Chinese Medicine Dictionary

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There are 339 terms starting with "L"

lack of strength

A sign of qi vacuity.

lack of strength in the lumbus and knees

Synonyms: limp lumbus and knees.

lack of warmth in the extremities

Synonyms: cold extremities.

Mild cold in the extremities; a sign of general yang vacuity. Compare the more severe reversal cold of the extremities.

lacquer bite

Synonyms: lacquer sore.

lacquer sore

Synonyms: lacquer bite.

A sore attributed to contact with lacquer sudden redness, swelling, heat, and itching, papules and blisters that when ruptured by scratching exude water and leave an eroded wound. In severe cases, if it spreads over the whole body, generalized signs such as physical cold, heat~effusion, and headache are observed. Chinese lacquer is produced from Rhus verniciflua, which contains urushiol, a drastic skin-sensitizing agent that produces severe dermatitis in some people.

Medication: Use Macule-Transforming Toxin-Resolving Decoction or Coptis Toxin-Resolving Decoction plus lonicera (Lonicerae Flos), cicada molting (Cicadae Periostracum), schizonepeta (Schizonepetae Herba et Flos), and flavescent sophora (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix).

lacrimation

Also written as lachrymation. tearing.

lai

Synonyms: lai sore. Scab and lichen etc., that lead to hair loss on the affected area.

Leprosy.

lai great wind

Synonyms: pestilential wind.

lai scalp sore

Synonyms: bald white scalp sore.

lai sore

Synonyms: lai.

large intestinal cold bind

Constipation due to cold qi in the large intestine and accompanied by dull abdominal pain, bland taste in the mouth, white tongue with scant fur, and a stringlike sunken pulse.

Medication: Warm yang and free the stool. Use Pinellia and Sulfur Pill or Spleen-Warming Decoction. For pronounced abdominal coldpain, add cinnamon bark (Cinnamomi Cortex) and saussurea (Saussureae (seu Vladimiriae) Radix), to warm yang, rectify qi, and relieve pain

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on alarm, lower uniting, and back transport points of LI, and on CV and SP. Select BL-25 (Large Intestine Transport), ST-25 (Celestial Pivot), ST-37 (Upper Great Hollow), TB-6 (Branch Ditch), SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection), CV-4 (Pass

large intestinal cough

Cough occurring in bouts that cause involuntary loss of urine.

Medication: Use Center-Supplementing Qi-Boosting Decoction minus cimicifuga (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) and plus platycodon (Platycodonis Radix).

large intestinal damp-heat

Synonyms: damp-heat pouring down into the large intestine; downpour of damp-heat into the large intestine.

A disease pattern generally characterized by abdominal pain and diarrhea with ungratifying defecation and foul-smelling stool. An alternative pattern is dysentery characterized by frequent defecation and blood and pus in the stool, abdominal pain, tenesmus, and a burning sensation in the rectum. In both cases, general signs include heat~effusion, bitter taste in the mouth, and a slimy yellow tongue fur.

Medication: Clear heat and disinhibit dampness; resolve toxin. Use medicinals such as pulsatilla (Pulsatillae Radix), ash (Fraxini Cortex), coptis (Coptidis Rhizoma), scutellaria (Scutellariae Radix), phellodendron (Phellodendri Cortex), sanguisorba (Sanguisorbae Rad

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on LI and ST. Select BL-25 (Large Intestine Transport), LI-4 (Union Valley), LI-11 (Pool at the Bend), ST-25 (Celestial Pivot), ST-37 (Upper Great Hollow), and ST-44 (Inner Court); needle with drainage and add moxa.

large intestinal disease

Any morbidity of the large intestine. Large intestinal disease is attributable to evils such as heat, cold, stagnation, dampness, and wind, or to vacuity. Rumbling intestines or pain around the umbilicus, constipation or diarrhea, bloody stool or tenesmus with blood and pus in the stool, and prolapse of the rectum are signs of large intestinal disease.The main patterns are listed below. Large Intestinal Disease Patterns large intestinal vacuity cold large intestinal humor depletion large intestinal damp-heat large intestinal heat bind large intestinal cold bind

large intestinal distention

A distention pattern described in The Magic Pivot as follows: ``Large intestinal distention is rumbling intestines with pain. When cold evil is again contracted in winter, there is swill diarrhea containing untransformed food.'' Large intestinal distention may also be observed in distention disease patterns.

Medication: Add large intestine channel medicinals such as angelica (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), cimicifuga (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), scutellaria (Scutellariae Radix), and gypsum (Gypsum) to formulas for treating distention such as Magnolia Bark Center-Warming Decoction

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on alarm, back transport, and lower uniting points of LI, and on CV and ST. Select BL-25 (Large Intestine Transport), ST-25 (Celestial Pivot), ST-37 (Upper Great Hollow), CV-12 (Center Stomach Duct), CV-6 (Sea of Qi), PC-6 (Inner Pas

large intestinal heat bind

Evil heat in the large intestine causing the stool to become dry and hard; characterized by constipation, abdominal pain that refuses pressure, dry yellow tongue fur, and a sunken replete pulse. Large intestinal heat bind is seen in externally contracted heat (febrile) disease manifesting as yang brightness bowel repletion patterns (corresponding to qi-aspect patterns in the warm disease school).

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on alarm, back transport, and lower uniting points of LI, and on ST and LI. Select BL-25 (Large Intestine Transport), ST-25 (Celestial Pivot), ST-37 (Upper Great Hollow), LI-4 (Union Valley), LI-11 (Pool at the Bend), SP-14 (Abdomina

large intestinal humor depletion

Synonyms: intestinal humor depletion; large intestinal liquid depletion; large intestinal yin vacuity dryness bind.

A disease pattern of the large intestine caused by general lack of liquid and blood in the body. Large intestinal humor depletion is observed in postpartum blood vacuity, liquid depletion in the aged, and in enduring and severe diseases. It may also occur in externally contracted heat (febrile) disease prior to replenishment of the fluids. Signs comprise dry hard stool and difficult defecation. Generally, no pronounced abdominal distention or pain is observed. The patient is in a weak state of health.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on back transport points, SP, ST, and KI. Select BL-17 (Diaphragm Transport), BL-20 (Spleen Transport), BL-21 (Stomach Transport), BL-25 (Large Intestine Transport), SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection), ST-36 (Leg Three Li), and KI-6 (Shin

large intestinal vacuity

Large intestinal qi vacuity; characterized by enduring diarrhea, nontransformation of food, pale stool without malodor, rumbling intestines, and prolapse of the anus. It usually takes the form of large intestinal vacuity cold.

large intestinal vacuity cold

Vacuity cold affecting the large intestine's governing of conveyance. Large intestinal vacuity cold is usually associated with spleen-kidney yang vacuity, and is characterized thin diarrhea, reduced food intake, cold of the limbs, aching lumbus, aversion to cold, thin tongue fur, and a fine sunken pulse.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on alarm, back transport, lower uniting points of LI, and on CV and ST. Select BL-25 (Large Intestine Transport), ST-25 (Celestial Pivot), ST-37 (Upper Great Hollow), CV-12 (Center Stomach Duct), LR-13 (Camphorwood Gate), ST-36 (Leg

large intestinal welling-abscess

Welling-abscess of the large intestine; an intestinal welling-abscess characterized by pain at ST-25 (Celestial Pivot). See intestinal welling-abscess.

large intestinal yin vacuity dryness bind

Synonyms: large intestinal humor depletion.

large intestine

One of the six bowels; an organ that stands in exterior-interior relationship with the lung, and whose function is to receive waste passed down from the small intestine and then form it into stool before discharging it from the body. Thus, the large intestine is said to govern transformation and conveyance of waste. Since it absorbs further fluid from the waste, it is also said to govern liquid. Diseases of the large intestine commonly manifest as diarrhea, dry stool, or constipation. See large intestinal disease.

large intestine channel

Synonyms: hand yang brightness large intestine channel.

large intestine governs conveyance

Synonyms: large intestine holds the office of conveyance, whence mutation emanates.

large intestine governs liquid

The large intestine is said to govern liquid because it absorbs fluid from the food waste to form it into firm stool.

large intestine governs transformation and conveyance of waste

From Elementary Questions. The large intestine conveys waste downward and out of the body, transforming it into stool as it does so. See large intestine holds the office of conveyance, whence mutation emanates.

large intestine holds the office of conveyance, whence mutation emanates

From Elementary Questions. The large intestine takes the waste passed on from the small intestine, and conveys it downward to the anus, further transforming it as it does so. Statements such as large intestine governs transformation and conveyance of waste and large intestine governs conveyance derive from this.

large pulse

A broad pulse, i.e., the opposite of a fine pulse. Compare surging pulse.

laryngeal prominence

Adam's apple.

larynx

The lower part of the throat. Compare pharynx; throat.

lassitude of spirit and lack of strength

Synonyms: fatigued spirit and lack of strength.

Lack of mental vigor and physical strength. A principal sign of qi vacuity.

last flicker of the lamp

The final flaring of an oil lamp when, after the oil has run out, the flame burns briefly on the wick; a metaphor for the sudden brief regaining of vigor before death in certain critical conditions.

last radiance of the setting sun

A brief brightening of the sky after the sun's descent below the horizon; a metaphor for a sudden brief strengthening of the spirit before death; it means the same as last flicker of the lamp.

late afternoon tidal heat~effusion

Heat~effusion that becomes higher at the Late Afternoon watch, i.e., 3-5 p.m.; one form of postmeridian tidal heat~effusion.

late emergence

Latent qi warm disease. (1) A warm disease attributable to contraction of cold in the winter and emerging in the new year between Pure Brightness (5th solar term) and Summer Solstice (10th solar term). (2) Warm disease attributed to contraction of summerheat-damp in the summer that, after remaining latent in the interior, is made to emerge in the autumn by a newly contracted evil.

latent

Present but not visible or active.

latent qi

Any evil qi that remains latent in the body and that causes disease after some time.

latent qi warm disease

Any warm disease attributable to external evil that has lain latent and brewed in the interior for some time or internal heat that is made to emerge by a new contraction. Elementary Questions mentions such diseases in the following terms: ``Damage by cold in winter inevitably gives rise to warm disease in the spring.'' Latent qi warm disease differs from exterior patterns of initial contractions in that they are associated with pronounced signs of internal heat or transformation into dryness and scorching of yin, and manifest as qi or blood aspect patterns. Signs include a fine rapid pulse or a sunken rapid agitated pulse, a thick slimy tongue fur, or a red tongue without fur, reddish urine, thirst, and heat~effusion.

Medication: Clear interior heat, paying attention to the need to safeguard the fluids.

latent summerheat

A disease in the autumn attributable to summerheat-damp evil contracted in the summer lying latent in the body.

later han

The name of a dynasty ( 25--220).

later heaven

That in an individual's makeup which is determined after conception; the acquired constitution. Later heaven is considered to be governed by the spleen and stomach, which as the source of engendering transformation produce from food what is required for the growth of the body and maintenance of its activities.

later jin

The name of a dynasty (936--946 ).

later liang

The name of a dynasty (907--923 ).

later tang

The name of a dynasty (923--936 ).

later zhou

The name of a dynasty (951--960 ).

latrine bleeding

Bloody stool.

laziness to speak

Reduced frequency of speech and lack of vigor in enunciation reflecting general weakness due to qi vacuity.

leaking roof pulse

leaking sweat

One form of great sweating. Great sweating that results from inappropriate sweating treatment. On Cold Damage states, ``In greater yang disease, when sweat-effusing treatment causes incessant leaking of sweat, and causes the patient to have aversion to cold, difficult urination, and slight tension in the four limbs making stretching difficult, this is treated with Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus aconite (Aconiti Tuber Laterale).'' The term sweat leak was subsequently coined from this. Incessant leaking of sweat can lead to external desertion of yang qi and internal desertion of yin humor, causing short scant voidings of urine, hypertonicity, or even jerking sinews and twitching flesh; it is treated by supporting yang and securing the exterior using Cinnamon Twig Decoction Plus Aconite or True Warrior Decoction.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on LI, SI, and BL. Select LI-4 (Union Valley), SI-3 (Back Ravine), HT-6 (Yin Cleft), BL-13 (Lung Transport), GB-20 (Wind Pool), BL-64 (Capital Bone), BL-62 (Extending Vessel), and ST-36 (Leg Three Li); needle with supplementation and

leaky shoulder wind

Synonyms: fifty-year-old's shoulder; frozen shoulder.

Pain and reduced movement in the shoulder. Leaky shoulder wind is attributed to excessive fatigue creating vacuity that wind-cold exploits to enter the body; hence the name ``leaky shoulder wind.'' In accordance with the observation made in The Inner Canon that cold is associated with contracture and tautness, the wind-cold invades the sinews and vessels, causing qi and blood to stagnate; hence the popular English name ``frozen shoulder'' accords with the pathomechanism described by the Chinese. Since is most common in people of approximately 50 years old, it is often called fifty-year-olds' shoulder.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on three yang channels of the hand. Select LI-15 (Shoulder Bone), SI-9 (True Shoulder), LI-14 (Upper Arm), LI-11 (Pool at the Bend), LI-4 (Union Valley), and ST-38 (Ribbon Opening); needle with drainage. Selection of points according

lean cold gan

leaven

Synonyms: medicated leaven.

leg pain

Pain in the upper or lower leg. Leg pain is mostly attributable to wind-cold-damp and sometimes to damp-heat; less commonly, it is a sign of a damp phlegm streaming sore.

leg qi

A disease characterized by numbness, pain, limpness, and in some cases any of a variety of possible signs such as hypertonicity or swelling, withering, redness and swelling of the calf, heat~effusion, and in advanced stages by abstraction of spirit-mind, heart palpitations, panting, oppression in the chest, nausea and vomiting, and deranged speech. Leg qi arises when externally contracted damp evil and wind toxin or accumulating dampness due to damage by excessive consumption of rich food engenders heat and pours down into the legs. Chest and abdominal signs are attributed to leg qi surging into the heart.

Medication: Treat primarily by diffusing congestion and expelling dampness and secondarily by dispelling wind and clearing heat. Formulas such as Cockcrow Powder can be used. Different forms include damp leg qi, dry leg qi, cold-damp leg qi, damp phlegm leg qi, and l

leg qi attacking the heart

Synonyms: leg qi surging into the heart.

leg qi entering the heart

Synonyms: leg qi surging into the heart.

leg qi surging into the heart

Synonyms: leg qi attacking the heart; leg qi entering the heart.

