The Eight Principles of TCM Diagnosis provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the causes of various diseases.
The differentiation of organs and meridians is central to this practice, with a clear distinction made between Qi, blood, and body fluids.
External pathogenic heat diseases are categorized based on their levels, aiding in the assessment of disease patterns.
The Eight Principles – Exterior Syndrome
Exterior syndrome occurs when pathogens invade the skin, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and body aches.
Fever and chills may present with or without sweating, along with a cough, white tongue coating, and a floating pulse.
Interior Syndrome
Interior syndrome can arise from the transmission of exterior pathogens or from internal generation, indicating a deeper disease location.
Diseases related to the organs, Qi, and blood fall under this category, encompassing all conditions that are not classified as exterior syndromes.
Cold Syndrome
Cold syndrome results from the invasion of cold pathogens, characterized by Yang deficiency and excessive Yin.
Symptoms include aversion to cold, preference for warmth, cold extremities, pale complexion, and loose stools.
Patients may experience a bland taste in the mouth, lack of thirst, and a preference for warm drinks, with a white, slippery tongue coating and a tight pulse.
Heat Syndrome
Heat syndrome arises from the invasion of heat pathogens or may result from excessive Yang and deficient Yin.
Symptoms include irritability, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, fever, and a flushed face.
Constipation and dark, scanty urine may occur, with a red tongue, yellow coating, and a rapid, forceful pulse.
Deficiency Syndrome
Deficiency syndrome indicates insufficient Zheng Qi, leading to a decreased ability to resist disease.
Symptoms include emaciation, fatigue, shortness of breath, and palpitations.
Patients may sweat easily, have loose stools, and present with a pale, tender tongue and a weak, thin pulse.
Excess Syndrome
Excess syndrome indicates an abundance of pathogenic Qi, with Zheng Qi still intact.
Symptoms include coarse breathing, prolonged speech, chest and abdominal distension, and pain upon pressure.
Patients may experience irritability, constipation, and dark, painful urination, with a thick, dry tongue coating and a full, rapid pulse.
Yin Syndrome
Yin syndrome is characterized by a preference for warmth, cold extremities, and a tendency to avoid light.
Symptoms include spontaneous sweating, clear, frequent urination, and loose stools.
The tongue is pale with a white coating, and the pulse is deep and slow, indicating excessive Yin and Yang deficiency.
Yang Syndrome
Yang syndrome presents with a desire for light, irritability, and a preference for cool environments.
Symptoms include fever, aversion to cold, thirst for cold drinks, constipation, and red, dry tongue with a yellow coating.
The pulse is rapid and forceful, indicating excessive Yang heat.
Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Yin deficiency syndrome is characterized by emaciation, dizziness, insomnia, and dryness of the mouth and throat.
Symptoms include red cheeks, dry lips, and night sweats, with a thin, rapid pulse and a dry, red tongue.
Yang Deficiency Syndrome
Yang deficiency syndrome presents with fatigue, cold extremities, and a preference for warmth.
Symptoms include aversion to cold, pale complexion, and a slow, weak pulse.
Fluid Deficiency Syndrome
Fluid deficiency syndrome indicates a lack of body fluids, leading to dryness and heat symptoms.
Symptoms include dry skin, constipation, and a dry, red tongue with a thin pulse.
Pathogen Differentiation – Six Excessive Pathogens
Wind-cold invasion may present with fever, chills, and body aches, along with a scratchy throat and cough.
Wind-heat syndrome may present with fever, thirst, and a sore throat, with a yellow tongue coating and a rapid pulse.
Cold pathogen invasion may lead to fever, chills, and body aches, with a white tongue coating and a tight pulse.
Heat pathogen invasion may present with high fever, thirst, and a rapid pulse.
Moist pathogen invasion may lead to heaviness, fatigue, and digestive issues.
Dry pathogen invasion may present with dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, along with cough and thirst.
Emotional Disturbance Differentiation – Joy Injury Syndrome
Joy can disperse Qi, leading to a lack of focus and confusion.
Symptoms include mental disorientation and a weak, thin pulse.
Anger Injury Syndrome
Excessive anger can damage the liver, leading to symptoms such as dizziness and a flushed face.
Severe cases may result in fainting or vomiting blood, with a wiry pulse.
Grief Injury Syndrome
Excessive grief can damage the lungs and spleen, leading to fatigue and weakness.
Symptoms include poor appetite and a weak pulse.
Thought Injury Syndrome
Excessive thinking can lead to Qi stagnation, resulting in fatigue and insomnia.
Symptoms include forgetfulness and a thin, weak pulse.
Fear Injury Syndrome
Fear can damage the kidneys, leading to anxiety and restlessness.
Symptoms include frequent urination and a weak pulse.
Shock Injury Syndrome
Shock can lead to Qi disturbance, resulting in confusion and disorientation.
Symptoms include erratic behavior and a rapid pulse.
Organ Differentiation – Heart Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Heart Yin deficiency syndrome presents with palpitations, insomnia, and night sweats.
The tongue is red with little moisture, and the pulse is thin and rapid.
