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The concepts of Yin-Yang, Exterior-Interior, Deficiency-Excess, Cold-Heat are collectively referred to as the “Eight Principles” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Among these, Exterior, Excess, and Heat are associated with Yang; while Interior, Deficiency, and Cold are associated with Yin. The term “Eight Principles” is not found in the “Huangdi Neijing” (Inner Canon of Huangdi), but was summarized by later practitioners based on TCM classics and practices.
The “Suwen: On the Correspondence of Yin and Yang” states: “Yin and Yang are the principles of all things, the parents of change.” Therefore, Yin and Yang should not lose their status as the “principles” and “parents” here. Yin and Yang serve as both “parents” and one of the Eight Principles, creating a disordered hierarchy that is inconsistent with the theory. Ascending and descending are important concepts in TCM, and should be integrated with Yin-Yang, Exterior-Interior, Deficiency-Excess, Cold-Heat to form the Eight Principles, with Yin-Yang governing the Eight Principles—Exterior, Interior, Deficiency, Excess, Cold, Heat, Ascending, and Descending.
1. The Significance and Status of Ascending and Descending
The “I Ching: Commentary on the Hexagrams” states: “Those that gather and rise are called ascending… those that are trapped and rise must descend…” The “Suwen: On the Movement of the Five Elements” states: “In discussing the movement and stillness of heaven and earth, the spirit is the measure. The ascending and descending of Yin and Yang, and the manifestations of cold and heat are their signs.” This indicates that ascending and descending are inherent phenomena in the universe. “The Emperor asked: How is the ascending and descending?… Qibo replied: When it ascends, it descends; the descending is heaven; when it descends, it ascends; the ascending is earth. The qi of heaven descends, and the qi of earth ascends. Therefore, the high and low call to each other, and the ascending and descending are interdependent, thus transformation occurs.” (Suwen: On the Subtlety of the Six) The ascending and descending of the weather and earth qi exist, and in the human life between heaven and earth, the human body’s qi and blood also have ascending and descending. “Qibo said: According to ancient practices, the first knowledge is the needle classics, verified by the present, the first knowledge of the cold and warmth of the sun and moon, to observe the floating and sinking of qi, and adjust it to the body, observing its standing has verification.” (Suwen: On the Eight Correct Spirits) Here, floating and sinking are synonymous with ascending and descending. It can be seen that “ascending and descending” holds equal importance and status as “Deficiency-Excess, Cold-Heat”.
The “Neijing” states: “If the entrance and exit are neglected, the spirit’s mechanism will perish; if ascending and descending cease, the qi will stand alone and be precarious. Without entrance and exit, there is no growth, aging, or decline; without ascending and descending, there is no growth, transformation, or storage. Therefore, there is no entrance and exit, and no ascending and descending.” (Suwen: On the Subtlety of the Six) This shows the universality and importance of ascending and descending.
Famous physician Li Dongyuan from the Southern Song and Jin-Yuan dynasties believed that ascending and descending are one of the main forms of movement in nature. He said: “The classics say that before the half-year mark, the weather governs it, which is about ascending and floating… After the half-year mark, the earth qi governs it, which is about descending and sinking… Ascending and descending, like a ring without end, transform all things.” (On the Spleen and Stomach: The Principles of Life and Death in Heaven and Earth are in the Ascending and Descending Floating and Sinking) Late Qing physician Tang Zonghai said: “Blood is generated in the heart fire and stored in the liver; qi is generated in the kidney water and ascends to the lung; the one that moves up and down is the spleen.” (On Blood Syndromes: The Theory of Yin, Yang, Water, Fire, Qi, and Blood) This means that the heart and kidney, one descends and one ascends, the movement and transformation hinge on the spleen.