Leg qi manifesting in heart palpitations, panting, nausea and vomiting, and, in severe cases, by abstraction and deranged speech. Leg qi surging into the heart is attributed to evil toxin ascending to attack the heart and chest.

Medication: When attributable to damp toxin attacking upward damaging yang, treat by warming yang and dissipating cold and by expelling dampness and discharging toxin with Evodia Decoction plus pinellia (Pinelliae Tuber), aconite (Aconiti Tuber Laterale), asarum (Asi

Acupuncture: Base treatment on SP, ST, and PC. Select PC-6 (Inner Pass), CV-14 (Great Tower Gate), PC-8 (Palace of Toil), ST-36 (Leg Three Li), SP-9 (Yin Mound Spring), KI-1 (Gushing Spring), and LU-5 (Cubit Marsh); needle with drainage. Selection of points according

leg-flexing intestinal welling-abscess

An intestinal welling-abscess attended by severe pain causing the patient to keep his leg bent.

leg-flexing streaming sore

A streaming sore occurring in the iliac fossa and causing hypertonicity of the sinews on the affected side that prevents movement and pain and discomfort that is partly relieved by flexing the leg; hence the name. A lump can be felt in the iliac fossa, which ripples under the fingers when pus has formed. There is no change in skin color. Other signs may include heat~effusion, aversion to cold, absence of sweating or presence of slight sweating, and reduced eating.

leg-hoisting sand

cholera cramps. Ú¯''±ø: eterm??sand}

leprosy

pestilential wind.

lesser abdomen

The lateral lower abdomen, i.e., sides of the smaller abdomen. The smaller abdomen.

lesser fire

From Elementary Questions. The healthy fire (i.e., yang qi) of the body that maintains life; it is distinct from vigorous fire, which is pathological fire. The lesser fire is probably so named because in a healthy body it is yang contained by yin.

lesser yang

The hand lesser yang triple burner and foot lesser yang gallbladder channels. ``Lesser'' implies the waning of yang. The lesser yang is between the greater yang and yang brightness ; hence it is said that the lesser yang is the pivot. The lesser yang has copious qi and scant blood.

lesser yang channel

Synonyms: midstage pattern.

lesser yang disease

Disease of the hand lesser yang triple burner and the foot lesser yang gallbladder channels. Because the lesser yang is located between the greater yang and yang brightness , lesser yang disease is often referred to as a midstage disease pattern. The essential signs are alternating heat~effusion and aversion to cold, chest and rib-side pain and fullness, bitter taste in the mouth, and vomiting. Other signs include no desire for food and drink, heart vexation, desire to vomit, dizzy vision, painful hard glomus under the rib-side, and a stringlike pulse. Lesser yang disease occurs when, owing to debilitation of right qi, an evil invades the body through the interstices and binds in the gallbladder, impeding qi dynamic and disrupting upbearing and downbearing. Bitter fullness in the chest and rib-side is explained by the lesser yang gallbladder channel that traverses this area. Alternating heat~effusion and aversion to cold are explained by the struggle between the evil and right. Heart vexation, bitter taste in the mouth, dry pharynx, dizzy vision, as well as vomiting and no desire for food and drink, are the result of gallbladder heat rising counterflow up the channel, disturbing the harmony and downbearing of stomach qi. A stringlike pulse is classically associated with the gallbladder. Lesser yang disease is different from greater yang and yang brightness, lying midway between the two. Greater yang disease can pass to both yang brightness and lesser yang. Lesser yang disease may resolve in an exterior pattern through a constant sweat, or may pass to the yang brightness to form an interior pattern. It may pass to the yin channels, causing vacuity patterns. Consequently, lesser yang disease is commonly termed a midstage pattern. However, it may occur in combination with an exterior pattern characterized by heat~effusion, aversion to cold, and vexing pain in the joints of the limbs, or with a yang brightness interior pattern characterized by abdominal fullness and constipation.

Medication: Lesser yang is treated by the method of harmonization and resolution. This involves outthrusting the evil and clearing the interior, and regulating qi dynamic, in accordance with the principle of supporting right and dispelling evil. The chief formula use

lesser yang headache

Headache occurring yin lesser yang disease in cold damage, i.e., attended by alternative heat~effusion and aversion to cold, and a rapid stringlike pulse. Headache on the pathway of the lesser yang , i.e., the corners of the head or temples.

Medication: Treat with Minor Bupleurum Decoction and variations. Use formulas with bupleurum (Bupleuri Radix) as the conductor.

Acupuncture: Select TB-4 (Yang Pool), GB-40 (Hill Ruins), GB-20 (Wind Pool), and GV-16 (Wind Mansion). Select Greater Yang, GB-8 (Valley Lead), TB-2 (Humor Gate), and GB-43 (Pinched Ravine).

lesser yin

The hand lesser yin heart and foot lesser yin kidney channels. ``Lesser'' implies a waning of yin qi. The lesser yin is said to have copious qi and scant blood. The lesser yin is located between the greater yin and reverting yin ; hence it is said ``lesser yin is the pivot.''

lesser yin channel

lesser yin disease

Disease of the foot lesser yin kidney channel and the hand lesser yin heart channel. Lesser yin disease arises when the heart and kidney are vacuous, and there is a marked drop in resistance to disease. It takes two different forms, vacuity cold and vacuity heat.

lesser yin headache

Headache attributed to cold evil invading the lesser yin . Lesser yin headache is attended by cold legs and qi counterflow, heart pain, vexation and oppression, and fine sunken pulse.

Medication: Warm the channels and dispel cold using formulas such as Ephedra, Aconite, and Asarum Decoction and variations.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on GV, KI, and CV. Select GV-20 (Hundred Convergences), BL-23 (Kidney Transport), CV-4 (Pass Head), GV-4 (Life Gate), KI-3 (Great Ravine), and KI-1 (Gushing Spring). Needle with supplementation and add moxa. For heart pain with vexat

lesser-abdominal pain

smaller-abdominal pain. Pain in the abdomen below the umbilicus on either the left, right or both sides. It is due to cold stagnating in the liver channel, binding depression of liver qi, large intestinal damp-heat or lower burner vacuity cold.

li

The large intestine or large intestine channel.

liang

Synonyms: tael.

A unit of weight traditionally equal to one sixteenth of a jin, now equal to 31.25~g. It is divided into 10 qian and 100 fen. See tables and, page.

liang

The name of a dynasty (502--557 ).

liao

The name of a dynasty (916--1125 ).

lichen

A skin disease characterized by elevation of the skin, serous discharge, scaling, and itching. Lichen is associated with wind, heat, and dampness. Lichen characterized by dryness and scaling of the skin is called dry lichen, whereas lichen that exudes a discharge is called damp lichen. A number of specific forms exist. An itchy lichen around the nail that causes it to lose its luster and become deformed is ashen nail. Lichen of the foot characterized by itching and scaling of the skin between the toes is traditionally called foot damp qi in Chinese medicine; in China, it is now commonly known as Hong Kong foot, and in the West as athlete's foot. Other forms of lichen include: coin lichen, characterized by clearly circumscribed red macules that often heal from the center; oxhide lichen, marked by thickening and hardening of the skin, like the skin on the neck of an ox; pine bark lichen, a scaling lichen that looks like pine bark; suckling lichen, a papular lichen in infants affecting the head and face and capable of spreading to other parts of the body; yin lichen is a lichen affecting the anterior and posterior yin, i.e., the anus and genitals, and surrounding areas and attributed to wind-heat-damp invading the skin. Furthermore, purple and white patch wind, goose-foot wind, bald scalp sore, and fat sore are also classified in some modern sources as lichen. Note: `Lichen' is here not to be confused with same term as used Western medicine.} blown blossom lichencoin lichen damp lichen fetal lichen oxhide lichen peach-blossom lichen pine bark lichen suckling lichen throat lichen wind lichen yin lichen yin vacuity throat lichen

life bar

One of the three bars of the finger.See infant's finger examination.

life fire

Synonyms: life gate fire.

life gate

A physiological entity of disputed morphological identity. The term ``life gate'' first appears in The Inner Canon, where it refers to the eyes. Reference to a ``life gate'' as an internal organ body first appears in The Classic of Difficult Issues, which states, ``The two kidneys are not both kidneys. The left one is the kidney, and the right is the life gate.'' The question of the life gate invited little discussion until the Ming and the Qing, when various different theories were put forward: a)~both kidneys contain the life gate; b)~the space between the kidneys is the life gate; c)~the life gate is the stirring qi between the kidneys; d)~the life gate is the root of original qi and the house of fire and water, e)~the life gate is the fire of earlier heaven or the true yang of the whole body; f)~the life gate is the gate of birth, i.e., in women the birth gate and in men the essence gate.

life gate fire

Synonyms: life fire.

The basic fire of life; kidney yang. The life gate lives within kidney yin, and is the basis of sexual and reproductive functions. It warms and nourishes the five viscera and six bowels, is intimately involved in growth, development, and aging. The spleen and stomach require the warming action of the life gate fire for the function of movement and transformation to be normal.

lifting and thrusting

A method of needle manipulation whereby after insertion the needle is retracted (but not removed from the body) and then thrust back to the depth of the original insertion. Lift the needle a short distance relative to the depth of the flesh at the point; then thrust back to the original depth. Keep the direction of insertion constant to avoid local pain and residual discomfort after needling. Keep the distance covered by this motion at 0.3--0.5 body-inches. Take care to avoid raising the needle too far and thus withdrawing the needle or thrusting it too deeply and going below the recommended needling depth. Use quick vigorous movements to drain, and gentle slow ones to supplement. According to one theory, a sharp thrust with a gentle lift supplements (as if pushing the qi in), whereas a sharp lift with a gentle thrust drains (as if pulling the qi out). A moderate lift and thrust produces even supplementation and drainage. See lifting and thrusting supplementation and drainage. Compare needle pounding.

lifting and thrusting supplementation and drainage

A method of achieving supplementation and drainage that involves varying the emphasis on lifting the needle (retracting without extracting) and re-thrusting the needle after insertion. Emphasis on thrusting supplements, whereas emphasis on lifting drains. In other words, vigorous thrusts followed by gentle lifts have a supplementing effect, whereas vigorous lifts followed by gentle thrusts have a draining effect. See needle manipulation technique; lifting and thrusting; heaven, human, and earth supplementation and drainage.

light formula

One of the ten formula types. A formula containing medicinals that are light in weight. Light medicinals can eliminate repletion, i.e., medicinals light in weight can be used to treat exterior repletion patterns. For example, Ephedra Decoction treats heat~effusion, aversion to cold, headache, generalized pain, lumbar and joint pain, thirst, absence of sweating, panting, and a tight floating pulse.

light medicinals can eliminate repletion

Medicinals that are light in weight, such as ephedra (Ephedrae Herba) and pueraria (Puerariae Radix) can be used to treat exterior repletion patterns in initial-stage wind-warmth.See light formula.

light stir-frying

Stir-frying of short duration to remove the moisture content of medicinal materials so that they are left dry, at least on the outer surface, but without producing any change in form or medicinal characteristics.

like cold

(Of pain and discomfort) to be relieved by the contact with cold objects or by ingestion of cold drinks. E.g., ``thirst with liking for cold things''.

like heat

(Of pain and discomfort) to be relieved by contact with hot objects or by ingestion of hot drinks. E.g., ``abdominal pain that likes heat.''

like pressure

(Of pain or discomfort, especially in the chest or abdomen) to be relieved by pressure; as sign of interior vacuity. Examples: ``abdominal pain that refuses pressure''; ``pain and distention in stomach duct and abdomen that refuses pressure.''

like treatment of unlike disease

Using a common method of treatment for different diseases (i.e., patterns). For example, vacuity cold diarrhea, prolapse of the rectum, or prolapse of the uterus are different disease (disease patterns), but when attributable to center qi fall, they may all be treated with Center-Supplementing Qi-Boosting Decoction. See determining treatment according to patterns principle of treatment. Compare unlike treatment of like disease.

liking for cool drinks

A preference for drinking cool or chilled fluids a sign of interior heat. It is treated by clearing heat and engendering liquid. Elementary Questions states, ``When yang is exuberant, there is heat in the outer body; when yin is vacuos, there us heat in the inner body. When there is heat in both the inner and out body, there is panting and thirst; hence a desire for cold drinks.

limb

An arm or leg.

limb joint pain

Pain in the joints of the limbs. Limb joint pain usually attributable to wind-damp, wind-cold, phlegm-rheum, static blood lodged in the channels and network vessels, or to blood vacuity depriving the sinews of nourishment. It falls largely within the category of impediment.

limb reversal

Synonyms: reversal cold of the extremities.

limp aching lumbus and knees

Synonyms: aching lumbus and limp knees.

A combined condition of limp lumbus and knees and aching lumbus.

limp aching lumbus and legs

Synonyms: aching lumbus and limp legs.

Aching pain in the lumbus accompanied by limpness or weakness of the knees that creates difficulty rising to a standing posture, impedes physical movement, and prevents prolonged standing or walking. Essentially the same as limp aching lumbus and knees.

limp hands and enuresis

A sign observed in desertion patterns.

limp lumbus and knees

Synonyms: lack of strength in the lumbus and knees.

Insufficient power in the lumbus and knees to perform normal movements, in severe cases, called limp or weak wilting lumbus and knees, severely restricting movement. Limpness of the lumbus and knees, especially limpness of the lumbus, often accompanies aching of the lumbus, hence the combined terms limp aching lumbus and knees and aching lumbus and limp knees. Such conditions are attributed to liver-kidney vacuity, cold-damp, or damp-heat (or combinations of liver-kidney vacuity with cold-damp or damp-heat); they differ from simple aching lumbus, which is mostly due to kidney vacuity.

limp tongue

A tongue that is soft and floppy, moves with difficulty, and cannot be extended. The spleen governs the flesh, and the tongue is flesh. A limp tongue is therefore a manifestation of a debilitated spleen, but it may may occur when wearing of yin humor deprives the sinews of nourishment. In a new disease, a limp tongue is the result of heat scorching yin. In an enduring disease, a limp crimson tongue means that yin depletion has reached an extreme, while a limp white tongue indicates dual vacuity of qi and blood.

Medication: Supplement the center and nourish the blood. Take Center-Supplementing Qi-Boosting Decoction in the morning and Spleen-Returning Pill in the evening.

limp wilting lumbus and knees

Synonyms: weak wilting lumbus and knees.