Heart Blood Deficiency Syndrome
Heart blood deficiency syndrome presents with palpitations, insomnia, and forgetfulness.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Heart Qi Deficiency Syndrome
Heart Qi deficiency syndrome presents with palpitations, fatigue, and spontaneous sweating.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Heart Yang Deficiency Syndrome
Heart Yang deficiency syndrome presents with palpitations, cold extremities, and spontaneous sweating.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Heart Fire Syndrome
Heart fire syndrome presents with palpitations, irritability, and mouth ulcers.
The tongue is red with a yellow coating, and the pulse is rapid.
Heart Blood Stasis Syndrome
Heart blood stasis syndrome presents with chest pain and palpitations.
The tongue is dark, and the pulse is thin and choppy.
Phlegm Obstructing the Heart Orifice Syndrome
Phlegm obstructing the heart orifice syndrome presents with confusion and mental dullness.
The tongue is pale with a white coating, and the pulse is slippery.
Phlegm Fire Disturbing the Heart Syndrome
Phlegm fire disturbing the heart syndrome presents with agitation and erratic behavior.
The tongue is red with a yellow coating, and the pulse is rapid.
Small Intestine Heat Syndrome
Small intestine heat syndrome presents with heat symptoms and abdominal pain.
The tongue is red with a yellow coating, and the pulse is rapid.
Small Intestine Qi Pain Syndrome
Small intestine qi pain syndrome presents with abdominal pain and distension.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is wiry.
Liver Qi Stagnation Syndrome
Liver qi stagnation syndrome presents with emotional distress and abdominal pain.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is wiry.
Liver Fire Syndrome
Liver fire syndrome presents with irritability and red eyes.
The tongue is red with a yellow coating, and the pulse is rapid.
Liver Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Liver yin deficiency syndrome presents with dryness and irritability.
The tongue is red with little moisture, and the pulse is thin.
Liver Blood Deficiency Syndrome
Liver blood deficiency syndrome presents with dizziness and pale complexion.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is thin.
Liver Yang Rising Syndrome
Liver yang rising syndrome presents with headaches and irritability.
The tongue is red, and the pulse is wiry.
Liver Yang Transforming into Wind Syndrome
Liver yang transforming into wind syndrome presents with dizziness and tremors.
The tongue is red, and the pulse is wiry.
Liver-Gallbladder Damp-Heat Syndrome
Liver-gallbladder damp-heat syndrome presents with jaundice and abdominal pain.
The tongue is yellow with a greasy coating, and the pulse is rapid.
Gallbladder Qi Stagnation Syndrome
Gallbladder qi stagnation syndrome presents with irritability and nausea.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is wiry.
Spleen Qi Deficiency Syndrome
Spleen qi deficiency syndrome presents with fatigue and poor appetite.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Spleen Yang Deficiency Syndrome
Spleen yang deficiency syndrome presents with cold extremities and abdominal pain.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Spleen Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Spleen yin deficiency syndrome presents with dryness and fatigue.
The tongue is red with little moisture, and the pulse is thin.
Cold-Damp Obstructing the Spleen Syndrome
Cold-damp obstructing the spleen syndrome presents with abdominal distension and poor appetite.
The tongue is pale with a white coating, and the pulse is slippery.
Heat-Damp Accumulation in the Spleen Syndrome
Heat-damp accumulation in the spleen syndrome presents with abdominal pain and diarrhea.
The tongue is yellow with a greasy coating, and the pulse is rapid.
Stomach Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Stomach yin deficiency syndrome presents with dryness and hunger.
The tongue is red with little moisture, and the pulse is thin.
Food Stagnation in the Stomach Syndrome
Food stagnation in the stomach syndrome presents with abdominal pain and belching.
The tongue is thick and greasy, and the pulse is slippery.
Cold Pathogen Invading the Stomach Syndrome
Cold pathogen invading the stomach syndrome presents with acute abdominal pain and aversion to cold.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is tight.
Stomach Fire Syndrome
Stomach fire syndrome presents with hunger and irritability.
The tongue is red with a yellow coating, and the pulse is rapid.
Lung Qi Deficiency Syndrome
Lung qi deficiency syndrome presents with cough and shortness of breath.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Lung Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Lung yin deficiency syndrome presents with dryness and cough.
The tongue is red with little moisture, and the pulse is thin.
Wind-Cold Binding the Lungs Syndrome
Wind-cold binding the lungs syndrome presents with cough and aversion to cold.
The tongue is pale with a white coating, and the pulse is tight.
Wind-Heat Invading the Lungs Syndrome
Wind-heat invading the lungs syndrome presents with cough and fever.
The tongue is red with a yellow coating, and the pulse is rapid.
Lung Dryness Cough Syndrome
Lung dryness cough syndrome presents with dry cough and thirst.
The tongue is red with little moisture, and the pulse is thin.
Heat Obstructing the Lungs Syndrome
Heat obstructing the lungs syndrome presents with cough and chest pain.
The tongue is red with a yellow coating, and the pulse is rapid.
