Heat reversal

A reversal pattern that occurs in generalized heat and headache and that is attributable to overexuberant evil depressing yáng qì and preventing its warming force from reaching the extremities. Its features are clouded spirit, reversal cold of the limbs, and a sunken or hidden pulse that is slippery under pressure. There may be aversion to heat, thirst with desire for fluids, flailing of the arms and legs, vexation and agitation, insomnia, scorching (palpable) heat in the chest and abdomen, constipation and reddish urine.

Medicinal therapy: Diffuse depressed heat. Use Counterflow Cold Powder (四逆散 sì nì sǎn) for mild patterns and White Tiger Decoction (白虎汤 bái hǔ tāng), Major Qì-Coordinating Decoction (大承气汤 dà chéng qì tāng), or Diaphragm-Cooling Powder (凉膈散 liáng gé sǎn) for severe patterns.

Acumoxatherapy: Base treatment mainly on ST, LI, and KI. Select LI-4 (Union Valley, 合谷 hé gǔ), LI-11 (Pool at the Bend, 曲池 qū chí), GV-14 (Great Hammer, 大椎 dà zhuī), KI-3 (Great Ravine, 太溪 tài xī), ST-44 (Inner Court, 内庭 nèi tíng), ST-43 (Sunken Valley, 陷谷 xiàn gǔ), and KI-1 (Gushing Spring, 湧泉 yǒng quán). Needle with drainage, and prick the Ten Diffusing Points (十宣 shí xuān) to bleed.

See reversal pattern; yáng reversal.