Severe lack of strength in the lumbus and knees. Compare limp lumbus and knees.

linger

To remain and resist elimination; said of evils and heat~effusion.

lip

Either of the two folds of flesh that form the opening of the mouth, which are normally redder and darker in the color than the surrounding areas of the face. Pale lips indicate a dual vacuity of blood and qi. Green-blue or purple lips are seen in both blood stasis and cold patterns and indicate impaired flow of blood and qi. Parched lips indicate damage to liquid. Gaping corners of the mouth and shrinking of the philtrum signify imminent desertion of right qi. Drooling from the corners of the mouth during sleep generally indicates spleen vacuity or stomach heat. In infants, this may be a sign of intestinal parasites. Drooling from one side of the mouth is associateSee also mouth. See cracked lips; lip wind; cocoon lip; harelip. d with deviation of the mouth and facial paralysis.

lip wind

Synonyms: donkey's-mouth wind.

Redness, soreness, and swelling usually of the lower lip that in time can rupture and exude fluid. In China, it is popularly called ``donkey's-mouth wind'' because of the distorted appearance it gives the sufferer's mouth.

liquid

Synonyms: liquid qi.

The thinner fluids of the human body. See fluids.

liquid failing to bear upward

Breakdown in the upward supply of fluid to head head, face, nose, throat, mouth, eye, and ears. Liquid failing to bear upward is attributable to damage to fluid in a)~externally contracted heat (febrile) disease, b)~diseases of the bowels and viscera preventing normal distribution of liquid, c)~internal static blood obstruction preventing the ascent of fluids. The main signs are dry mouth and lips, dry tongue with little liquid, sore dry throat, nosebleeds, tinnitus and deafness, and dry eyes with scant tear fluid. Other signs include dry cough without phlegm, thirst with taking of fluids, dizzy head and flowery vision. The tongue is red or crimson with a dry or peeling yellow fur. The pulse is large or fine and rapid.

Medication: Ophiopogon and Asparagus Decoction or Dryness-Clearing Lung-Rescuing Decoction.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on KI, SP, and LU. Select KI-6 (Shining Sea), KI-2 (Blazing Valley), SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection), TB-2 (Humor Gate), Sea Source, and Gold Liquid and Jade Humor; needle with supplementation or with even supplementation and drainage.

liquid of the lung

liquid qi

Synonyms: liquid.

liquor damage

Dizziness, headache, nausea, retching and vomiting, agitation and rashness, or clouding sleep attributable to excessive liquor consumption. Liquor is hot in nature and toxic, and tends to cause heat signs. Liquor damage is treated by harmonizing the stomach and promoting soberness, using such formulas as Amomum Splenic Beverage and Pueraria Flower Liquor-Resolving Decoction. Long-term intemperate drinking causes damage to the stomach and spleen causing glomus blockage in the chest and diaphragm, reduced food intake, and diarrhea. This is treated by fortifying the spleen and disinhibiting dampness using formulas such as Stomach-Calming Poria (Hoelen) Five Decoction or Poria (Hoelen) Five Powder. For spleen-kidney vacuity, Stomach Gate Brew can be used. If there is damage to yin-blood marked by tidal heat~effusion and stirring of the blood, treatment should take the form of cooling the blood and nourishing yin, using formulas such as Clearing Transforming Beverage. Severe cases of liquor damage can cause concretions and conglomerations, jaundice, and drum distention.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on back transport points, CV, SP, LI, and ST. To harmonize the stomach, select BL-20 (Spleen Transport), BL-21 (Stomach Transport), CV-12 (Center Stomach Duct), ST-36 (Leg Three Li), ST-25 (Celestial Pivot), and SP-6 (Three Yin Inter

liquor damage headache

Headache due to excessive consumption of liquor. Liquor damage headache is attended by clouding and dizziness, nausea, retching and vomiting, thirst, rapid pulse, and, in severe cases, clouded spirit.

Medication: Harmonize the stomach and resolve liquor using formulas such as Pueraria Flower Liquor-Resolving Decoction. See headache.

Acupuncture: Select Hall of Impression, BL-2 (Bamboo Gathering), GB-20 (Wind Pool), CV-17 (Chest Center), and ST-36 (Leg Three Li). Needle with drainage.

liquor jaundice

Jaundice arising when excessive liquor consumption gives rise to steaming depressed damp-heat that causes bile leakage. Liquor jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the body and eyes with red macules on the face, anguish, heat, and pain in the heart, dry nose, abdominal fullness with no desire to eat, and periodic desire to vomit.

Medication: Clear heat and disinhibit damp-heat; resolve liquor toxin. If the pulse is floating and slippery and there is a pronounced desire to vomit, mechanical ejection should be used. If the pulse is sunken and slippery, and there is abdominal fullness and consti

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on GB, SP, LI, and ST. Select BL-19 (Gallbladder Transport), GB-34 (Yang Mound Spring), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), SP-9 (Yin Mound Spring), LI-11 (Pool at the Bend), ST-44 (Inner Court), SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection), ST-36 (Leg Three Li)

listening and smelling

One of the four examinations; examination of the body by listening and smelling. In The Inner Canon, the ``listening and smelling'' examination was limited to listening, and was primarily concerned with the relationship of five notes of the Chinese scale and the five voices (shouting, laughing, singing, crying, and moaning) to the five viscera. In the Han Dynasty, Zhang Ji placed voice, breathing, panting, coughing, vomiting, and hiccough sounds within the listening and smelling examination. Since the Chinese wen2 means both listening and smelling, examination of smells was added to the scope of examination without any need for a change in name. On Warm Epidemics Expanded by Dai Bei-Shan, gives ``identification of odors'' as one of five main diagnostic methods, emphasizing that special attention should be paid to unusual smells. Attention is paid to the quality of the patient's voice, spontaneous cries, and coherence of speech, as well as breathing, cough, and hiccough. Changes in quality of voice and breathing are a direct reflection of disease changes in the lung and the state of original qi. Verbal expression and response to questions reflect the state of the spirit. (1) Voice: A faint frail voice with faltering speech, which, in severe cases, hampers comprehension, indicates a vacuity of lung or original qi. Elementary Questions states, ``If the patient has a faint voice and takes a long time to get his words out, his qi is depleted.'' This condition is most often seen in damage to the lungs by enduring cough, pneumonia affecting the kidney, or vacuous original qi. A rough turbid voice generally indicates a repletion pattern where the lung has been invaded by an external evil, preventing diffusion of lung qi. This may occur in diseases classified in Western medicine as bronchitis and laryngitis. A hoarse voice or loss of voice indicates lung block when it is associated with repletion signs. It indicates detriment to the lung when accompanied by vacuity signs. Diagnosis is made based on accompanying signs. Groaning, outcries, etc., indicate distention, pain, or oppressive sensations. Their significance must be determined by thorough questioning. Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Coffer states, ``If the patient tends to keep still and frequently emits cries, he has pain in the joints. If his voice is weak and indistinct, the pain is in the center of the chest and diaphragm. If he can talk clearly without interruption, but keeps his voice low, the pain is in the head.'' In other words, when the disease is in the joints, movement causes pain. Thus, the patient tends to keep as still as possible, and may utter sounds of pain and discomfort when he moves. When the disease is in the center of the chest and diaphragm, the respiratory tract is constricted, so that the patient's voice is faint and broken. Any attempt to talk only aggravates the pain. In those suffering from headaches, raising the voice causes cranial vibrations that increase pain; however, since the respiratory tract is not affected, the voice is clear and undistorted. (2) Speech: Incoherent expression and response to inquiry indicate diseases of the heart. Elementary Questions states, ``Failure to keep clothing and bedclothes adjusted, loss of all sense of propriety in speech, and inability to recognize relatives indicate derangement of the spirit.'' The pattern may be repletion or vacuity, the former characterized by a vigorous or strident voice, the latter by a low weak voice. Confused, strident speech in externally contracted heat (febrile) diseases is known as delirious speech and most commonly occurs in repletion patterns. Mussitation, where the patient talks to himself in a low voice with frequent repetitions, is usually seen in vacuity patterns. Soliloquy is talking to oneself, but ceasing when another approaches, and is a sign of a deranged heart-spirit (insanity). (3) Breathing: Disturbances of normal breathing include panting, wheezing, qi ascent, shortness of breath, shortage of qi, and rough breathing. Panting is hasty, rapid, labored breathing with discontinuity between inhalation and exhalation, in severe cases with gaping mouth, raised shoulders, flaring nostrils, and inability to lie down. It is most commonly due to external evils assailing the lung or to phlegm turbidity obstructing the lung (both repletion), but may also be due to insufficiency of qi and yin of the lung or to the kidney failing to absorb qi (both vacuity patterns). In repletion panting, breathing is rough and the patient feels relief when he breathes out; in vacuity panting he feels relief when he can draw in a long breath. Wheezing is a whistling phlegm rale in the throat associated with rapid breathing. Since it occurs with panting, it is often called wheezing and panting. Distinction is made between cold wheezing and heat wheezing. Cold wheezing is due to yang vacuity with phlegm-rheum collecting internally or to cold rheum obstructing the lung. Heat wheezing is attributed to effulgent yin vacuity fire or to heat phlegm obstructing the lung. Qi ascent is rapid breathing with more exhalation than inhalation. It is due to phlegm-rheum obstructing the lung, external evils assailing the lung, or effulgent yin vacuity fire. Shortness of breath is short rapid breathing with discontinuity between breaths. It is like vacuity panting, but there is no raising of the shoulders. It is mostly due to insufficiency of lung qi, but may also arise when water-rheum causes inhibited lung qi. Shortage of qi is low faint breathing with a lusterless facial complexion, fatigue and laziness to speak, a weak voice, and a tendency to take deep breaths in order to continue speaking. It is usually a sign of insufficiency of yang qi of the whole body. Rough breathing is breathing that produces a rough sound in the nose, and generally occurs in repletion patterns where the lung has been invaded by an external evil. (4) Cough: Cough and panting with qi ascent, accompanied by a frog rale in the throat, is caused by phlegm in the respiratory tract obstructing the smooth flow of air. This condition is commonly observed in cold-rheum cough and panting patterns. A heavy turbid cough with a gurgling sound of phlegm indicates phlegm turbidity congesting the lung. A dry cough indicates lung dryness or yin vacuity. A faint forceless cough indicates lung qi or lung yin vacuity. Long bouts of continuous coughing that are finished with a sonorous crow and accompanied by pronounced flushing of the face (which may even turn purple in severe cases) indicate whooping cough. (5) Hiccough: Although occasional bouts of hiccough are not abnormal, when occurring in enduring or severe illness, they must be given special attention. Short, relatively high-pitched, forceful hiccoughs indicate repletion heat. Protracted, low-pitched, weak hiccoughs indicate stomach qi ascending counterflow. The smell of the patient's breath and excreta can give some indication of their condition. (6) Breath and body smells: Bad breath is generally attributable to stomach heat. In some cases, however, it is due to stagnation of food in the stomach and intestines or indigestion; in other cases, it is due to gan of the mouth, gan of the teeth and gum, tooth decay, or throat diseases. Belching of sour foul-smelling qi (gas) is due to food damage. In modern medicine, the unusual malodor given off by patients suffering from hepatic coma is known as the hepatic odor. This odor, which may be the same as the ``cadaverous odor'' referred to in On Warm Epidemics Expanded is due to exuberant toxic heat in the inner body. (7) Excreta odors: The putrid smell of phlegm, pus, urine, or stool that is thick and turbid indicates damp-heat or toxic heat. The ``fishy'' smell of thin excreta is usually due to vacuity cold.

little thought of food and drink

liver

The viscus located on right side beneath the diaphragm. The liver is an interior organ and is connected by channels to the gallbladder, which is its corresponding exterior organ. In the five phases, the liver belongs to wood. The liver stores the blood, governs free coursing, governs the sinews, governs the making of strategies. It opens at the eyes and its bloom is in the nails. It governs fright and is averse to wind. The liver stores the blood means that the liver can retain blood and regulate the amount of blood flowing throughout the body. The liver governs free coursing means that it makes qi course freely round the body, ensuring normal mental and emotional activity, and secretion and discharge of bile. Impairment of this function leads to binding depression of liver qi, very often associated with rashness, impatience, and irascibility, for which reason it is often said that the liver is the unyielding viscus. The liver governs the sinews means that the liver maintains the proper movement of the sinews and the joints. The liver is the root of resistance to fatigue, an attribute that rests on the liver's relationship to the sinews. Since according to traditional theory, the nails are the surplus of the sinews, it is also said that the liver, its bloom is in the nails. The liver opens at the eyes stresses the important connection between the state of the eyes and the state of the liver. The statement that liver governs the making of strategies comes from a statement in Elementary Questions ``The liver holds the office of general, whence strategies emanate,'' which means that the ability to make plans is related to the state of the liver. Liver qi depression can cause rashness, impatience, and anger, whereas insufficiency of liver qi manifests in a tendency toward fright (compare gallbladder governs decision). Hence it is also said that anger damages the liver and the liver governs fright. The notion that the liver is averse to wind derives from the liver's five-phase associations with wood. Trees (living wood) are bent and shaken by the wind; likewise various forms of spasm affecting the body are seen to be the result of wind. For example, clenched jaw and arched-back rigidity, which may occur in diseases such as lockjaw are attributed to liver wind stirring internally. Fright, like wind, causes tensing of the body, and hence some diseases involving liver wind are labeled as fright, e.g., fright wind. The liver channel is the foot reverting yin channel, which starts from the great toe, passes up the leg, passes through the genitals and lower abdomen, crosses the rib-side and the throat, connects through to the eyes and then continues on to the vertex of the head. Liver disease often manifests in localized morbidity along the channel pathway. The liver's relationships with the other viscera are as follows. Wang Bing's annotations of Elementary Questions state, ``The liver stores the blood, and the heart moves it; when a person moves, blood moves through all the channels, whereas when he rests, the blood returns to the liver.'' When the body's yin-blood is sufficient, the liver has what it stores and the heart has what it governs, and at the same time heart and liver yang are duly restrained from growing hyperactive. However, if yin-blood is insufficient, the liver has nothing to store and the heart has nothing to govern, and at the same time there is nothing to restrain liver and heart yang. Under such circumstances, a condition of exuberant heart-liver fire can develop. The liver stores blood, whereas the kidney stores essence. Both depletion of kidney essence and insufficiency of liver blood can give rise to a dual condition of liver-kidney yin vacuity. Conversely, liver fire or hyperactivity of liver yang can damage liver blood, and eventually damage kidney essence, which is treated by nourishing the liver and enriching the kidney. For these reasons, it is said that the liver and kidney are of the same source. The liver's governing of free coursing and the kidney's governing of storage are interdependent, mutually counterbalancing functions of the liver and kidney. Disturbance of the functions of the two can cause such signs as advanced menstruation, profuse menstruation, menstrual block, and seminal emission, which are frequently addressed by combined treatment of the liver and kidney. The liver governs upbearing, whereas the lung governs downbearing; the liver is the unyielding viscus, whereas the lung is the delicate viscus. When the liver upbearing is too strong and liver downbearing is too weak, liver fire can invade the lung causing liver fire invading the lung. Healthy spleen and stomach function rely on the free-coursing action of the liver. Liver qi depression can invade the stomach and cause stomach qi disharmony.