Phlegm-Fluid Obstructing the Lungs Syndrome
Phlegm-fluid obstructing the lungs syndrome presents with cough and sputum.
The tongue is pale with a white coating, and the pulse is slippery.
Large Intestine Cold-Damp Syndrome
Large intestine cold-damp syndrome presents with abdominal pain and diarrhea.
The tongue is pale with a white coating, and the pulse is slow.
Large Intestine Damp-Heat Syndrome
Large intestine damp-heat syndrome presents with abdominal pain and diarrhea with blood.
The tongue is red with a yellow coating, and the pulse is rapid.
Intestinal Abscess Syndrome
Intestinal abscess syndrome presents with abdominal pain and fever.
The tongue is red with a yellow coating, and the pulse is rapid.
Kidney Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Kidney yin deficiency syndrome presents with weakness and dizziness.
The tongue is red with little moisture, and the pulse is thin.
Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome
Kidney yang deficiency syndrome presents with cold extremities and fatigue.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Kidney Qi Not Firm Syndrome
Kidney qi not firm syndrome presents with weakness and frequent urination.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Kidney Not Grasping Qi Syndrome
Kidney not grasping qi syndrome presents with shortness of breath and fatigue.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Kidney Water Overflowing Syndrome
Kidney water overflowing syndrome presents with edema and fatigue.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Kidney Essence Deficiency Syndrome
Kidney essence deficiency syndrome presents with weakness and developmental delays.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Bladder Yang Deficiency Syndrome
Bladder yang deficiency syndrome presents with cold extremities and frequent urination.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Bladder Damp-Heat Syndrome
Bladder damp-heat syndrome presents with burning urination and urgency.
The tongue is red with a yellow coating, and the pulse is rapid.
Qi and Blood Fluid Differentiation – Qi Deficiency Syndrome
Qi deficiency syndrome presents with fatigue and shortness of breath.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Qi Sinking Syndrome
Qi sinking syndrome presents with fatigue and a feeling of heaviness.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Qi Stagnation Syndrome
Qi stagnation syndrome presents with emotional distress and abdominal pain.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is wiry.
Qi Reversal Syndrome
Qi reversal syndrome presents with cough and nausea.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is weak.
Blood Deficiency Syndrome
Blood deficiency syndrome presents with fatigue and pale complexion.
The tongue is pale, and the pulse is thin.
Blood Stasis Syndrome
Blood stasis syndrome presents with pain and swelling.
The tongue is dark, and the pulse is choppy.
Blood Heat Syndrome
Blood heat syndrome presents with fever and irritability.
The tongue is red with a yellow coating, and the pulse is rapid.
Fluid Deficiency Syndrome
Fluid deficiency syndrome presents with dryness and thirst.
The tongue is red with little moisture, and the pulse is thin.
Fluid Stagnation Syndrome
Fluid stagnation syndrome presents with heaviness and fatigue.
The tongue is pale with a white coating, and the pulse is slippery.
Wind-Phlegm Syndrome
Wind-phlegm syndrome presents with dizziness and nausea.
The tongue is pale with a white coating, and the pulse is slippery.
Heat-Phlegm Syndrome
Heat-phlegm syndrome presents with cough and fever.
The tongue is red with a yellow coating, and the pulse is rapid.
Cold-Phlegm Syndrome
Cold-phlegm syndrome presents with cough and clear sputum.
The tongue is pale with a white coating, and the pulse is slow.
Dry-Phlegm Syndrome
Dry-phlegm syndrome presents with dry cough and chest pain.
The tongue is red with little moisture, and the pulse is thin.
Damp-Phlegm Syndrome
Damp-phlegm syndrome presents with cough and sputum.
The tongue is pale with a white coating, and the pulse is slippery.
Fluid Accumulation Syndrome
Fluid accumulation syndrome presents with abdominal distension and discomfort.
The tongue is pale with a white coating, and the pulse is slippery.
External Pathogenic Heat Disease Treatment
External pathogenic heat diseases are treated with herbs such as Ma Huang (Ephedra) and Jing Jie (Schizonepeta).
Cold-damp conditions are treated with Huo Xiang (Agastache) and Zheng Qi Pian (Standard Qi Pills).
Dry heat conditions are treated with Sang Ye (Mulberry Leaf) and Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel).
Internal heat conditions are treated with Bai Hu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) and Long Dan Cao (Gentian).
Heat accumulation in the intestines is treated with San Wu Bei Mu Guo (Three-Ingredient Decoction).
Kidney and Bladder diseases are treated with herbs such as Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pills) and Ba Zheng San (Eight Herb Powder).
Wind-heat conditions are treated with Sang Ju Yin (Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Decoction) and Yin Qiao San (Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder).
Wind-cold conditions are treated with Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) and Xiao Feng San (Wind Dispelling Powder).
Phlegm conditions are treated with Er Chen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction) and Bei Mu Guo (Fritillaria Decoction).
Heat conditions are treated with Bai Hu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) and Long Dan Cao (Gentian).
Emotional disturbances are treated with Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer) and Gan Mai Da Zao Tang (Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Decoction).