looking like coffee grounds
t: purple (in the centre)
p: wiry
blood stasis in ST
ST 34, ST 21, ST 19, KI 21, TE 6, PC 6 + SP 4, GB 34, CV 12, ST 40, BL 17, SP 10, LI 4, LI 11
fine tremor, facial tic, dizziness, blurred vision, numbness or tingling of limbs, poor memory, insomnia, scanty periods
t: pale and thin
p: wiry-fine
LV wind agitating within -
LV blood xu generating wind
- lower backache, dizziness, tinnitus, cold and weak knees, sensation of cold in lower back, *feeling of cold, weak legs, bright-white complexion, tiredness, lassitude, *abundant clear urination, urination at night, apathy, edema of legs, infertility in women, loose stools, depression, impotence, premature ejaculation, low sperm count, cold and thin sperm, decreased libido
t: *pale, wet
p: *deep-weak
KI yang xu
BL 23, GV 4, CV 4, CV 6, KI 3, KI 7, BL 52, Jing Gong
- palpitations, dizziness, *insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, *poor memory, anxiety, propensity to be startled, dull-pale complexion, pale lips
t: *pale, thin, slightly dry
p: choppy or fine
HT blood xu
HT 7, PC 6, CV 14, CV 15, CV 4, BL 17, BL 20
frequent and urgent urination, *difficult urination (stopping mid-flow), *feeling of heaviness in hypogastrium and urethra, *pale and turbid urine
t: white-sticky coating on root
p: slippery-slow and slightly wiry on left rear position
damp-cold in BL
SP 9, SP 6, BL 22, CV 3, BL 28, ST 28, CV 9
- aversion to cold, *fever, cough, *sore throat, blocked or runny nose w/ yellow discharge, sneezing, headache, body aches, slight sweating, slight thirst, swollen tonsils
t: slightly red on sides in chest area or on front part
p: *floating-rapid
invasion of LU by wind-heat
LU 7, LI 4, LI 11, LU 11, GV 14, BL 12, GV 16, GB 20, TE 5
- malar flush, mental restlessness, insomnia, night sweating, low-grade fever, afternoon fever, five-centre heat, *feeling of heat in afternoon/evening, scanty dark urine, blood in urine, dry throat esp. at night, thirst w/ desire to drink in small sips, *dizziness, *tinnitus, hardness of hearing, lower backache, nocturnal emissions w/ dreams, excessive sexual desire, dry stools
t: *red, cracked w/ red tip, w/o coating
p: floating-empty and rapid
KI yin xu, empty-heat blazing
KI 3, KI 6, KI 10, KI 9, CV 4, KI 2, SP 6, HT 5, LU 7, LU 10, HT 6, GV 24, LI 11
- sudden cramping abdominal pain, *diarrhea w/ pain, *feeling of cold, cold sensation in abdomen
t: thick-white coating
p: deep-tight
cold invading LI
ST 37, ST 25, ST 36, SP 6, LR 3, ST 27
- poor appetite, slight abdominal distention after eating, *tiredness, lassitude, pale complexion, weak limbs, loose stools, *uncomfortable feeling in epigastrium, lack of taste sensation
t: pale
p: empty, esp. on right middle position
SP-ST qi xu
- cough w/ expectoration of white watery *frothy sputum, breathlessness, splashing sound in chest, vomiting of white watery frothy sputum, feeling of oppression of chest, feeling of heaviness and muzziness of head, dizziness, feeling of cold, coughing that may be elicited by a scare
t: pale w/ thick sticky white coating
p: fine-slippery or soggy or wiry
phlegm-fluids obstructing LU
LU 5, LU 9, CV 17, BL 13, ST 40, BL 43, CV 12, ST 36, CV 9, SP 9, BL 20, BL 23
- sudden swelling of eyes and face gradually spreading to whole body, bright-shiny complexion, scanty and pale urination, *aversion to wind, fever, cough, slight breathlessness
t: sticky white coating
p: *floating-slippery
invasion of LU by wind-water
LU 7, LI 6, LI 7, LI 4, BL 12, CV 9, BL 13, GV 26
palpitations, *stabbing or pricking pain in chest, which may radiate to inner aspect of left arm on to the shoulder, feeling of oppression or constriction of chest, s.o.b., *cyanosis of lips and nails, cold hands, painful periods w/ dark clots