The twelve regular meridians and eight extraordinary vessels in the human body, except for the belt vessel, all have an up-and-down orientation; naturally, the meridian qi also runs up and down. The three Yin meridians of the hand run from the chest to the hand, the three Yang meridians of the hand run from the hand to the head, the three Yang meridians of the foot run from the head to the foot, and the three Yin meridians of the foot run from the foot to the chest. The pattern of meridian qi running up and down inevitably forms the main form of qi and blood movement as ascending and descending.
In the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, “ascending and descending” holds equal importance and status as “Deficiency-Excess, Cold-Heat, Exterior-Interior”. This is something that practitioners must not overlook.
2. Ascending and Descending in Diagnosis
The “Suwen: On Pain” states: “I know that all diseases arise from qi; anger causes qi to rise… fear causes qi to descend…” The ascending and descending of qi is related to all diseases. “Thus it is said: Yang diseases ascend to the extreme and then descend; Yin diseases descend to the extreme and then ascend.” (Suwen: On the Great Yin and Yang)
“Thus, if the upper is victorious, then the weather qi descends; if the lower is victorious, then the earth qi ascends, with differences in quantity; the slight ones are small differences, the severe ones are large differences, and the most severe can change positions and qi interchange, leading to great changes and diseases.” (Suwen: On the Great Principles of the Six) This means that the ascending and descending of qi must be maintained within a certain range to benefit the normal operation of the human body; if the ascending and descending are excessive, then “disease arises.” As the saying goes, “ascending and descending must be kept constant; if not, disasters will come.” (Suwen: On the Subtlety of the Six)
The “Pulse Classic: On Diagnosing Life and Death” states: “If cold qi attacks upwards, the pulse is full and smooth, it is life; if full and reverse, it is death.” The “Pulse Classic” also states: “The Shaoyin pulse is floating and moving; floating indicates deficiency, moving indicates pain; for women, it indicates a miscarriage.” (Cold in the Yin, Running Yin, Causing Sores and Miscarriage)
From the above texts, it can be seen that clarifying ascending and descending is an indispensable part of grasping the disease mechanism in diagnosis; without this, it is difficult to make a correct diagnosis.
In the commentary on the pulse’s coming and going, it is said: “The coming is from the division of bones and flesh, and exits at the skin; the qi ascends and goes up. The going is from the skin and flesh, and returns to the bones and flesh; the qi descends and goes down… Therefore, the coming and going, entrance and exit are the key points of the pulse.” (“Medical Classics: Commentary on the Treatise on Cold Damage”)
The ascending and descending of qi is an indispensable indicator in diagnosing certain diseases, such as the diagnosis of “Bengtuqi” disease, “The master said: Bengtu disease arises from the lower abdomen, rushing up to the throat, causing a desire to die, then returning to stop, all caused by fright.” (Jinkui Yaolue: Bengtuqi) Without the ascending of qi, it cannot be diagnosed as this disease. Similarly, “Stomach qi leaks down, Yin blows and causes disturbance; this is the excess of grain qi.” (Pulse Classic: Cold in the Yin, Running Yin, Causing Sores and Miscarriage) Without the descending of qi, it cannot be diagnosed as Yin blowing.
Li Dongyuan said: “If one follows the seasonal qi, adjusts their daily activities to avoid cold and heat… and does not have a bias, then they will be safe. Otherwise, it will damage the spleen and stomach, causing true qi to leak down, or descend and not be able to rise for a long time, leading to autumn and winter without spring and summer, which is for growth, falling into the qi of destruction, causing all diseases to arise; or rising for a long time without descending is also a disease.” (On the Spleen and Stomach: The Principles of Life and Death in Heaven and Earth are in the Ascending and Descending Floating and Sinking)
Famous physician Zhu Danxi from the Yuan dynasty said when discussing dizziness: “Phlegm and fluids follow the qi upwards, lurking in the Yang meridians, moving when encountering fire.” (On the Treatment of Phlegm: Dizziness) He also said: “The pulse emerges at the fish border, reverse qi causes shortness of breath… If shortness of breath and cough occur, the pulse is rapid, and one cannot lie down, it is death.” It can be seen that Danxi also placed great importance on ascending and descending in diagnosing diseases.