liver accumulation

From The Pulse Canon.See fat qi.

liver and gallbladder stand in interior-exterior relationship

liver and kidney are mutually engendering

liver and kidney are of the same source

The liver and kidney are intimately related. The relationship between the two has three aspects: (1) The liver and kidney are mutually engendering, i.e., they nourish and support each other. The liver relies on the nourishment of liver yin to perform its function of free coursing, whereas the regeneration of kidney yin relies upon the free coursing function. (2) The liver stores the blood, whereas the kidney stores essence; blood and essence are both yin; hence ``the liver and kidney are of the same source'' also reflects the notion that blood and essence are of the same source. (3) The ministerial fire present in both the kidney and the liver is traced to a common source in the life gate.

liver blood

The blood stored by the liver. The notion of liver blood in inseparable from that of liver yin. However, in clinical practice, the term liver blood vacuity is used to label conditions in which signs of yin vacuity and yang hyperactivity are not necessarily present. See liver stores the blood.

liver blood vacuity

The manifestation of insufficiency of liver blood. Liver blood vacuity is attributed to either or both of two causes: a)~damage to yin-blood in the course of enduring illness, which deprives the liver of blood for storage and of adequate nourishment; and b)~continual expectoration of blood, nosebleed, or profuse menstruation due to blood storage failure. In addition to general blood vacuity signs, liver blood vacuity is associated with a variety of patterns: blood failing to nourish the liver, blood failing to nourish the sinews or eyes, and thoroughfare and controlling vessel diseases. Signs include dizziness, insomnia, profuse dreaming, flowery vision, blurred vision, inhibited sinew movement, lusterless nails, reduced menstrual flow, or alternating menstrual block and flooding and spotting. In severe cases, the kidney may be affected, resulting in liver-kidney essence-blood depletion, and consequently in such signs as lumbar pain, seminal emission, sterility, menstrual block, emaciation, and tidal heat~effusion, in addition to the above-mentioned signs.

Medication: Since liver blood and kidney essence are mutually engendering, treatment usually involves dual treatment of liver and kidney. The basic method of treatment is supplementing the blood and nourishing the liver. Commonly used medicinals that supplement both

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on back transport points, LR, SP, and ST. Select BL-18 (Liver Transport), BL-20 (Spleen Transport), BL-17 (Diaphragm Transport), LR-14 (Cycle Gate), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection), and ST-36 (Leg Three Li); needl

liver channel

Synonyms: foot reverting yin liver channel.

liver channel cough

Synonyms: liver cough.

liver channel damp-heat vaginal discharge

A continual unabating flow of malodorous thick sticky yellow or mixed white and yellow vaginal discharge accompanied by oppression in the chest and distention of the breasts, dizzy head and vision, bitter taste in the mouth, and dry throat.

Medication: Drain the liver, clear heat, and disinhibit dampness. Use Gentian Liver-Draining Decoction or a decoction of 25~g pulsatilla (Pulsatillae Radix), phellodendron (Phellodendri Cortex), and flavescent sophora (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix).

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on CV, GIV, SP, and LR. Select GB-26 (Girdling Vessel), BL-30 (White Ring Transport), CV-6 (Sea of Qi), SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection), CV-3 (Central Pole), LR-2 (Moving Between), SP-9 (Yin Mound Spring), and LR-3 (Supreme Surge). Nee

liver channel repletion fire

liver cold

Insufficiency of the yang qi of the liver causing melancholy, lassitude, lack of stamina, lack of warmth in the limbs, and a sunken fine slow pulse. Cold evil congealing and stagnating in the liver channel. See cold stagnating in the liver vessel.

liver cough

Cough causing pain in both rib-sides that in severe cases makes it difficult for the patient to turn onto his or her side.

Medication: Use Bupleurum Drink or Green-Blue--Draining Half-and-Half Decoction.See five viscera and six bowels cough.

liver counterflow headache

Headache due to counterflow qi ascent of liver qi due to damage to the liver by anger. Liver counterflow headache is one form of liver reversal headache.

liver depression

A pattern resulting from binding depression of liver qi.

liver depression advanced menstruation

Advanced menstruation (i.e., premature arrival of periods) arising when anger damages the liver, causing liver depression, which transforms into heat, which in turn harasses the thoroughfare and controlling vessels, causing frenetic flow of blood. Advanced menstruation due to liver depression is associated with varying quantity of menstrual flow that is either red or purple and sometimes clotted, distention of the breasts, distending pain in the smaller abdomen, vexation and agitation, and irascibility.

Medication: Course the liver, resolve depression, and clear heat. Use Moutan and Gardenia Free Wanderer Powder.

Acupuncture: Base treatment on the CV and three yin channels of the foot. Select CV-4 (Pass Head), SP-10 (Sea of Blood), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), LR-2 (Moving Between), SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection), and SP-8 (Earth's Crux); needle with drainage.

liver depression and spleen vacuity

A form of liver-spleen disharmony in which binding depression of the liver qi gives rise to or exacerbates impairment of splenic movement and transformation. Liver depression and spleen vacuity is characterized by rib-side pain, aversion to food, abdominal distention, sloppy stool diarrhea, and fatigued limbs.See binding depression of liver qi.

liver depression delayed menstruation

Delayed menstruation due to liver depression. Menstrual flow is scant and dark, and is accompanied by smaller-abdominal distention, fullness, and pain, mental depression, glomus in the chest relieved slightly by belching, distention and fullness in the chest, rib-side, and breasts, white tongue fur, and stringlike pulse.

Medication: Use Liver-Coursing Depression-Resolving Decoction

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on CV and the three yin channels of the foot. Select CV-6 (Sea of Qi), KI-13 (Qi Point), SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection), BL-18 (Liver Transport), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), PC-6 (Inner Pass), and LR-5 (Woodworm Canal); needle with drainage

liver depression infertility

Infertility attributed to liver qi depression. Liver depression infertility is associated with painful distention of the breasts during menstruation, irregular cycle, clots in the menstrual flow, affect-mind depression or rashness, impatience and irascibility, distention and fullness in the chest and rib-side, a dark red tongue, and a stringlike pulse.

Medication: Use Depression-Opening Jade-Planting Decoction or Liver-Coursing Depression-Resolving Decoction.

Acupuncture: Base treatment on back transport points, LR, CV, and SP. Select BL-18 (Liver Transport), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), Qi Gate LR-2 (Moving Between), CV-3 (Central Pole), PC-6 (Inner Pass), SP-10 (Sea of Blood), SP-4 (Yellow Emperor), and SP-6 (Three Yin Intersec

liver depression rib-side pain

Rib-side pain attributable to binding depression of liver qi, usually stemming from anger, sorrow, or grief. Pain in both rib-sides may be accompanied by glomus blockage in the chest and diaphragm, hypertonicity of sinews, heaviness of the lumbus and legs. In severe cases, the pain may be unbearable and stretch into the armpits. The rib-side pain may be accompanied by vexation, agitation, and pronounced irascibility.

Medication: Treat by resolving depression and rectifying qi; complement by discharging depressed fire for depressed qi transforming into fire. Use Toosendan Powder or Moutan and Gardenia Free Wanderer Powder. Compare liver qi rib-side pain.

Acupuncture: See liver qi rib-side pain.

liver depression transforming into fire

Synonyms: depressed wood transforming into fire.

liver disease

Any disease affecting the liver. Most liver diseases arise through the following pathomechanisms: a)~damage by the seven affects upsetting free coursing of the liver and causing binding depression of liver qi, which can transform into fire, causing stasis obstruction of the liver's network vessels; b)~insufficiency of yin blood, hyperactivity of liver yang, and liver wind stirring internally; c)~damp-heat brewing internally; or d)~cold congealing in the liver vessel. Signs of liver disease include rib-side pain and distention, dizzy head or dizzy vision, tinnitus, red eyes, irascibility, or susceptibility to fright and fear, blood ejection and spontaneous external bleeding, numbness of the limbs, convulsions and tetanic reversal, menstrual irregularities, and mounting qi . Liver Disease Patterns Simple patterns binding depression of liver qi liver fire flaming upward ascendant hyperactivity of liver yang liver wind stirring internally liver blood vacuity cold stagnating in the liver vessel Complex patterns dual vacuity of the liver and spleen heart-liver blood vacuity liver-stomach disharmony liver-spleen disharmony liver qi invading the stomach liver qi invading the spleen spleen dampness and liver depression liver fire invading the lung liver-kidney yin vacuity liver-gallbladder damp-heat

liver distention

Rib-side fullness and distention with pain stretching into the lower abdomen. Liver distention is usually caused by cold affecting the liver channel and is treated by coursing the liver and dissipating cold. The same signs occurring in distention disease.

Medication: Use Liver-Warming Brew.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on LR, PC, and CV. Select LR-14 (Cycle Gate), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), PC-6 (Inner Pass), GB-34 (Yang Mound Spring), CV-6 (Sea of Qi), SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection), and LR-1 (Large Pile); needle with even supplementation and drainage a

liver fire

A fire pattern developing from excesses of the seven affects, liver yang transforming into fire, or heat or damp-heat brewing in the liver channel. Liver fire is characterized by red facial complexion, red eyes, dizziness, bitter taste in the mouth, rashness, impatience, and irascibility, red tongue margins, and rapid stringlike pulse. When the upper body signs are pronounced, it is called liver fire flaming upward.

liver fire dizziness

Dizziness due to depletion of kidney water and upward flaming of liver-gallbladder ministerial fire, and associated with headache, upbearing fire flush, bitter taste in the mouth, red eyes, red tongue, and rapid stringlike pulse.

Medication: When effulgent fire is prominent, it is treated by clearing the liver and draining fire with Gentian Liver-Draining Decoction; when yin vacuity is prominent, it is treated by enriching yin and downbearing fire with Anemarrhena and Phellodendron Eight-Ingr

Acupuncture: Base treatment on LR, GB, and KI. Main points: GV-20 (Hundred Convergences), GB-20 (Wind Pool), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), GB-43 (Pinched Ravine), KI-3 (Great Ravine), and SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection); needle with even supplementation and drainage. For effulg

liver fire flaming upward

Synonyms: upflaming liver fire.

Liver fire characterized by pronounced upper body signs. Liver fire flaming upward is attributed to liver qi depression transforming into fire, to depressed internal damp-heat evils, or to excessive consumption of sweet and fatty foods or warming and supplementing medicinals. Liver fire flaming upward is characterized by qi and fire rising to the head, and by pronounced heat signs. The main signs are red face, red eyes, bitter taste in the mouth, dry mouth, as well as vexation, agitation, and irascibility. Other signs include scorching pain in the rib-side, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, deafness, insomnia and profuse dreaming, reddish urine, and constipation. In some cases, there is blood ejection or spontaneous external bleeding. The tongue is red with yellow fur. The pulse is stringlike and rapid.

Medication: Clear the liver and drain fire. Use Gentian Liver-Draining Decoction or Tangkuei, Gentian, and Aloe Pill.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on GB and LR. Select LR-3 (Supreme Surge), GB-43 (Pinched Ravine), LR-2 (Moving Between), GB-34 (Yang Mound Spring), and TB-6 (Branch Ditch); needle with drainage.

liver fire invading the lung

Liver channel qi fire ascending counterflow to invade lung and disturbing the lung's depurative downbearing. Liver fire invading the lung most commonly arises as a result of anger damaging the liver or heat evil invading the inner body. It is often called ``wood fire tormenting metal.'' The chief signs are cough with yellow phlegm, and scorching pain in the chest and rib-side. Other signs include scant sticky phlegm, cough that in severe cases brings ejection of fresh blood, rashness, impatience, and irascibility, dizzy head and red eyes, red face, and a bitter taste in the mouth. In addition, there may be short voidings of red urine and constipation. The tongue is red with dry yellow fur. The pulse is stringlike and rapid or stringlike, fine, and rapid.

Medication: Clear heat and drain fire; moisten the lung and transform phlegm. Use Indigo and Clamshell Pill combined with Metal-Clearing Phlegm-Transforming Decoction.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on LU and LR. Select BL-13 (Lung Transport), LU-10 (Fish Border), LR-2 (Moving Between), and GB-34 (Yang Mound Spring); needle with drainage.

liver fire sleeplessness

From Pathoconditions, Causes, Pulses, and Treatments. Sleeplessness due to liver fire arising when excessive anxiety and anger damage the liver and cause counterflow of liver qi or when liver blood is damaged and the spirit fails to confine itself. Liver fire sleeplessness is characterized by unquiet sleep, susceptibility to fright, thirst with copious fluid intake, periodic distention in the rib-side, or pain in the lesser abdomen and free ribs reaching into the genitals, and a rapid stringlike pulse.

Medication: Course the liver and clear fire using Gentian Liver-Draining Decoction or Liver-Coursing Powder.

Acupuncture: To the main points given under sleeplessness, add BL-18 (Liver Transport), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), LR-2 (Moving Between), and PC-7 (Great Mound), needling with drainage.

liver fixity

A disease pattern arising when liver qi and blood become stagnant and depressed. Liver fixity is characterized by glomus and oppression in the rib-side, in severe cases with pain and distention. Discomfort may be slightly relieved by massage and pummeling. There may also be a desire for warm drinks.

Medication: Move the blood and dissipate stagnation; free yang and quicken the blood. Use Inula Decoction plus tangkuei fine root (Angelicae Sinensis Radicis Tenuis), peach kernel (Persicae Semen), lycopus (Lycopi Herba), and curcuma (Curcumae Tuber).