t: purple in its entirety or only on sides in chest area
p: choppy, wiry, or knotted
blood stasis of PC
PC 6, PC 4, HT 7, CV 14, CV 17, BL 14, BL 17, SP 10
- dry cough but w/ occasional, *difficult expectoration of scanty sputum, s.o.b., *feeling of oppression of chest, scanty phlegm in throat, feeling of heaviness and muzziness of head, dizziness, dry throat, wheezing, pasty-dry complexion
t: swollen w/ dry sticky coating
p: fine-slippery
dry-phlegm in LU
LU 9, LU 7, KI 6, CV 12, ST 36, SP 6, ST 40, BL 13, CV 17
- feeling of fullness of epigastrium or lower *abdomen, or both, epigastric/abdominal pain, poor appetite, *feeling of heaviness, thirst w/o desire to drink, nausea, vomiting, loose stools w/ offensive odour, burning sensation of anus, feeling of heat, scanty dark urine, low-grade fever, dull headache w/ feeling of heaviness of head, dull-yellow complexion like tangerine peel, yellow sclera, oily sweat, bitter taste, itchy skin or skin eruptions (papules or vesicles), sweating that does not relieve fever and does not clear heat
t: red w/ *sticky-yellow coating
p: slippery-rapid
damp-heat invading SP
SP 9, SP 6, GV 9, LI 11, BL 20, GB 34, CV 9, CV 11, ST 22, ST 28, BL 22
palpitations, thirst, red face, bitter taste, feeling of oppression of chest, expectoration of phlegm, rattling sound in throat, *mental restlessness, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, *agitation, *incoherent speech, *mental confusion, *rash behaviour, *tendency to hit or scold people, *uncontrolled laughter or *crying, *shouting, *muttering to oneself, *depression and *dullness, *manic behaviour
t: *red, swollen, dry sticky coating, deep midline crack
p: full-rapid-slippery or rapid-overflowing or rapid-full-wiry
phlegm-fire harassing the HT
PC 5 + ST 40
feeling of *distention and slight pain of the chest, feeling of tightness of the chest, slight s.o.b., sighing, feeling of lump in the throat, *palpitations, depression, irritability, poor appetite, weak and cold limbs, slightly purple lips, pale complexion
t: slightly pale-purple on the sides in the chest area
p: empty, very slightly overflowing on left front position
qi stagnation in PC
PC 6, HT 5, HT 7, CV 14, CV 15, BL 14, LU 7, ST 40, LI 4
irritability, *abdominal distention and pain, *alternating constipation and diarrhea, stools sometimes dry and bitty and sometimes loose, flatulence, tiredness
t: normal colour or slightly red on sides
p: *wiry on left, weak on right
rebellious LV qi invading SP
- two distinct situations:
i) LV is overactive and it invades the SP
ii) SP is weak and it ‘allows’ itself to be invaded by LV (even if LV is not overactive)
LR 13, LR 14, GB 34, CV 6, TE 6, PC 6, ST 25, SP 15, CV 12, ST 36, SP 6, SP 4+PC 6
- palpitations, shortness of breath on exertion, pale face, spontaneous sweating, *tiredness, slight depression
t: pale or normal colour
p: *empty
HT Qi xu
HT 5, PC 6, BL 15, CV 17, CV 6, GV 14
- s.o.b. on exertion, rapid and weak breathing, difficulty inhaling, chronic cough and/or asthma, spontaneous sweating, cold limbs, cold limbs after sweating, swelling of face, thin body, mental listlessness, *clear urination during asthma attack, *lower backache, dizziness, tinnitus
t: pale
p: deep-weak-tight
KI failing to receive qi
abdominal pain and distention, bad taste in mouth, sallow complexion
roundworms: abdominal pain, vomiting of roundworms, cold limbs
hookworms: desire to eat strange objects such as soil, uncooked rice, wax, tea leaves
pinworms: itchy anus, worse in morning
tapeworms: constant hunger
infestation of worms in SI
acupuncture not applicable
hypochondrial pain, abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, epistaxis, painful periods, irregular periods, *menstrual blood dark and clotted, infertility, *stabbing pain, masses in abdomen, purple nails, purple lips, purple or dark complexion, dry skin (in severe cases), purple petechiae