In TCM diagnosis, there are often terms like “Clear Yang does not ascend, turbid Yin does not descend,” “Middle qi sinks,” “Liver Yang is hyperactive,” “Damp-Heat descends,” etc., all of which are specific applications of the theory of ascending and descending.
3. Ascending and Descending in Treatment
In the process of treating diseases, if ascending and descending are neglected, it is difficult to grasp the disease mechanism and carry out effective treatment.
The “Treatise on Cold Damage” states: “If the disease arises from Yang, and one counteracts it downwards, heat enters and causes chest obstruction; if the disease arises from Yin, and one counteracts it downwards, it causes distension. Therefore, the formation of chest obstruction is due to descending too early.” If fever and aversion to cold arise from Yang, one should induce sweating. If one instead uses purgatives, heat will enter the chest and combine with water to form chest obstruction; if there is no fever and aversion to cold, it arises from Yin, one should warm and tonify; if one instead purges, it will damage the stomach Yang, causing turbid evil to rise, forming distension.
The “Treatise on Cold Damage” states: “If sweating does not resolve, and there is abdominal fullness and pain, one should urgently purge; Da Chengqi Decoction is appropriate.” Abdominal fullness and pain indicate dry stool; after sweating from cold damage, fullness and pain worsen, indicating a heavier dry accumulation, thus urgent purging is necessary.
The “Treatise on Cold Damage” states: “In cases of chest obstruction, if the pulse is floating and large, one must not purge; purging will lead to death.” A floating and large pulse indicates a significant loss of righteous qi; pressing down will yield nothing, indicating a tendency for righteous qi to escape; attacking downwards will lead to death.
The “Treatise on Cold Damage” states: “If the disease resembles the Gui Zhi syndrome… qi rushes up to the chest, causing difficulty in breathing; this indicates cold phlegm stagnating in the chest, obstructing the ascending and descending of qi, and expelling it will lead to recovery.”
The “Pulse Classic” states: “In cases of Taiyang disease, if one purges, qi will rush up; it can be treated with Gui Zhi Decoction, but if it does not rush, it cannot be treated with it.”
It can be seen that in the treatment of diseases, whether to ascend or descend is crucial; whether to induce vomiting or purge is a matter of life and death.
Late Qing physician Tang Zonghai said: “In treating diseases, one must suppress the upper, ensuring that qi does not ascend; thus blood does not overflow, descending lung qi, following stomach qi, and receiving kidney qi; when qi descends, blood descends.” (On Blood Syndromes: On the Use of Medicine) He also said: “Although there are many methods to stop bleeding, none is more important than descending qi.” (On Blood Syndromes: On Hemoptysis)
Modern physician Zhang Xichun placed particular emphasis on ascending and descending. In the preface of his book “Medical Records of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine,” he lists four prescriptions for “treating major qi descent”: Shengfan Decoction, Huaiyang Shengfan Decoction, Liyu Shengfan Decoction, and Xingpi Shengfan Decoction. In the section on “treating vomiting and hemoptysis,” he first lists five prescriptions with the word “descend,” such as Hanjiang Decoction, Wending Decoction, Qingjiang Decoction, etc., to stop bleeding by descending qi.
Modern physician Ding Guangdi’s book “The Compatibility and Application of Chinese Medicinal Herbs” includes a section titled “From Ascending and Descending Floating and Sinking to Discuss the Compatibility of Medicinal Herbs,” listing eighteen principles such as “Ascending and Descending Qi Mechanism,” “Ascending and Descending Spleen and Stomach,” “Ascending Water and Descending Fire,” and “Ascending and Descending Interdependence,” repeatedly discussing the methods of treating diseases through ascending and descending.