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on LR, GB, LI, HT, and ST. Select BL-18 (Liver Transport), BL-17 (Diaphragm Transport), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), PC-6 (Inner Pass), SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection), GB-34 (Yang Mound Spring), LR-2 (Moving Between), SP-10 (Sea of Blood), C

liver forms tears

From Elementary Questions. Tears flow from the eyes; the liver opens at the eyes; and tears are formed out of liver humor. Hence it is said that the liver forms tears.

liver governs free coursing

The liver, like wood in the five phases, "thrives by orderly reaching." This is seen in the following areas:

liver governs fright

The liver is vulnerable to shocks such as produced by loud noises, fearful sights, or emotional stimuli. The liver is the "viscus of wind and wood." Wind blows trees and makes them bend and shake. Fright similarly causes the body to become tense and shake. See fright.

liver governs physical movement

liver governs the eyes

The liver opens at the eyes, and its channel is connected with the eye tie. Exuberance and debilitation of the essential qi of the kidney can affect visual acuity. The Magic Pivot states, "Liver qi flows through to the eyes; when the liver is in harmony, the eyes can distinguish the five colors." liver fire flaming upward can manifest as red swollen eyes, whereas liver vacuity can give rise to dry eyes and unclear vision.

liver governs the making of strategies

liver governs the sea of blood

Wang Bing's annotations of Elementary Questions state, "The liver stores the blood, and the heart moves it; when a person moves, blood moves through all the channels, whereas when he rests, the blood returns to the liver. Why is this so? Because the liver governs the sea of blood." "The liver governs the sea of blood" is therefore understood to mean that the liver stores the blood and has a regulating action on its movement. See liver stores the blood.

liver governs the sinews

From The Magic Pivot. The sinews (tendons, muscles; see sinew) are dependent on the liver. "The liver governs the sinews" means essentially the same as the " liver governs physical movement." Only when liver blood is abundant can their nourishing influence reach the sinews and enable them to move normally. If liver blood is insufficient, the resulting failure of the blood to nourish the sinews adequately brings on hypertonicity (tension and stiffness) or numbness in the limbs, with difficulty in bending and stretching. When liver wind stirs internally, tremors, convulsions, and arched-back rigidity are observed.

liver governs upbearing effusion

Liver qi bears upward and outward, like the branches of a tree stretch up and out. When upbearing effusion is overly strong, signs such as headache and dizziness appear.

liver heat

Any condition involving heat evil in the liver, or transformation of depressed liver qi into fire. Characteristics include vexation and oppression, bitter taste in the mouth, dry mouth, heat extremities, yellow or reddish urine, and, in severe cases, manic agitation and inability to rest.

liver heat malign obstruction

Malign obstruction (vomiting in pregnancy) arising when blood gathers to nourish the uterus, and thoroughfare vessel becomes exuberant, and ascends counterflow carrying liver and stomach qi with it. Liver heat malign obstruction usually occurs in women who are normally of a rash and impatient disposition. It is characterized by vomiting of sour fluid and sometimes immediate vomiting of ingested food, dizziness, and bitter taste in the mouth.

Medication: Clear the liver and harmonize the stomach; downbear counterflow and check vomiting. Use Gallbladder-Warming Decoction minus fresh ginger (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and jujube (Ziziphi Fructus) and plus scutellaria (Scutellariae Radix), coptis (Coptidis R

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on CV, PC, ST, and LR. Select CV-12 (Center Stomach Duct), PC-6 (Inner Pass), SP-4 (Yellow Emperor), ST-36 (Leg Three Li), ST-44 (Inner Court) LR-3 (Supreme Surge), SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection), and GB-34 (Yang Mound Spring), and ne

liver heat spontaneous sweating

Spontaneous sweating attributable to liver heat, often accompanied by bitter taste in the mouth and profuse sleeping.

Medication: Clear the liver and constrain sweat using Free Wanderer Powder and variations.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on LR, GB, LI, HT, and ST. Select LI-4 (Union Valley), KI-7 (Recover Flow), SI-3 (Back Ravine), BL-18 (Liver Transport), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), LR-2 (Moving Between), GB-34 (Yang Mound Spring), and SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection); needl

liver holds the office of general, whence strategies emanate

Phrase from Elementary Questions. The ability to make plans is dependent upon a healthy liver. Liver qi depression can give rise to ascendant liver yang, and to rashness, impatience, and anger. Insufficiency of liver qi manifests in a tendency toward fright. Both emotional tendencies can prevent the individual from ``keeping a cool head'' in matters of planning. Compare liver is the unyielding viscus.

liver impediment

An impediment pattern arising when in enduring impediment further contraction of evils or damage to the liver by anger causes binding depression of liver qi. Liver impediment is characterized by fright during sleep at night, thirst with increased fluid intake, frequent urination, rib-side pain, and enlarged abdomen.

Medication: Course the liver and dispel the evil using Five Impediments Decoction with the addition of spiny jujube (Ziziphi Spinosi Semen) and bupleurum (Bupleuri Radix) or with Bupleurum Liver-Coursing Powder. For vacuity patterns, use Liver-Supplementing Powder, w

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on back transport points, LR, GB, and SP. Select BL-18 (Liver Transport), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), PC-6 (Inner Pass), SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection), GB-20 (Wind Pool), SP-10 (Sea of Blood), BL-23 (Kidney Transport), GB-34 (Yang Mound Sp

liver is averse to wind

The liver is the viscus of wind and wood; many of the diseases associated with the liver, such as wind stroke, child fright wind, wind-damp, itching, tetanic disease, and epilepsy, all bear characteristics of wind.

liver is connected with the gallbladder

The liver stands in interior-exterior relationship with the gallbladder. The liver channel connects with the gallbladder, and the gallbladder channel connects with the liver. Effulgent gallbladder heat and ascendant liver yang can both manifest in rashness, impatience, and tendency to anger. Liver-calming medicinals can also drain gallbladder fire, and medicinals that drain gallbladder fire can also calm the liver. A connection between the liver's association with the ability to plan and the gallbladder's role in judgment is also quite obvious.

liver is connected with the sinews

liver is often in superabundance

From Dan Xi's Experiential Methods. Children have delicate livers that are susceptible to evils. When externally contracted evils enter the pericardium and give rise to clouded spirit and heart palpitations, heart fire can affect the liver and thereby stir liver wind that manifests in the form of convulsions. Mutual exacerbation of liver wind and heart fire causes damage to true yin and deprives the sinews of nourishment, hence there is vigorous heat~effusion, fright convulsions, clouded spirit, and, in severe cases, arched-back rigidity.

liver is the root of resistance to fatigue

The liver is related to physical stamina. Elementary Questions states, ``The liver is the root of resistance to fatigue, the abode of the ethereal soul; its bloom is in the nails; its fullness is in the sinews.'' The sinews depend on nourishment supplied by liver blood, whose health is also reflected in the nails. ·¥¤§¥»''±ø: eterm??resistance to fatigue}

liver is the unyielding viscus

The liver thrives by orderly reaching, and is averse to being repressed or constrained and to hyperactivity of its yang aspect. The unyielding nature of the liver is mainly seen in liver qi: mental stimulus gives rise to rashness and impatience, and bouts of anger, which is called excess of liver qi. Conversely, insufficiency of liver qi gives rise to susceptibility to fright and fear. The liver and gallbladder stand in interior-exterior relationship, and the unyielding nature is a combined manifestation of both organs.'' See also sinew.

liver is yin in substance and yang in function

The polarity between yin substance and yang function, seen in all the organs to some extent, is most clear in the case of the liver. Liver blood is the substance of the liver, whereas liver qi and liver yang are its function. The liver governs free coursing and houses the ministerial fire. It governs the sinews and physical movement, the most active aspect of the body. It is the ``viscus of wind and wood,'' and is susceptible to stirring of wind and transformation into fire, which often manifest in dynamic signs.

liver lives on the left

From Elementary Questions. According to the theory that the ``upbearing is on the left and downbearing is on the right,'' so that the place where liver qi moves is the left.

liver opens at the eyes

The liver and the eyes are intimately related. The phrase ``the liver opens at the eyes'' appears in an enumeration of five phase correspondences in Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Coffer. The Magic Pivot states, ``Liver qi flows to the eyes; when the liver is in harmony, the eyes can identify the five colors,'' and Elementary Questions states, ``The liver receives blood, so there is sight,'' These lines emphasize that the eyes are dependent on the nourishing action of liver blood. Insufficiency of liver blood may provoke such conditions as night blindness, dry eyes, and blurred vision; liver fire flaming upward can cause reddening of the eyes and painful swelling of the eyes; ascendant liver yang can manifest as dizzy vision; and internal liver wind may cause a sideways or upward squint.

liver pulse is stringlike

Liver disease is typically characterized by a stringlike pulse. The stringlike pulse is also associated with the season spring. This is discussed in Elementary Questions and in The Classic of Difficult Issues. See stringlike pulse.

liver qi

The qi of the liver. A disease characterized by rib-side qi distention and pain, and oppression in the chest. Usually seen in conjunction with digestive problems.See liver governs free coursing.

liver qi ascending counterflow

Synonyms: counterflow liver qi.

Upsurge of liver qi characterized by dizziness, headache, red facial complexion, tinnitus, deafness, pain and fullness in the chest and rib-side. The pulse is stringlike and forceful. If the stomach is affected, belching, swallowing of upflowing acid, and, in severe cases, retching of blood are observed.

liver qi depression

Synonyms: binding depression of liver qi.

liver qi flows to the eyes

The Magic Pivot states, ``Liver qi flows to the eyes; when the liver is in harmony, the eyes can identify the five colors.'' See liver opens at the eyes.

liver qi invading the spleen

Synonyms: liver-wood exploiting the spleen.

A form of liver-spleen disharmony in which liver free coursing is excessive and liver qi moves cross counterflow and affects the spleen. Liver qi invading the spleen is characterized by headache, irascibility, bitter taste in the mouth, oppression in the chest and rib-side, glomus and fullness after eating, sloppy diarrhea, and a moderate stringlike pulse. This pattern differs from liver qi invading the stomach by a predominance of spleen signs such as distention and diarrhea.

Medication: Use Pain and Diarrhea Formula plus corydalis (Corydalis Tuber) and saussurea (Saussureae (seu Vladimiriae) Radix).

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on back transport points, SP, and ST. Needle with supplementation at BL-20 (Spleen Transport), CV-12 (Center Stomach Duct), LR-13 (Camphorwood Gate), ST-36 (Leg Three Li), SP-3 (Supreme White), and SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection); and

liver qi invading the stomach

Excessive free coursing of liver qi affecting the stomach. Liver qi invading the stomach manifests in stomach signs such as stomach duct pain, vomiting of sour fluid, torpid stagnant stomach intake, aversion to food, abdominal distention, and diarrhea, in addition to liver signs such as dizziness, rib-side pain, irascibility, smaller-abdominal distention, and a stringlike pulse. If the condition persists, it may develop into liver-spleen disharmony. This condition differs from liver qi invading the spleen by a predominance of stomach signs such as vomiting of sour fluid and torpid intake.

Medication: Base treatment mainly on ST, LR, and PC. Needle with supplementation at BL-21 (Stomach Transport), CV-12 (Center Stomach Duct), ST-36 (Leg Three Li), ST-25 (Celestial Pivot), and SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection); and with drainage or with even supplemenation

liver qi rib-side pain

Pain at the sides of the ribs attributable to constrained affect-mind and consequent disturbance of the liver's governing of free coursing. Liver qi rib-side pain is distending pain in the rib-side associated with oppression in the chest, and reduced food intake. The pain is a periodic scurrying pain of unfixed location, relieved by belching and exacerbated by emotional stimulus.

Medication: Course the liver and rectify qi using formulas such as Bupleurum Liver-Coursing Powder or Free Wanderer Powder.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on hand and foot reverting yin PC/LR, TB, and GB. Select BL-18 (Liver Transport), BL-17 (Diaphragm Transport), LR-14 (Cycle Gate), PC-6 (Inner Pass), TB-6 (Branch Ditch), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), GB-34 (Yang Mound Spring), and ST-36 (Le

liver qi vacuity

The manifestation of insufficiency of liver qi; characterized by lusterless complexion, pale lips and lack of strength, tinnitus and deafness, and tendency to fright and fear. Liver qi vacuity is often accompanied by signs of liver blood vacuity.

liver qi, liver yang, liver blood, and liver yin

The four basic aspects of the liver. Liver qi and liver yang, physiologically speaking, form a single entity, but the term liver yin is considerably broader in meaning, including the ``essence'' referred to in Elementary Questions, which states, ``Food qi enters the stomach and sends essence to the liver.'' The liver's yang-qi and its yin-blood under normal circumstances are interdependent and mutually counterbalancing. Liver yin and liver blood nourish liver yang qi, and also prevent it from stirring upward excessively, and when they fail to, a condition that easily develops is ascendant liver yang. At the same time, liver yin and liver blood are dependent on the liver qi's function of governing free coursing to be able to nourish the limbs, the sinews and vessels, the eyes, and the thoroughfare and controlling vessels. Diseases of the liver are most clearly understood in terms of the duality of yin and yang. The yang qualities of the liver are seen in the phrases ``the liver thrives by orderly reaching'' and is ``prone to upbearing and stirring,'' for which reasons it is said to be the unyielding viscus. The diseases on the yang side, liver qi depression and ascendant liver yang, can both affect the yin side. Liver qi depression can lead to liver blood stasis or qi can also transform into fire, damaging liver yin and liver blood. Diseases on the yin side can affect the yang side. If liver yin or liver blood are insufficient, the yang qi of the liver is no longer kept in check and bears upward. Two other liver diseases demonstrate the yin-yang duality. Liver fire is the result of a transformation of depressed liver qi or else it occurs when damp-heat becomes depressed internally. Liver fire tends to affect the blood storage function, causing vomiting of blood, nosebleed, and profuse menstruation. The other of the two diseases, liver wind, is regarded as a movement of yang qi due to severe yin-yang or qi-blood imbalance. Ascendant liver yang, liver fire flaming, and insufficiency of liver yin-blood (yin, blood or both) can all give rise to liver wind.

liver receives blood and there is vision

Visual acuity is related to the state of liver blood. If liver blood is insufficient, the eyes can suffer lack of nourishment, and signs such as dry eyes, blurred vision, or night blindness arise. In liver fire flaming upward, the eyes become red with discharge. Compare liver opens at the eyes.

liver repletion

Any repletion pattern of the liver, including liver cold, liver heat, liver fire, and liver qi.

liver reversal

Reversal and upward surging of liver qi, characterized by reversal coldof the extremities, retching and vomiting, and dizziness and clouding as in epilepsy, sometimes with loss of consciousness. The patient usually displays yin vacuity and effulgent liver signs, and the bouts of liver reversal are often brought on by emotional stimulus.

liver reversal headache

Synonyms: reversal headache.