t: *purple esp. or only on sides, purple spots on sides if severe
p: wiry or firm
LV blood stasis
GB 34, LR 3, BL 18, BL 17 (needle only, no moxa), SP 10, CV 6, SP 4+PC 6, ST 29, KI 14, LR 5, LR 6
- feeling of fullness and pain of epigastrium, *feeling of heaviness, facial pain, blocked nose or thick sticky nasal discharge, thirst w/o desire to drink, *nausea, feeling of heat, dull-yellow complexion, sticky taste
t: red w/ *sticky-yellow coating
p: slippery-rapid
damp-heat in ST
ST 44, ST 34, ST 21, CV 12, CV 13, LI 11, LI 4, CV 11, ST 25, ST 40, SP 9, CV 9
- sudden severe pain in epigastrium, *feeling of cold, cold limbs, preference for warmth, *vomiting of clear fluids (which may alleviate the pain), nausea, feeling worse after swallowing cold fluids, which are quickly vomited, preference for warm liquids
t: thick-white coating
p: deep-tight-slow
cold invading ST
ST 21, SP 4, CV 13, ST 34
dizziness, numbness or tingling of limbs, insomnia, *blurred vision, floaters in eyes, diminished night vision, *scanty menstruation or amenorrhea, *dull-pale complexion w/o lustre, pale lips, muscular weakness, cramps, withered and brittle nails, dry hair and skin, depression, feeling of aimlessness
t: *pale body esp. on sides; orange if extreme; thin and slightly dry
p: choppy or fine
LV blood xu
*much more common in women than in men
LR 8, ST 36, SP 6, CV 4, BL 18, BL 20, BL 23, BL 17
- fullness of hypochondrium, *abdomen, or hypogastrium, *bitter taste, *sticky taste, poor appetite, *nausea, *feeling of heaviness in body, yellow vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, vulvar eczema or sores, mid-cycle bleeding and/or pain, pain, redness, and swelling of scrotum, genital, papular, or vesicular skin rashes and itching, urinary difficulty, burning on urination, dark urine, dysuria
t: red body w/ redder sides, *sticky yellow coating
p: *slippery-wiry-rapid
damp-heat in LV
LR 14, GB 34, BL 18, CV 12, SP 9, SP 6, LI 11, LR 2
- chronic cough coming in bouts w/ *profuse white sticky sputum that is easy to expectorate, pasty-white complexion, phlegm in throat, feeling of oppression in chest, s.o.b., dislike of lying down, wheezing, nausea, feeling of heaviness, muzziness and dizziness of head
t: *swollen w/ sticky white coating
p: slippery or soggy
damp-phlegm in LU
LU 5, LU 7, LU 1, CV 17, ST 40, PC 6, CV 22, CV 12, BL 20, CV 9, BL 13
- palpitations, dizziness, *insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, poor memory, anxiety, propensity to be startled, dull-pale complexion, pale lips, *tiredness, weak muscles, *loose stools, poor appetite, *scanty periods
t: pale and thin
p: choppy or fine
SP (qi) and HT blood xu
HT 7, PC 6, CV 14, CV 15, CV 4, BL 17 (moxa), BL 20, CV 12, ST 36, SP 6
- cough, slight breathlessness, *feeling of heat, chest ache, flaring of nostrils, *thirst, red face
t: *red w/ yellow coating
p: overflowing-rapid
LU heat
LU 5, LU 10, LU 7, LI 11, LU 1, BL 13
- fullness and distention of hypogastrium w/ pain which *refers downwards to scrotum and testis and upwards to hypochondrium, pain alleviated by warmth, straining of testis or contraction of scrotum, vertical headache, feeling of cold, *cold hands and feet, vomiting of clear watery fluid or dry vomiting, shrinking of vagina
t: pale and wet w/ white coating
p: *deep-wiry-slow
stagnation of cold in LV channel
CV 3, LR 5, LR 1, LR 3
- palpitations, *dizziness, *insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, *poor memory, anxiety, depression, propensity to be startled, dull-pale complexion, pale lips, *blurred visions, floaters in eyes, diminished night vision, tingling or numbness of limbs, scanty periods or amenorrhea, cramps, muscular weakness, dry hair and skin, depression, feeling of aimlessness, withered and brittle nails