In Li Dongyuan’s “On the Spleen and Stomach,” there is a case: “Shu Pan Bai Wenju, aged sixty-two, has a history of spleen and stomach deficiency; eye disease occurs from time to time, with yellowing of the body and face, and urination that is sometimes yellow and sometimes white, with irregular bowel movements… By mid-June, the eye disease recurred, and the doctor used a liver-purging powder to purge several times, but the previous disease worsened… The prescription of Qing Shen Yi Qi Decoction was used, and he recovered.” Qing Shen Yi Qi Decoction (Fu Ling, Sheng Ma, Ze Xie, Cang Zhu, Fang Feng, Sheng Jiang) contains Sheng Ma and Fang Feng to ascend clear qi, and Fu Ling and Ze Xie to descend turbid qi. Ascending clear and descending turbid is especially important for those with spleen and stomach deficiency.
In practice, just as one must carefully differentiate “Deficiency-Excess, Cold-Heat, Exterior-Interior,” one must also carefully differentiate “Ascending-Descending (Floating-Sinking).” For example, in diarrhea due to middle qi descent, one should uplift middle qi using Bu Zhong Yi Qi Decoction (or pills); if one only uses cold, bitter, and descending substances, it will have the opposite effect. Whether to ascend or descend must be correctly grasped. I once encountered a patient who usually had hyperactive liver Yang and high blood pressure; after catching a cold and developing a fever, the physician used Chai Hu injection to reduce the fever. Chai Hu has a nature of promoting upward movement, which further ascended the hyperactive liver Yang. Soon, the patient’s face turned red, sweating profusely, lips curled, eyes wide open, and dizziness occurred. Following Zhang Xichun’s method of descending the counterflow, I used Zhi Shi and Shao Yao to rescue him, and he was stabilized.
In summary, replacing “ascending and descending” with “Yin-Yang” and integrating it with Exterior-Interior, Deficiency-Excess, Cold-Heat to form the “Eight Principles,” with Yin-Yang as the commander, is beneficial for understanding, mastering, and applying TCM theory. It also aids in the correct use of Chinese medicine, as ascending and descending are also important attributes of many Chinese herbs.
Appendix: Key Insights on Eight Principles Differentiation
The general principles of Eight Principles differentiation: All diseases have different causes.
Organ differentiation is the core; qi, blood, and body fluids must be clearly differentiated.
For exterior heat diseases, differentiation of levels is essential to judge the disease’s syndrome type.
Eight Principles Differentiation – Exterior Syndrome
Exterior syndrome is caused by evil invading the muscle surface, with symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, and body aches.
Fever, aversion to cold, presence or absence of sweating, cough with white tongue coating, and floating pulse.
Interior Syndrome
Interior syndrome is either transmitted from the exterior or arises internally, with the disease located deep within.
Organ, qi, blood, and body fluid diseases belong to the interior; all non-exterior syndromes are included.
Cold Syndrome
Cold syndrome is caused by the invasion of cold evil, with Yang deficiency and Yin excess leading to internal cold.
Aversion to cold, preference for warmth, cold limbs, pale complexion, and clear diarrhea.
Preference for warm drinks, white and slippery tongue coating, and tight pulse.
Heat Syndrome
Heat syndrome is caused by the invasion of heat evil or results from Yang excess and Yin deficiency.
Restlessness, thirst, preference for cold drinks, fever, preference for coolness, and a red face.
Constipation, red and yellow tongue coating, and rapid pulse.
Deficiency Syndrome
Deficiency syndrome indicates insufficient righteous qi, leading to low resistance to disease.
Thin body, fatigue, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, dizziness, and palpitations.
Spontaneous sweating, loose stools, pale and tender tongue, and weak and thin pulse.
Excess Syndrome
Excess syndrome indicates the presence of excess evil qi, with righteous qi not yet weakened.
Rough breathing, long speech, fullness and pain in the chest and abdomen, and resistance to pressure.