Headache attributed to disturbance of liver qi. Distinction is made between liver counterflow headache and reverting yin headache.

liver spleen harmonization

Synonyms: harmonizing the liver and spleen.

liver stores the blood

The liver is capable of retaining blood and regulating the amount of blood in the body. The amount of blood in the various parts of the body varies in accordance with physiological needs. During physical exertion, blood is distributed throughout the body, meeting the increased need for nutrients. When the body is at rest or asleep, blood flows back to the liver to be stored. Therefore it is said, ``When the body moves, blood flows through the channels, and when the body is at rest, the blood flows back to the liver where it is stored''; and ``the legs receive blood and walk, the hands receive blood and grip.'' When the liver's blood-storing function is disturbed, two possible conditions may arise. In the first case, the storage capacity of the liver is reduced so that there is not enough blood in the body to supply all needs; if the blood does not nourish the eyes, such diseases as flowery vision (blurred or mottled vision), dry eyes, and night blindness may occur; if the blood fails to nourish the sinews, hypertonicity (tension, stiffness) of the sinews gives rise to inhibited bending and stretching; in women, blood may fail to flow into the thoroughfare and controlling vessels, causing reduced menstrual flow or menstrual block. In the second case, the blood-storing function of the liver is impaired, causing a tendency toward bleeding, such as profuse menstrual flow, flooding and spotting, and other forms of bleeding, such conditions being known as failure of the liver to store blood (or blood storage failure).

liver stores the ethereal soul

The ethereal soul is closely related to the liver. The Magic Pivot states, ``That which goes hither and thither with the spirit is called the ethereal soul.'' It also says, ``The liver stores the blood, and the blood houses the ethereal soul.'' When the liver fails to store the blood or liver blood is insufficient, there are signs such as profuse dreaming, disquieted spirit, sleep walking, and sleep talking. These signs are regarded as failure of the ethereal soul to be stored.

liver taxation

A vacuity detriment pattern resulting from damage to the liver. The Origin and Indicators of Disease states, ``In liver taxation, the eyes are dry and dark, the mouth tastes bitter, essence-spirit fails to confine itself so that the patient is fearful and cannot sleep alone, and his eyes do not see clearly. The Great Peace Sagacious Benevolence Formulary states, ``To treat liver taxation vacuity heat with red, dry eyes, vexation, oppression, tossing and turning, and congesting and stagnant heat qi flaming in the chest, take liver-draining heat-eliminating Bupleurum Powder formula.'' It also says: ``To treat liver taxation with vacuity cold rib-side pain, distention and fullness, rapid breathing, and cloudedness with no thought of food and drink, take Turtle Shell Powder formula.'' Enriching the Meaning of the Wine of Medicine states, ``Liver taxation arises when yang qi moves counterflow and yin qi is depleted, giving rise to generalized heat~effusion, rib-side pain, dizziness and tinnitus, and slackness of the sinews and joints...'' wind taxation

liver vacuity

Liver qi vacuity or liver blood vacuity. These diseases are characterized by unclear vision, poor hearing, and susceptibility to fright. See liver qi vacuity; liver blood vacuity.

liver vacuity sparrow-vision internal obstruction

liver water

One of the five waters spoken of in Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Coffer. Water swelling in liver disease, characterized by painful distention and fullness in the rib-side preventing the patient from turning over, together with sometimes copious, sometimes scant urine.

liver welling-abscess

An internal welling-abscess affecting the liver that rises when liver depression transforms into fire and stagnant qi and static blood gather and concentrate. In some cases, phlegm due to accumulated dampness may be involved. In the initial state, there is dull pain at LR-14 (Cycle Gate) gradually giving way to distending pain on the right rib-side that refuses pressure, and prevents the patient from lying on the affected side. The pulse is rapid and stringlike, and there is often aversion to cold and heat~effusion. The signs gradually become more pronounced, and if proper treatment is not given, suppuration and rupture occur, with ejection and passing of foul-smelling brown pus and blood.

liver wilting

liver wind

Synonyms: liver wind stirring internally.

liver wind stirring internally

Synonyms: liver wind.

Liver disease manifesting in spasm. A Clinical Guide with Case Histories states, ``Internal wind is movement of the body's yang qi,'' and is the result of ``depleted stocks of yin in the viscera.'' Liver wind arises from extreme yin-yang and qi-blood imbalance. Ascendant liver yang, liver fire flaming upward, and insufficiency of liver yin and/or blood may all, in extreme cases, stir liver wind. The chief signs of liver wind stirring internally are severe dizziness, headache with pulling sensation (iron-band headache), tension and stiffness in the neck, tingling or numbness in the limbs, or twitching of the sinews and flesh. In severe cases, there may be pulling of the face and eyes, trembling lips, tongue, and fingers, inhibited speech, or unsteady gait. In more severe cases, there may be convulsions or tetanic reversal. Elementary Questions states, ``All wind with shaking and visual dizziness is ascribed to liver.'' Usually, the pulse is stringlike, the tongue is red, and the tongue fur is dry.

liver yang

The yang qi of the liver as distinct from liver yin. See liver qi, liver yang, liver blood, and liver yin. Abbreviation for ascendant hyperactivity of liver yang, as in the following entries.

liver yang dizziness

Dizziness attributable to ascendant liver yang, which generally stems from constrained affect-mind, and gradual wearing of liver yin. The dizziness is intermittent and is accompanied by unquiet sleep, irascibility, and a stringlike pulse.

Medication: Calm the liver and subdue yang with variations of Gastrodia and Uncaria Beverage. Predominance of liver yin, characterized by heart vexation, reduced sleep, and red tongue with scant fur is treated by enriching liver-kidney yin with formulas such as Doub

Acupuncture: Base treatment on LR, GB, and KI. Needle with drainage at GV-20 (Hundred Convergences), GB-20 (Wind Pool), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), and GB-43 (Pinched Ravine), and a supplementing needle stimulus at BL-18 (Liver Transport), KI-3 (Great Ravine), and SP-6 (Th

liver yang headache

Headache attributed to ascendant liver yang. Liver yang headache is identified by the accompanying dizziness, red facial complexion, flowery vision, tinnitus, bitter taste in the mouth, and rapid stringlike pulse.

Medication: Calm the liver and subdue yang with formulas such as Gastrodia and Uncaria Beverage or Mother-of-Pearl Pill. For exuberant liver-gallbladder fire, use formulas such as Gentian Liver-Draining Decoction or Tangkuei, Gentian, and Aloe Pill.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on LR, GB, and KI. Select GB-20 (Wind Pool), GV-20 (Hundred Convergences), Greater Yang, GB-4 (Forehead Fullness), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), KI-3 (Great Ravine), SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection), LR-2 (Moving Between), and GB-43 (Pinched Ra

liver yang transforming into fire

A further development of ascending liver yang. When yang is hyperactive, there is heat; and extreme heat engenders wind. See liver fire.

liver yang transforming into wind

Synonyms: reverting yin transforming into wind.

liver yin

Liver blood and the quiescent aspect of liver function. The liver as a physical entity. See liver qi, liver yang, liver blood, and liver yin.

liver yin vacuity

The manifestation of insufficiency of liver blood. Liver yin vacuity is attributed to blood failing to nourish the liver and is characterized by dizziness, headache, unclear vision, dry eyes, night blindness, and scant menstrual flow or menstrual block. Insufficiency of liver yin invariably leaves liver yang unsubdued, causing ascendant liver yang, which is characterized by tinnitus or deafness, red facial complexion, numbness and shaking of the limbs, vexation and agitation, insomnia, and according to the findings of modern medicine, high blood pressure. It may also give rise to liver wind stirring internally.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on back transport points, LR, GB, and KI. Select BL-18 (Liver Transport), BL-17 (Diaphragm Transport), BL-20 (Spleen Transport), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), BL-23 (Kidney Transport), KI-3 (Great Ravine), and SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection);

liver, its bloom is in the nails

From the line of Elementary Questions that states, ``The liver... its bloom is in the nails.'' Bloom means the outward manifestation of glory. The phrase reflects the observation that when liver blood is abundant, the nails are red, lustrous, and healthy. When liver blood is insufficient, the nails are pale in color and brittle.

liver-gallbladder damp-heat

Synonyms: damp-heat brewing in the liver and gallbladder.

A disease pattern arising when the liver's free coursing is impaired owing either to internal damp-heat stemming from excessive consumption of fatty or sweet foods, or to externally contracted damp-heat. The chief signs are alternating heat~effusion and aversion to cold, bitter taste in the mouth, rib-side pain, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, abdominal distention, aversion to food, yellowing of the skin, and yellow or reddish urine. Stool tends to be dry if heat is more pronounced than dampness, and sloppy if dampness is more pronounced than heat. The tongue fur is yellow and slimy. The pulse is rapid and stringlike.

Medication: Course the liver and disinhibit bile; clear and drain damp-heat. Use medicinals such as capillaris (Artemisiae Capillaris Herba), bupleurum (Bupleuri Radix), curcuma (Curcumae Tuber), unripe bitter orange (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), scutellaria (Scutell

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on CV and the three yin channels of the foot. Select BL-18 (Liver Transport), BL-19 (Gallbladder Transport), LR-14 (Cycle Gate), GB-24 (Sun and Moon), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), TB-6 (Branch Ditch), GB-34 (Yang Mound Spring), and SP-9 (Yi

liver-kidney depletion

liver-kidney depletion menstrual pain

Menstrual pain due to liver-kidney depletion that occurs when general vacuity, early marriage, or excessive childbirth cause damage to the liver and kidney and depletion of essence-blood, and the resulting thoroughfare and controlling vessel blood vacuity deprives the uterine vessels of nourishment. Liver-kidney depletion menstrual pain is characterized by continual unabating menstrual pain that refuses pressure, and is accompanied by dizziness and tinnitus, and limp aching lumbus and knees.

Medication: Regulate and supplement the liver and kidney using formulas such as Liver-Regulating Decoction.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on CV, back transport points, and KI. Select CV-4 (Pass Head), BL-18 (Liver Transport), BL-23 (Kidney Transport), KI-6 (Shining Sea), and ST-36 (Leg Three Li), and needle with supplementation. Selection of points according to signs:

liver-kidney essence-blood depletion

Synonyms: insufficiency of essence-blood.

liver-kidney yin vacuity

Synonyms: liver-kidney depletion.

A disease pattern comprising signs of both liver yin vacuity and kidney yin vacuity, that may be caused by insufficiency of either liver or kidney yin. Liver-kidney yin vacuity is characterized by dizziness, distention in the head, unclear vision, tinnitus, dry pharynx and dry mouth, vexing heat in the five hearts, seminal emission, insomnia, aching lumbus and knee, red tongue with little fur, and a forceless fine stringlike pulse.

Medication: Use Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill or Left-Restoring Kidney Yin Pill.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on back transport points, KI, and LR. Select BL-23 (Kidney Transport), BL-18 (Liver Transport), KI-3 (Great Ravine), BL-52 (Will Chamber), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), and SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection); needle with supplementation.

liver-kidney yin vacuity flooding and spotting

Flooding and spotting attributed to liver-kidney yin vacuity arising when congenital insufficiency, early marriage, or marriage wears qi and blood, causing liver-kidney yin vacuity which engenders heat that damages the thoroughfare and controlling vessels and gives rise to frenetic movement of the blood. YIN VACUITY ENGENDERING HEAT, WHICH DAMAGES} The flooding and spotting is characterized by sudden onset and persistent bright red discharge of varying intensity, and is accompanied by dizzy head and tinnitus, limp aching lumbus and weak knees, reddening of the cheeks, heat in the hearts of the palms and souls, and in some cases postmeridian tidal heat~effusion.

Medication: Enrich the liver and kidney; clear heat and secure the thoroughfare vessel. Use Rehmannia and Lycium Root Bark Decoction or Clear Sea Pill.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on CV, SP, KI, and LR. Select CV-4 (Pass Head), SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection), BL-23 (Kidney Transport), BL-18 (Liver Transport), KI-3 (Great Ravine), KI-2 (Blazing Valley), KI-10 (Yin Valley), and LR-3 (Supreme Surge); needle with s

liver-spleen disharmony

A generic term for liver qi invading the spleen and liver depression and spleen vacuity.

liver-stomach disharmony

A pattern arising when binding depression of the liver causes imbalance between the liver and spleen and causes counterflow and derangement of stomach qi. Liver-stomach disharmony is characterized by distending pain in both rib-sides, belching, glomus and fullness in the upper abdomen, torpid intake, stomach duct pain, swallowing of upflowing acid, and clamoring stomach. It differs from liver-spleen disharmony in the predominance of stomach signs as opposed to spleen signs.

Medication: Course the liver and harmonize the stomach. Use Counterflow Cold Powder combined with Left-Running Metal Pill. Alternatively, use Bupleurum Liver-Coursing Powder.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on ST, PC, LR, and SP. Select CV-12 (Center Stomach Duct), ST-36 (Leg Three Li), PC-6 (Inner Pass), SP-4 (Yellow Emperor), LR-3 (Supreme Surge), LR-14 (Cycle Gate), and GB-34 (Yang Mound Spring); needle with drainage

liver-stomach qi pain

Synonyms: qi depression stomach duct pain.

Stomach pain arising when affect-mind binding depression (mental or emotional imbalance) causes liver qi to invade the stomach. Systematized Patterns with Clear-Cut Treatments states, ``When stomach duct pain is due to the liver exploiting the stomach, there is surging qi and rib-side distention.

Medication: Restrain the liver with acridity and sourness, using medicinals such as evodia (Evodiae Fructus), white peony (Paeoniae Radix Alba), unripe tangerine peel (Citri Exocarpium Immaturum), chaenomeles (Chaenomelis Fructus), magnolia bark (Magnoliae Cortex), c

liver-wood

The liver viewed as corresponding to wood in the five phases.

liver-wood exploiting the spleen

liver qi invading the spleen.

local point

An acupuncture point at the affected area.

lochia

Liquid discharge from the uterus after childbirth. If it continues in excess of twenty days, the condition is called persistent flow of the lochia, which may be due to qi vacuity, blood heat, or blood stasis. If copious and pale in color, it is due to qi vacuity fall; if crimson, thick and copious, it is attributable to frenetic movement of hot blood; if purple in color and accompanied by sharp abdominal pain, it is due to blood stasis. Absence of normal postpartum discharge is called retention of the lochia, which is due to blood stasis or qi-blood vacuity.

lockjaw

Synonyms: incised wound tetany; tetanus.