t: *pale, thin, slightly dry
p: choppy or fine
HT-LV blood xu
particularly common in women, causing scanty periods and postpartum depression
HT 7, PC 6, CV 14, CV 15, CV 4, BL 17, BL 20, LR 8, ST 36, SP 6, BL 18, BL 23
poor appetite, slight abdominal distention after eating, tiredness, lassitude, dull-pale complexion, weak limbs, *loose stools, thin body, *scanty periods or amenorrhea, insomnia, dizziness, numbness of limbs, *blurred vision, floaters in eyes, diminished night vision, pale lips, muscular weakness, cramps, withered and brittle nails, dry hair and skin, slight depression, feeling of aimlessness
t: *pale body, *esp. on sides; orange in extreme cases
p: choppy or fine
SP-LV blood xu
LR 8, SP 6, CV 4, BL 18, BL 23, CV 12, ST 36, SP 3, BL 20, BL 21, BL 17
- slight s.o.b., slight cough, *weak voice, spontaneous daytime sweating, dislike of speaking, bright-pale complexion, propensity to catch colds, tiredness, dislike of cold
t: pale
p: *empty, esp. on right front position
LU qi xu
LU 9, LU 7, CV 6, BL 13, GV 12, ST 36, CV 12
- hypochondrial fullness, pain, and distention, nausea, vomiting, inability to digest fats, yellow complexion, scanty-dark-yellow urine, fever, thirst w/o desire to drinks, *bitter taste, dizziness, tinnitus, irritability, feeling of heaviness of the body, numbness of limbs, swelling of feet, loose stools or constipation, alternating hot and cold feeling, yellow sclera, feeling of heat
t: *thick-sticky-yellow coating on right side
p: slippery-wiry-rapid
damp-heat in GB
(common syndrome for gallstones)
GB 24, LR 14, CV 12, GB 34, Dan Nang Xue, BL 19, BL 20, LI 11, TE 6, ST 19
palpitations, s.o.b., weak and shallow breathing, profuse sweating, *cold limbs, *cyanosis of lips, greyish-white complexion, coma in severe cases
t: very pale or bluish-purple, short
p: *hidden-minute-knotted
HT yang collapse
CV 6, CV 4, CV 8, GV 4, ST 36, PC 6, BL 15, GV 20, GV 14, BL 23
dizziness, tinnitus, vertigo, poor memory, hardness of hearing, *night sweating, dry mouth and throat at night, *lower backache, ache in bones, nocturnal emissions, constipation, dark scanty urine, infertility, premature ejaculation, tiredness, lassitude, depression, slight anxiety
t: normal colour w/o coating
p: floating-empty
KI yin xu
w/ empty heat: five-centre heat, feeling of heat in evening, malar flush, menopausal hot flashes, thirst w/ desire to drink in small slips, pronounced anxiety in evening, nocturnal emissions w/ dreams
t: red w/o coating; cracked if severe
p: floating-empty and slightly rapid
CV 4, KI 3, KI 6, KI 10, KI 9, SP 6, CV 7, LU 7 + KI 6
- headache (throbbing) that may be on temples, eyes, or lateral side of head, dizziness, tinnitus, deafness, blurred vision, dry mouth and throat, insomnia, *irritability, feeling worked up, propensity to outbursts of anger, stiff neck
t: varies widely depending on cause
p: *wiry
LV yang rising
*derives from LV yin or KI yin xu or both, or LV blood xu
LR 3, TE 5, PC 6, LI 4, GB 43, GB 38, GB 20, BL 2, GB 9, GB 8, GB 6, SP 6, LR 8, ST 36, KI 3, KI 6
- poor bone development, late closure of fontanelle, deafness, mental dullness or retardation; softening of bones, *weak knees and legs, poor memory, loose teeth, *falling hair or premature greying of hair, *weak sexual activity, lower backache, infertility, sterility, primary amenorrhea, dizziness, tinnitus, deafness, blurred vision, absentmindedness, decreased mental sharpness
t: w/o coating or pale depending on cause
p: floating-empty or leather
KI essence xu
*tongue is w/o coating if occuring against background of KI yin xu; pale if KI yang xu