Heat, restlessness, constipation, red and thick tongue coating, and strong pulse.
Yin Syndrome
Yin syndrome indicates closed eyes, shyness to light, quietness, reluctance to speak, and weak energy.
Preference for warmth, aversion to cold, cold limbs, spontaneous diarrhea, and clear urination.
Pale tongue, white coating, and slow pulse.
Yang Syndrome
Yang syndrome indicates open eyes, desire to see light, restlessness, and excessive speech.
Strong heat, aversion to cold, thirst for cold drinks, constipation, red face.
Red tongue, yellow coating, and rapid pulse.
Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Yin deficiency syndrome indicates thin body, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and throat.
Red cheeks, red lips, tidal fever, and night sweats.
Thin and rapid pulse, red tongue with little coating.
Yang Deficiency Syndrome
Yang deficiency syndrome indicates fatigue, low energy, and cold limbs.
Aversion to cold, pale complexion, pale tongue, and slow pulse.
Loss of Yin
Loss of Yin indicates depletion of Yin fluids, with excessive sweating and warm hands and feet.
Thirst, preference for cold drinks, weak pulse, and rapid breathing.
Loss of Yang
Loss of Yang indicates depletion of Yang qi, with excessive sweating and cold limbs.
Pale tongue, weak pulse, and low energy.
Diagnosis of Six Floating Diseases
Wind-cold causes fever, aversion to wind, throat itching, cough, and headache.
Wind-cold disease syndrome.
Bitterness on the tongue, thin white coating, floating and slow pulse; wind rash may appear intermittently.
Or skin itching without a fixed location, or wandering joint pain.
Cold Evil Disease Syndrome
Exterior cold causes fever, aversion to cold, no sweating, and pain in the head and body.
Thin white tongue coating, floating and tight pulse; direct vomiting and diarrhea may occur with abdominal cold pain.
Heat Evil Disease Syndrome
(1) Heat Stroke
Heat stroke causes high fever, thirst, sweating, headache, rough breathing, and shortness of breath.
Red tongue, yellow coating, and rapid pulse; may lead to convulsions or unconsciousness.
(2) Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion causes sudden dizziness, chest tightness, nausea, and vomiting.
Dry mouth, thirst, fatigue, and excessive sweating; may lead to fainting or convulsions.
Damp Evil Disease Syndrome
Dampness causes heaviness in the head and fatigue, with poor urination and a bland taste in the mouth.
Chest tightness, poor appetite, abdominal distension, and joint pain.
White greasy tongue coating, slow pulse; may lead to edema or gynecological issues.
Dry Evil Disease Syndrome
(1) Cool Dryness
Cool dryness causes aversion to cold, heat without sweating, headache, and no thirst.
Pale tongue, white coating, and floating pulse; nasal congestion and cough with little phlegm.
(2) Warm Dryness
Warm dryness causes fever, slight aversion to cold, dry throat, and thirst.
Red tongue, yellow coating, and rapid pulse; dry cough with thick phlegm.
Heat syndrome causes strong heat, aversion to heat, thirst, and dry stools.
Red tongue, yellow coating, and rapid pulse; may lead to vomiting or blood in stools.
Diagnosis of Seven Emotions
Joy damages the heart qi, leading to disorientation and confusion.
Spirit confusion, erratic behavior, incoherent speech, and weak pulse.
Anger Damage Syndrome
Excessive anger damages liver qi, causing dizziness and red face.
Severe cases may lead to fainting or vomiting blood; after anger, emotions may be suppressed.
Chest and flank fullness, wiry pulse, and irritability.
Worry Damage Syndrome
Excessive worry damages lung and spleen, leading to fatigue and low energy.
Poor appetite, loose stools, weak pulse, and cough with clear phlegm.
Thought Damage Syndrome
Excessive thinking damages heart and spleen, leading to poor appetite and loose stools.
Insomnia, forgetfulness, palpitations, and thin pulse.