Tetany arising when an external injury or mouth sores permits the invasion of wind evil. Lockjaw begins with lack of strength in the limbs, headache, pain in the cheeks, clenched jaw, difficulty in turning the neck, and heat~effusion and aversion to cold. Subsequently, there is a spasm of the facial muscles that creates the appearance of a strange grimace, tightly clenched jaw, stiff tongue, drooling, intermittent generalized spasm and arched-back rigidity. The pulse is rapid or tight and stringlike. Finally, speech, swallowing, and breathing all become difficult, and, in the worst cases, the patient dies of asphyxiation.

Medication: Dispel wind and resolve tetany with formulas such as True Jade Powder or Five-Tigers-Chasing-the-Wind Powder.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on GV, BL, ST, and LI. Select GV-14 (Great Hammer), GV-16 (Wind Mansion), GV-8 (Sinew Contraction), GV-3 (Lumbar Yang Pass), ST-7 (Below the Joint), ST-6 (Cheek Carriage), LI-4 (Union Valley), LI-11 (Pool at the Bend), BL-60 (Kunlun

lodge

To rest and remain fixed; said of evils.

lodged rheum

A form of phlegm-rheum. Persistent rheum evil that fails to transform. Lodged rheum may occur in different parts of the body. Rheum lodged in the back affecting the upbearing of yang qi in the governing vessel gives rise to cold back. Rheum lodged in the rib-side affects liver-gallbladder qi dynamic and manifests in pain radiating into the empty basin (supraclavicular fossa). Rheum lodged in the chest hampers chest yang and gives rise to shortness of breath and panting. Rheum lodged in the channels and network vessels gives rise to joint-running pain in the limbs. Rheum lodged in the spleen causes swelling of the abdomen and generalized heaviness. Rheum lodged in the kidney causes swelling of the scrotum and lower legs. If center yang is not restored, although old rheum may be temporarily eliminated, new rheum can accumulate again, so that the condition persists. For this reason, treatment should first be to expel rheum and then to fortify the spleen and warm the kidney and to support the right and transform rheum.

long pulse

A long pulse is one that can be felt beyond the inch and cubit positions. If runs straight from head to tail, a feels like long stick. A long pulse that is harmonious and moderate is a sign of effulgent center qi. Elementary Questions states, ``If the pulse is long, qi is in order.'' If the pulse is long, stringlike and hard, and feels like a rope pulled taut, this is a repletion pattern in which evil and right are both exuberant, and is seen in repletion heat binding internally or exuberant heat stirring wind. The Bin-Hu Sphygmology states, ``Long governs superabundance; it is seen in qi counterflow and exuberant fire.''

long rinsing

Steeping materials in clean water that is continuously replaced to eliminate toxic constituents, salts, or malodor, or to remove foreign matter. Sargassum (Sargassi Herba), cistanche (Cistanches Caulis), salted aconite (Aconiti Tuber Laterale Salsum), and pinellia (Pinelliae Tuber) are processed in this way. See water processing.

long summer

The third month of summer, i.e., the sixth month in the lunar calendar (the last half of July and first half of August).

long voidings of clear urine

Copious colorless urine that comes in long voidings. Long voidings of clear urine are a sign of vacuous kidney yang failing to perform its containing function, a vacuity cold pattern, or exuberant internal yin cold, a repletion cold pattern. This is in keeping with the law stated in The Inner Canon that ``Any disease with watery humors that are clear, pure, and cold is ascribed to cold.'' See urine.

long-bout cough

A disease pattern described in Account of Medicine as a cough that comes in bouts of ten or more coughs. It is attributed to lung dryness and damage to liquid.

Medication: Nourish yin and moisten the lung with Dryness-Clearing Lung-Rescuing Decoction or Ophiopogon and Asparagus Decoction. Compare whooping cough.

long-bout cough

Synonyms: whooping cough.

long-standing ailment

longevity platform bone

Synonyms: completion bone.

longworm disease

From The Origin and Indicators of Disease. One of the three worm diseases; roundworm disease.

looking examination

Synonyms: inspection.

loosening of the teeth

The loosening of the teeth from the tooth bed. The teeth are the surplus of the bone (governed by the kidney), and are nourished by the gums. The hand yang brightness large intestine channel enters the lower teeth, whereas the foot yang brightness stomach channel enters the upper teeth. Loosening of the teeth is related to the kidney and the yang brightness channels. Distinction can be made between yang brightness heat congestion, kidney yin vacuity, and kidney qi vacuity patterns. In yang brightness patterns, it is accompanied by red swollen or gaping gums, bad breath, constipation, and slippery rapid pulse, red tongue, and yellow-white slightly dry slimy tongue fur. In kidney yin vacuity, it may gradually give rise to gaping gums, and is associated with aching lumbus, dizziness, tinnitus, hair loss, and a fine rapid pulse, a thin shrunken tongue, and a pale red tongue with a thin or scant tongue fur. In kidney qi vacuity, it is associated with aching lumbus, dribble after voiding or urinary incontinence, poor hearing, a sunken fine weak pulse, and a pale red tongue with white fur.

Medication: Yang brightness heat congestion is treated by clearing heat and securing the teeth using Stomach-Clearing Powder or Sweet Dew Beverage. Kidney yin vacuity patterns can be treated by enriching the kidney and securing the teeth with Six-Ingredient Rehmannia

loosening the center

Synonyms: coursing depression and rectifying qi.

loosening the chest

Synonyms: coursing depression and rectifying qi.

loss of bulk and shedding of flesh

Synonyms: shedding of flesh and loss of bulk.

loss of consciousness

Loss of ability to perceive and know. See spirit.

loss of speech

Loss of the ability to speak; observed in wind stroke. See sluggish speech; sluggish tongue.

loss of voice

Failure of the voice to sound. Distinction is made between vacuity and repletion.

loss of voice in measles

Loss of voice occurring in measles; usually attributed to heat toxin blocking the clear orifices.

Medication: Moisten the lung and engender liquid; clear and disinhibit the throat. Use medicinals such as scrophularia (Scrophulariae Radix), ophiopogon (Ophiopogonis Tuber), cutch (Catechu), arctium (Arctii Fructus), cicada molting (Cicadae Periostracum), platycodon

loss-of-construction

Synonyms: loss-of-luxuriance.

loss-of-luxuriance

Synonyms: loss-of-construction.

A hard swelling on the neck. It starts with a slight swelling without change in skin color, and slowly grows and becomes hard as rock. Loss-of-luxuriance is firmly fixed and hard to move. In the advanced stage, it becomes covered with purple patches and ulcerates to exude blood and water. At the same time, qi and blood become gradually debilitated and the patient becomes emaciated like a tree that has lost its splendor; hence the name.

Medication: Boost qi and nourish construction, and dissipate hardness. Use Construction-Harmonizing Hardness-Dissipating Pill. After rupture, use Free Wanderer Powder with additional medicinals or Spleen-Returning Decoction.

lost heart wind

withdrawal. The Level-Line of Pattern Identification and Treatment states, ``Withdrawal disease is popularly called `lost heart wind'.''

lower body

The lower part of the body (yin) as opposed to the upper body (yang). It sometimes specifically refers to the lower burner.

lower body distress

An urgent desire to pass stool with inhibited evacuation.

lower body gan

Synonyms: gan sore.

A sore of the penis, yin head (glans penis), foreskin, vagina or labia that starts with as beanlike lump that is neither painful nor ruptures (hard lower body gan) or that starts as a small sore and gradually ruptures (soft low body gan). See red bayberry sore.

lower burner

The part of the triple burner that includes the kidney, bladder, large intestine, and small intestine, in their function of drawing of fluids to be discharged in the form of urine (and the discharge of solid waste through the anus). The intimate relationship between the kidney and the liver means that the latter organ is to some extent considered to be located in the lower burner. More at triple burner.

lower burner damp-heat

Synonyms: damp-heat pouring down; downpour of damp-heat.

A disease pattern arising when damp-heat pours down into the lower burner. Lower burner damp-heat includes large intestinal damp-heat, which manifests in damp-heat dysentery and damp-heat diarrhea, and includes bladder damp-heat manifesting in strangury-turbidity and dribbling urinary block. In addition, lower burner damp-heat may take the form of pudendal itch, vaginal discharge, lower limb fire flow, foot qi sore, damp-heat seminal emission, and painful swelling of the lower limb joints.

lower burner damp-heat bloody urine

Synonyms: bladder damp-heat bloody urine.

lower burner dispersion-thirst

Synonyms: lower dispersion.

lower burner governs exit

The functions of the large intestine and bladder in discharging waste from the body.

lower burner heat bind

Disease characterized by lower abdominal pain and distention and rough painful urination with bloody urine in severe cases.

lower burner is like a sluice

The lower burner represents the function of the intestines in absorbing fluids from food, and those of the kidney and bladder in discharging it in the form of urine.

lower cheek

Synonyms: jowl.

lower dispersion

Synonyms: kidney dispersion.

A dispersion-thirst pattern marked by the passing of twice as much fluid as is drunk, unctuous or greasy urine like strangury-turbidity, and black face and parched ears; attributed to depletion of kidney water and failure of distilling transformation.

Medication: Supplement the kidney and promote astriction with Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill, Pancreas-Enriching Beverage, Left-Restoring Kidney Yin Beverage, or Major Origin-Supplementing Brew. For yin vacuity affecting yang and debilitated fire failing to form qi, a

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on back transport points, KI, and SP. Select BL-23 (Kidney Transport), KI-3 (Great Ravine), SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection), and KI-6 (Shining Sea); needle with supplementation. For yin vacuity affecting yang, add GV-4 (Life Gate), and

lower extreme

Synonyms: king's palace; mountain root.

The region between the two inner canthi, i.e., the root of the nose. The anus. The perineum.

lower limb fire flow

Synonyms: fire cinnabar leg.

lower orifices

Synonyms: turbid orifices.

The anal and genital orifices. Compare two yin.

lower origin

Original qi of the lower burner; the kidney. Usually only referred to in pathology. Insecurity of the lower origin refers to insecurity of kidney qi, depletion of the lower origin to kidney yin vacuity, and exhaustion of the lower origin to kidney yang vacuity. Compare true origin.

lower transverse bone

Synonyms: covering bone.

The bone above the genitals, i.e., the lower anterior part of the innominate bone.

lower uniting point

Any of a group of points located on the lower limbs, used to treat disease of the six bowels. Each organ has a uniting point located on its associated channel in the vicinity of the elbows or knees (LI-11, TB-10, and SI-8, see transport point). In addition to these, the three bowels associated with the yang channels of the arm each have a uniting point located on one of the yang channels of the foot. The lower uniting points of the small and large intestines are located on the stomach channel at ST-37 (Upper Great Hollow) and ST-39 (Lower Great Hollow) respectively, whereas that of the triple burner is on the bladder channel at BL-39 (Bend Yang). Each point is used to treat disease of their respective bowel. The lower uniting points of each channel and their indications are as follows: Stomach channel: ST-36 (Leg Three Li), poor digestion, stomach duct pain and distention, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. Large intestine: ST-37 (Upper Great Hollow), intestinal welling-abscess (appendicitis), swill diarrhea. Small Intestine: ST-39 (Lower Great Hollow), diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dysentery. Gallbladder: GB-34 (Yang Mound Spring), bitter taste in mouth, vomiting, and cholecystitis. Bladder: BL-40 (Bend Center), dribbling urinary block, and enuresis. Triple Burner: BL-39 (Bend Yang), dribbling urinary block, and enuresis.

lower yin

Synonyms: anterior yin.

lozenge

Synonyms: lozenge preparation.

A solid preparation made by blending finely ground medicinals with flour paste and forming them into spindle shapes, cones, or oblongs. If taken orally, lozenges are crushed and swallowed with water. If to be applied topically, they are crushed and mixed with vinegar or sesame oil.

lozenge preparation

Synonyms: lozenge.

lr

Abbreviation for the liver or the foot reverting yin liver channel.

lu

The lung or hand greater yin lung channel.

lubricate the intestines

Synonyms: moistening the intestines.

lubricating formula

One of the ten formula types. Lubricating medicinals can eliminate fixity, i.e., they can eliminate tangible binds in the body. For example, Mallow Seed Powder, plus moneywort (Jinqiancao Herba) and lygodium spore (Lygodii Spora) can be used to treat stone strangury with painful urination or complete stoppage of urine. This formula contains the lubricating medicinals mallow seed (Malvae Verticillatae Semen) and dwarf elm bark (Ulmi Pumilae Cortex), which help to free the stones.

lubricating medicinals can eliminate fixity

Lubricating medicinals such as mallow seed (Malvae Verticillatae Semen) and dwarf elm bark (Ulmi Pumilae Cortex), which are slippery in substance, can be used to treat stone strangury. See lubricating formula.

lumbar and back pain

From The Magic Pivot. Lumbar pain spreading into the back.