KI 3, KI 6, CV 4, KI 13, BL 23, GV 4, GB 39, GV 20, GV 14, BL 15, BL 11, GV 17, GV 16
- nausea, difficulty swallowing, *belching, vomiting, hiccups
t: no changes
p: tight or wiry on right middle position
ST qi rebelling upwards
CV 13, CV 10, PC 6 + SP 4, ST 21, ST 19
feeling of oppression and *fullness of epigastrium, nausea, lack of appetite, loose stools, feeling of heaviness, dry mouth w/o desire to drink, sallow complexion, hypochondrial pain, bitter taste, sticky taste, epigastric and *hypochondrial distention, irritability
t: *thick sticky yellow coating
p: slippery-wiry
obstruction of SP by dampness w/ LV qi stagnation
CV 12, SP 6, SP 3, SP 9, BL 20, LR 13, LR 14, GB 24, GB 34, LR 3, ST 19
hypochondrial or epigastric *distention, slight feeling of oppression of chest, *irritability, melancholy, depression, moodiness, feeling of lump in throat, *feeling of heat, red face, thirst, propensity to outbursts of anger, premenstrual tension, irregular periods, premenstrual breast distention, heavy periods
t: red on sides
p: wiry, esp. left side, slightly rapid
stagnant LV qi turning into heat
GB 34, LR 3, LR 13, LR 14, TE 6, PC 6, LR 2
- uncomfortable feeling in epigastrium, lack of appetite, lack of taste sensation, loose stools, tiredness *esp. in morning, *weak limbs
t: pale
p: *empty, esp. on right middle position
ST qi xu
ST 36, CV 12, BL 21, CV 6
poor appetite, *slight abdominal distention after eating, *tiredness, lassitude, dull-pale complexion, weak limbs, loose stools, depression, thin body, *scanty periods or amenorrhea, insomnia, joint ache
t: *pale, thin, slightly dry
p: choppy or fine
SP blood xu
*SP qi xu causing blood xu
CV 12, ST 36, SP 3, SP 6, BL 20, BL 21, CV 4, BL 17
high temperature, convulsions, rigidity of neck, tremor of limbs, opisthotonos, coma in severe cases
t: deep-red, stiff, dry yellow coating
p: wiry-rapid
LV wind agitating within -
extreme heat generating wind
- cough that is *dry or w/ scanty sticky sputum, *weak and/or hoarse voice, *dry mouth and throat, tickly throat, tiredness, dislike of speaking, thin body or thin chest, *night sweating
t: normal colour, dry w/o coating (or w/ rootless coating) in front part
p: floating-empty
LU yin xu
w/ empty heat: feeling of heat in evening, afternoon fever, five-centre heat, malar flush
t: red w/o coating
p: floating-empty and rapid
LU 9, CV 17, BL 43, BL 13, GV 12, CV 4, KI 6, CV 12, SP 6, LU 10, LI 11
- fullness, pain, and distention of epigastrium, relieved by vomiting, nausea, vomiting of sour fluids, foul breath, *sour regurgitation, belching, insomnia, loose stools or constipation, poor appetite
t: *thick coating (white or yellow)
p: full-slippery
retention of food in ST
CV 13, CV 10, ST 21, ST 44, ST 45, SP 4, PC 6, ST 40, ST 19, KI 21, CV 12
- dry cough worse in evening, dry throat and mouth, thin body, breathlessness on exertion, lower backache, *night sweating, *dizziness, *tinnitus, hardness of hearing, scanty urination
t: normal colour *w/o coating or w/ *rootless coating
p: floating-empty
LU-KI yin xu
*contrast w/ KI failing to receive qi (which is characterized by KI yang xu and LU qi xu)
KI 3, KI 6 + LU 7, CV 4, KI 13, LU 9, LU 1, SP 6, BL 43
- palpitations, *feeling of tightness and heat of the chest, slight chest ache, rapid breathing, *thirst, mouth and tongue ulcers, mental restlessness, feeling of agitation, feeling of heat, *insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, red face, *bitter taste (after bad nights’ sleep), heavy periods
t: red, tip redder and swollen w/ red points, yellow coating, may be midline crack reaching to tip
p: full-rapid-overflowing, esp. on front right position; could be hasty
PC fire
PC 8, HT 8, BL 14, CV 15, CV 14, CV 17, LI 11, GV 24, GV 19, SP 6, LR 2