Sadness Damage Syndrome
Excessive sadness consumes heart and lung qi, leading to low spirits and frequent crying.
Pale complexion, weak pulse, and low energy.
Fear Damage Syndrome
Fear damages heart and kidney qi, leading to anxiety and restlessness.
Involuntary urination, weak pulse, and low energy.
Shock Damage Syndrome
Shock disrupts heart qi, leading to panic and confusion.
Erratic behavior, chaotic pulse, and inability to speak.
Organ Differentiation – Heart Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Heart Yin deficiency syndrome indicates palpitations and irritability, with insomnia and vivid dreams.
Red tongue with little coating, thin and rapid pulse, yellow urine, and constipation.
Heart Blood Deficiency Syndrome
Heart blood deficiency syndrome indicates palpitations and anxiety, with insomnia and forgetfulness.
Pale tongue, weak pulse, and pale complexion.
Heart Qi Deficiency Syndrome
Heart qi deficiency syndrome indicates palpitations and fatigue, with spontaneous sweating.
Weak pulse, pale tongue, and low energy.
Heart Yang Deficiency Syndrome
Heart yang deficiency syndrome indicates palpitations and cold limbs, with spontaneous sweating.
Weak pulse, pale tongue, and low energy.
Heart Fire Upward Flare
Heart fire upward flare indicates palpitations and irritability, with mouth sores and difficulty sleeping at night.
Red tongue, yellow coating, and rapid pulse.
Heart Blood Stasis
Heart blood stasis indicates palpitations and pain, with severe pain and cold limbs.
Dark red tongue with stasis points, thin and rough pulse.
Phlegm Obstructing the Heart Orifice
Phlegm obstructing the heart orifice indicates confusion and dullness, with a dazed expression.
Slippery pulse, pale tongue with white greasy coating, and phlegm in the throat.
Phlegm Fire Disturbing the Heart
Phlegm fire disturbing the heart indicates confusion and erratic behavior, with unpredictable emotions.
Yellow greasy tongue coating, rapid pulse, and red face.
Small Intestine Heat Syndrome
Small intestine heat syndrome indicates heat in the heart, with irritability and red face.
Red tongue, yellow coating, and rapid pulse; may lead to painful urination.
Small Intestine Qi Pain
Small intestine qi pain indicates distension and pain, with intermittent and persistent symptoms.
White slippery tongue coating, wiry pulse; may worsen with heat and improve with cold.
Liver Qi Stagnation
Liver qi stagnation indicates fullness and pain in the chest and flank, with emotional distress.
Wiry pulse, emotional instability, and menstrual irregularities.
Liver Fire Upward Flare
Liver fire upward flare indicates red eyes and irritability, with headaches and dizziness.
Red tongue, yellow coating, and rapid pulse; may lead to constipation.
Liver Yin Deficiency
Liver yin deficiency indicates dry eyes and irritability, with five hearts feeling hot.
Red tongue, thin pulse, and bitter taste in the mouth.
Liver Blood Deficiency
Liver blood deficiency indicates dizziness and pale complexion, with menstrual irregularities.
Pale tongue, thin pulse, and weak energy.
Liver Yang Hyperactivity
Liver yang hyperactivity indicates irritability and headaches, with red face and rapid pulse.
Red tongue, yellow coating, and rapid pulse; may lead to insomnia.
Liver Yang Transforming into Wind
Liver yang transforming into wind indicates dizziness and tremors, with unsteady gait.
Red tongue, wiry pulse, and may lead to fainting or stroke.
Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat
Liver and gallbladder damp-heat indicates yellowing of the skin and eyes, with nausea and vomiting.
Yellow greasy tongue coating, rapid pulse, and may lead to jaundice.
Gallbladder Qi Stagnation
Gallbladder qi stagnation indicates fullness and pain in the chest and flank, with nausea and vomiting.
Yellow greasy tongue coating, rapid pulse, and may lead to emotional distress.
Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Syndrome
Spleen qi deficiency indicates fatigue and low energy, with poor appetite and loose stools.
Pale tongue, weak pulse, and may lead to bleeding disorders.
Spleen Yang Deficiency Syndrome
Spleen yang deficiency indicates cold limbs and fatigue, with poor appetite and loose stools.
Pale tongue, slow pulse, and may lead to abdominal distension.
Spleen Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Spleen yin deficiency indicates irritability and fatigue, with poor appetite and weight loss.
Red tongue, thin pulse, and may lead to dry stools.
Cold Dampness Obstructing the Spleen
Cold dampness obstructing the spleen indicates heaviness in the head and body, with poor appetite and loose stools.
Pale tongue, white coating, and slow pulse; may lead to abdominal distension.
Damp-Heat Accumulating in the Spleen
Damp-heat accumulating in the spleen indicates yellowing of the skin and eyes, with nausea and vomiting.
Yellow greasy tongue coating, rapid pulse, and may lead to jaundice.
Stomach Yin Deficiency
Stomach yin deficiency indicates dry mouth and throat, with burning pain in the stomach.
Red tongue, thin pulse, and may lead to poor appetite.
Food Stagnation in the Stomach
Food stagnation in the stomach indicates sour belching and abdominal pain.
Thick greasy tongue coating, slippery pulse, and may lead to nausea.
Cold Evil Invading the Stomach
Cold evil invading the stomach indicates sudden severe pain, worsening with cold and improving with warmth.
Pale tongue, tight pulse, and may lead to vomiting.
Stomach Fire Excess
Stomach fire excess indicates burning pain and thirst, with a preference for cold drinks.
Red tongue, yellow coating, and rapid pulse; may lead to constipation.
Lung Qi Deficiency Syndrome
Lung qi deficiency indicates low voice and shortness of breath, with weak cough and clear phlegm.
Pale tongue, weak pulse, and may lead to frequent colds.
Lung Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Lung yin deficiency indicates dry throat and cough, with tidal fever and night sweats.
Red tongue, thin pulse, and may lead to dry cough.
Wind-Cold Binding the Lung
Wind-cold binding the lung indicates aversion to cold and no sweating, with heaviness in the head and body.
Thin white tongue coating, tight pulse, and may lead to cough with clear phlegm.
Wind-Heat Invading the Lung
Wind-heat invading the lung indicates fever and cough, with sore throat and thirst.
Red tongue, yellow coating, and rapid pulse; may lead to thick phlegm.
Lung Dryness Cough
Lung dryness cough indicates dry throat and cough, with fever and chest pain.
Red tongue, thin pulse, and may lead to dry cough with blood-streaked phlegm.
Heat Evil Obstructing the Lung
Heat evil obstructing the lung indicates fever and cough, with chest pain and difficulty breathing.
Red tongue, yellow coating, and rapid pulse; may lead to thick phlegm.
Phlegm Turbidity Obstructing the Lung
Phlegm turbidity obstructing the lung indicates cough and shortness of breath, with clear phlegm.
White greasy tongue coating, slippery pulse, and may lead to chest tightness.
Large Intestine Cold-Dampness
Large intestine cold-dampness indicates rumbling in the intestines and abdominal pain.
White slippery tongue coating, slow pulse, and may lead to diarrhea.
Large Intestine Damp-Heat
Large intestine damp-heat indicates abdominal pain and urgency, with blood and pus in stools.
Red tongue, yellow coating, and rapid pulse; may lead to fever.
Intestinal Abscess
Intestinal abscess indicates damp-heat accumulating in the intestines, with pain in the right lower abdomen.
Red tongue, yellow coating, and rapid pulse; may lead to rebound tenderness.
Kidney Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Kidney yin deficiency indicates weakness in the lower back and knees, with dizziness and irritability.
Red tongue, thin pulse, and may lead to night sweats.
Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome
Kidney yang deficiency indicates weakness in the lower back and knees, with cold limbs and fatigue.
Pale tongue, slow pulse, and may lead to frequent urination.
Kidney Qi Instability
Kidney qi instability indicates weakness in the lower back and knees, with premature ejaculation and dizziness.
Pale tongue, weak pulse, and may lead to frequent urination.
Kidney Not Containing Qi
Kidney not containing qi indicates weakness in the lower back and knees, with fatigue and spontaneous sweating.
Pale tongue, weak pulse, and may lead to shortness of breath.
Kidney Water Overflowing
Kidney water overflowing indicates weakness in the lower back and knees, with dizziness and cold limbs.
Pale tongue, slippery pulse, and may lead to edema.
Kidney Essence Deficiency
Kidney essence deficiency indicates weakness in the lower back and knees, with developmental delays and premature aging.
Pale tongue, weak pulse, and may lead to infertility.
Bladder Yang Deficiency
Bladder yang deficiency indicates cold limbs and frequent urination, with clear urine.
Pale tongue, slow pulse, and may lead to incontinence.
Bladder Damp-Heat
Bladder damp-heat indicates urgency and burning pain during urination.
Red tongue, yellow coating, and rapid pulse; may lead to fever.
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A Set of Differentiation Methods That Are Easy for Beginners to Understand and Master
A Set of Differentiation Methods That Are Easy for Beginners to Understand and Master
One-Eye Disease Recognition Method: 81 One-Eye Differentiation Methods
Three Yang of Cold Damage: 64 Questions on Heat Disease (Differentiation Ideas for Three Yang Heat Syndromes)
The Most Comprehensive Online Resource: Comprehensive Differentiation Methods for Eight Principles, Six Meridians, and Sanjiao
Systematic and Organized Learning: Tabular Differentiation of Organ Systems
In One Sentence, Teach You “Menstrual Differentiation” (Gynecological Master)
What Exactly is Differentiation? Have You Clarified It?
Hao Wanshan: Classic Formulas for Treating Schizophrenia, Focus on Differentiating Yangming
Detailed Observation of Symptoms, Missing No Details – Famous Physicians’ Fine Differentiation
Liuchengbin: Differentiation and Medication for the Five Organs and Six Bowels
Blue Vein Diagnosis Method: Illustrated Diagnosis of Common Blue Veins in the Human Body
New Edition: Rearranged Treatise on Cold Damage (Differentiation Text Version)
Organ Differentiation Song + 150 Must-Memorize Formulas (Even If You Don’t Want to Memorize, Save It Well)
Taiwan TCM: List of the Four Most Commonly Used Differentiation Methods
Shortcut to Differentiation: Five Quick Differentiation Tables for You
The Most Systematic Explanation: Eight Principles Differentiation
Secret Methods Left by Ancient Physicians: Quick Differentiation Methods (Including Six Meridian Quick Methods and Miscellaneous Disease Quick Methods)
Cold Damage Great Gift: Direct Explanation of Cold Damage Differentiation
This Article Covers Tongue Signs – Differentiation – Medication (All Three Aspects)
Learning Differentiation: One Disease Can Be Treated Effectively with Four Differentiation Methods
Various Diseases Differentiation and Medication – The Advantages of Academic TCM: Systematic, Comprehensive, and Standardized
Cold Damage: Outline of Six Meridian Differentiation, Classic Summary
Differentiation of Appetite in the Treatise on Cold Damage
Systematic and Standardized “Five Organs Differentiation”
Essence of Differentiation: Discussion on Cold Damage “Small Urine”
Revealing the Secret Methods of Renowned TCM Practitioners: Differentiation and Diagnosis Techniques
Six Meridian Differentiation Simplified and Condensed Version (Intensive Reading)
Gynecological Four Diagnostic Methods, Comprehensive Explanation of Gynecological Differentiation
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