Medication: For debilitation of kidney qi and wind-damp exploiting the channels and network vessels, Duhuo and Mistletoe Decoction. For prolonged sitting, use Center-Supplementing Qi-Boosting Decoction or Eight-Gem Decoction.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on BL, GV, CV, and KI. Main points: BL-23 (Kidney Transport), GV-3 (Lumbar Yang Pass), BL-40 (Bend Center), ouch points, CV-4 (Pass Head), BL-60 (Kunlun Mountains), and BL-37 (Gate of Abundance); needle with supplementation and add m

lumbar pain

Pain in the lumbus, on one or either side, or affecting the spine. The lumbus is the house of the kidney, and lumbar pain is commonly associated with kidney problems. Specific causes include taxation detriment, debility in old age, depletion of kidney qi, contraction of external evils, and external injury. External evils and external injury generally cause acute pain that manifests as a repletion pattern. See external contraction lumbar pain; internal damage lumbar pain; external injury lumbar pain; postpartum lumbar pain. Compare pain in the lumbar spine; aching lumbus. Lumbar Pain damp-heat lumbar pain dampness damage lumbar pain damp phlegm lumbar pain cold-damp lumbar pain external contraction lumbar pain external injury lumbar pain internal damage lumbar pain kidney vacuity lumbar pain postpartum lumbar pain qi stagnation lumbar pain static blood lumbar pain vacuity-taxation lumbar pain wind-damp lumbar pain wind-heat lumbar pain

lumbar pain in pregnancy

From The Origin and Indicators of Disease. Lumbar pain during pregnancy. Attributable to kidney vacuity, to assailing wind-cold or to wrenching or contusion that causes static blood to obstruct the channels. In severe cases, there may be sagging of the fetus.

lumbus

The loin or low back. The main pathological conditions that affect the lumbus are lumbar pain, aching lumbus, and waist as if girthed with rope.

lumbus is the house of kidney

The kidneys are located in the lumbar region, and their health can be reflected there. Lumbar pain is a sign of kidney vacuity (either yin or yang) when of gradual onset, dull in quality, and when the area is cold to the touch.

lung

Viscus located in the chest, connecting with the throat, and opening into the nose. Elementary Questions states, ``The lung is the canopy of the viscera.'' Hence the appellation ``florid canopy,'' which was coined later. The lung is interior and is connected by its channel to the large intestine, which is the corresponding exterior organ. In the doctrine of the five phases, it belongs to metal. The main functions of the lung are governing qi, regulation of the waterways, and the exterior of the entire body. The lung governs qi means that the lung is responsible for breathing and the production of true qi. The Inner Canon also states that the lung opens at the nose means that the nose is the outer orifice of the lung, by which great qi (air) enters the body. Signs such as nasal congestion and flaring nostrils are related directly to lung disease. The lung governs regulation of the waterways refers to lung qi's action in regard to water metabolism. The depurative downbearing action of lung qi carries water downward to the bladder and prevents accumulation of water qi in the body. Hence, it is also said that the lung governs movement of water and the lung is the upper source of water. Disturbance of this function can give rise to inhibited urine and water swelling. The lung governs the skin and body hair means that the lung by its diffusing action nourishes the skin and the hair and protects the exterior against invading evils. Hence, it is also said that the lung engenders the skin and body hair and the lung governs the exterior of the entire body. The lung is closely related to the heart, spleen, and the kidney. The heart governs the blood and vessels, whereas the lung faces the hundred vessels. These statements reflect the complementary nature of the heart's function of governing the blood and the lung's function of governing qi, and may reflect the fact now recognized that the blood passes through the lung before being distributed around the body. For this reason, it is also said the lung holds the office of assistant, whence management and regulation emanate. The spleen is the source of phlegm formation and the lung is the receptacle that holds phlegm. Damp qi arising when spleen qi is vacuous and fails to move and transform fluids properly gathers and forms into phlegm, which then tends to collect in the lung. The kidney governs water and the lung is the upper source of water. The lung regulates the waterways, i.e., it controls the movement of water down to the kidney. It therefore supports the kidney's role of governing water. The lung governs qi and the kidney is the root of qi. The lung's ability to absorb qi is partly dependent on the kidney. If kidney essential qi is insufficient, it is incapable of ensuring the absorption of qi through the lung. This results in respiratory insufficiency characterized by shortness of breath and rapid breathing at the slightest exertion. Because these two viscera are intimately associated with qi and water, it is said that lung and kidney are mutually engendering.

lung accumulation

From The Pulse Canon. rushing respiration.

lung and kidney are mutually engendering

Synonyms: metal and water are mutually engendering; lung and kidney are of the same source.

The lung and kidney have a beneficial effect on each other. In water metabolism, the kidney governs water (i.e., urine production), whereas the lung is the upper source of water and governs regulation of the waterways (i.e., downward movement of water to the kidney). Vacuity of either the lung or kidney can cause water swelling. In respiration, the lung governs qi, whereas the kidney governs qi absorption. Although breathing is a function of the lung, it can be affected by kidney vacuity. Kidney vacuity preventing qi absorption gives rise to shortness of breath and panting. In the five phases, the lung is ascribed to metal, and the kidney is ascribed to water. Metal and water are mutually engendering. In the engendering sequence, metal engenders water, and according to the principle of disease in the mother (engendering phase) can affect the child (engendered phase), lung qi vacuity can give rise to kidney qi vacuity. Furthermore, according to the principle that disease in the child affects the mother, kidney qi vacuity can give rise to lung vacuity.

lung and kidney are of the same source

Synonyms: lung and kidney are mutually engendering.

lung and large intestine stand in interior-exterior relationship

Synonyms: lung is connected with the large intestine.

lung block panting and cough

Any condition in which an external evil obstructs the lung, preventing lung qi from diffusing. Lung block panting and cough is characterized by heat~effusion, rapid breathing, cough, and, in severe cases, flaring nostrils, somber complexion, and blue lips. It is common among small children, and arises when wind-cold fetters the outer body, when wind warmth invades the lung, or when fire heat distresses the lung (effulgent fire tormenting metal). In wind-cold fettering the outer body, the signs include aversion to cold, headache, absence of sweating, cough, and panting. Wind warmth invading the lung is characterized by mild aversion to cold and strong heat~effusion or the absence of aversion to heat~effusion. In addition there is sweating, cough, rib-side pain, red tongue with slightly yellow fur. The pattern of fire heat distressing the lung is characterized by high fever, sweating, vexing thirst, rapid panting breathing, and a large surging pulse.

lung channel

Synonyms: hand greater yin lung channel.

lung channel cough

Synonyms: lung cough.

lung congestion sleeplessness

From Pathoconditions, Causes, Pulses, and Treatments. The tendency to counterflow qi when lying down in patients suffering from panting and cough counterflow ascent with periodic ejection of phlegm-rheum, pain in the right rib-side stretching into the supraclavicular fossa, and in severe cases, panting with raised shoulders. Lung congestion sleeplessness is attributable to metal being tormented by fire, phlegm, dryness or cold.

Medication: For heat, use Family Secret White-Draining Powder; for phlegm, use Perilla Seed and Apricot Seed Decoction plus pinellia (Pinelliae Tuber) and trichosanthes seed (Trichosanthis Semen); for dryness, use Family Secret Lung-Moistening Beverage; for cold, use

lung cough

Synonyms: lung channel cough.

Cough with noisy panting, and, in severe cases, coughing of blood. When due to contraction of external cold, it can be treated with Ephedra Decoction. When attributable to lung vacuity with fire, it can be treated with White-Draining Powder plus scutellaria (Scutellariae Radix).

Acupuncture: When due to external cold, see wind-cold cough. When due to lung vacuity with fire, base treatment mainly on LU, KI, and back transport points. Select BL-13 (Lung Transport), BL-43 (Gao-Huang Transport), LU-5 (Cubit Marsh), and KI-6 (Shining Sea); needle

lung disease

Any morbidity of the lung. The lung governs qi and is in charge of breathing, and opens at the nose; hence, disease of the lung can manifest in signs such as cough, rapid breathing, and nasal congestion and runny nose. Since phlegm easily collects in the lung ( lung is the receptacle that holds phlegm); hence lung disease often manifests in copious phlegm. Furthermore, the lung governs the voice; hence lung disease can also manifest in hoarse voice or loss of voice. The lung governs diffusion, depurative downbearing, and the regulation of the waterways, and the pathomechanisms of lung disease are often explained in terms of failure of these functions. Contraction of wind-cold or wind-heat causes nondiffusion of lung qi. In the case of wind-cold, for example, this gives rise to signs such as aversion to cold, heat~effusion, and nasal congestion and runny nose. External contractions and internal damage can cause impaired downbearing of lung qi, which manifests in cough, copious phlegm, hasty breathing, and distention and oppression in the chest and diaphragm. When regulation of the waterways is affected, puffy swelling and panting and cough are observed. Lung Disease Patterns Simple patterns lung qi vacuity lung yang vacuity lung yin vacuity wind-heat invading the lung wind-cold fettering the lung dryness evil invading the lung dryness-heat damaging the lung heat evil congesting the lung phlegm turbidity obstructing the lung phlegm-heat obstructing the lung water-cold shooting into the lung nondiffusion of lung qi impaired depurative downbearing of the lung Combined patterns lung-kidney yin vacuity exuberant lung-stomach heat kidney failing to absorb qi heart-lung qi vacuity liver fire invading the lung Distinction is made between vacuity and repletion. Vacuity patterns include yin vacuity and qi vacuity. Repletion patterns are caused by external evils invading the lung (wind-heat invading the lung, wind-cold fettering the lung, dryness evil invading the lung) or by phlegm-rheum or heat brewing in the lung (phlegm turbidity obstructing the lung, phlegm-heat congesting the lung).

lung dispersion

From Elementary Questions. upper dispersion.

lung dryness

Any pattern of lung dryness. The lung is ascribed to metal, with which the season autumn is associated. The lung is easily damaged by dryness evil in the autumn. See dryness qi damaging the lung. A similar condition may arise through lung yin vacuity. The basic signs of any lung dryness are cough, expectoration of blood, dry nose, sore throat, hoarse voice, dry mouth, thirst, and a red tongue with white fur.

lung dryness cough

Cough without phlegm, or expectoration of blood-streaked phlegm characteristic of lung dryness.

lung engenders the skin and body hair

From Elementary Questions. See lung governs the skin and body hair.

lung evil rib-side pain

Rib-side pain occurring when the lung is affected by an evil. Patterns in which lung evil rib-side pain may occur include cold evil assailing the lung, water-rheum collecting internally, or evil heat scorching the lung. Lung evil rib-side pain is accompanied by cough, panting, and copious phlegm. In cold patterns, there is ejection of thin foamy phlegm-drool, low fever or absence of fever (heat~effusion), and tight stringlike pulse. Heat patterns are characterized by expectoration of fishy smelling phlegm, red facial complexion, intense internal heat, and rapid pulse.

Medication: Cold patterns are treated by effusing sweat and expelling rheum with formulas such as Minor Green-Blue Dragon Decoction; heat patterns are treated by clearing heat and flushing phlegm with Thousand Gold Pieces Phragmites Decoction.

Acupuncture: For cold patterns, select GB-20 (Wind Pool), BL-12 (Wind Gate), LU-7 (Broken Sequence), LI-4 (Union Valley), TB-5 (Outer Pass), LR-14 (Cycle Gate), TB-6 (Branch Ditch), GB-34 (Yang Mound Spring); needle with drainage, using moxa if necessary. For heat pat

lung faces the hundred vessels

Elementary Questions states, ``Vessel qi flows into the channel, and channel qi returns to the lung; the lung faces the hundred vessels.'' This means that the blood of the whole body must pass through the lung channel and the lung proper.

lung fire

Fire affecting the lung. Distinction is made between repletion and vacuity fire.

lung forms snivel

From Elementary Questions Snivel (nasal mucus) flows from the nose; the nose is the orifice of the lung; hence snivel is the humor of the lung. This phrase is the same as snivel is the humor of the lung.

lung governs depurative downbearing

Under normal circumstances, lung qi bears downward, drawing breath down the windpipe into the lung and keeping the lung clean of phlegm. The compound term ``depurative downbearing'' reflects the downward movement of qi and its action of maintaining a clean lung. The word `depurative' further hints at the five-phase association of metal with the notion of the purifying frost of autumn. If this function is fulfilled, air can pass in and out of the lung freely, the respiratory channels are kept free, breathing is even, and fluids descend to the kidney and bladder. When in external contractions or internal damage, evils invade the lung, they can affect normal depurative downbearing and cause cough with copious phlegm, hasty breathing, and distention and oppression in the chest and diaphragm. Enduring cough can also damage lung qi, impairing normal depurative downbearing and causing lung qi to ascend counterflow, giving rise to severe panting. See impaired depurative downbearing of the lung. Compare lung governs regulation of the waterways and lung is the receptacle that holds phlegm.

lung governs diffusion

One aspect of lung governs qi. The lung is responsible for ensuring the movement of qi out toward the body surface. Under normal circumstances, lung qi diffuses outward. When external evil (wind-heat, wind-cold) invades the lung, causing cough with scant or copious phlegm, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy throat, or hoarse voice, usually accompanied by exterior signs. The resulting pattern is called nondiffusion of lung qi. In severe cases of evil heat, there may be high fever with flaring nostrils, rough panting, with thick yellow phlegm, and if external evil stirs existing cold-rheum, there may be foamy white phlegm-drool and a frog rale in the throat.See nondiffusion of lung qi.

lung governs management and regulation

lung governs movement of water

lung governs qi

The lung takes in clear, natural qi and expels turbid qi. ``The lung governs qi'' denotes the respiratory function and role played by the lung in the production of true qi ( qi4, in Chinese means breath and breathing as well as qi). Lung qi has the functions of ensuring diffusion and depurative downbearing. If these two functions are fulfilled, air can pass in and out of the lung freely, the respiratory tract is kept free, and breathing is even. Nondiffusion of lung qi is characterized by cough possibly accompanied by exterior signs, whereas impairment of depurative downbearing is characterized by cough and panting. Elementary Questions states, ``All qi rushing and depression is ascribed to the lung.'' The respiratory function of the lung is further related to the production of true qi. Inhaled air becomes a main constituent of true qi. The Magic Pivot states, ``True qi is derived from air and from food qi, and fills the body.'' Inhaled air is combined with grain qi (nutrients in food), which are in turn combined with the essential qi of the kidney to form the true qi that nourishes the whole body. Hence it is said in Elementary Questions, ``The lung governs the qi of the whole body'' and ``all qi belongs to the lung.'' In addition to impairing respiration, insufficiency of lung qi may also affect the formation of true qi and thereby trigger generalized qi vacuity, characterized by fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath, and spontaneous sweating. Compare lung is the governor of qi, kidney is the root of qi.

lung governs regulation of the waterways

Synonyms: lung governs the movement of water.

The spleen, lung, kidney, intestines, and bladder are jointly responsible for regulating water metabolism. The specific role of the lung is called ``governing regulation of the waterways,'' and represents a combination of the two functions of diffusion and depurative downbearing. By the diffusion of lung qi, fluids are distributed throughout the body, particularly to the skin, where they leave the body in the form of sweat. By depurative downbearing, waste water is conveyed down to the kidney and bladder to be discharged from the body. For this reason it is said, ``The lung is the upper source of water.'' If diffusion is impaired, then the interstices will close up, and thereby prevent sweating. If downbearing is impaired, there may be water swelling and inhibited urination or scant urine.

lung governs the exterior of the entire body

The exterior of the body is related to lung function. When lung qi is vacuous and the fleshy exterior is insecure there is a tendency to spontaneous sweating. When defense is weak, the fleshy exterior is vulnerable to wind-cold invasion, which can give rise to cough. See lung governs the skin and body hair.

lung governs the movement of water

lung governs the nose

lung governs the skin and body hair

The skin and body hair are closely related to lung function. Elementary Questions states, ``The lung engenders the skin and body hair,'' which is explained as meaning that the skin and body hair are dependent on the essential qi supplied by the lung. Certain forms of lung vacuity such as lung wilting may be reflected in dry lusterless skin. In a broader sense, the skin and body hair represent the exterior of the body as a defense against external evils. Invasion of external evils is associated with disturbance of normal sweating (absence of sweating or profuse sweating). The function of resisting evils and controlling perspiration is also related to the supply of defense qi. The Magic Pivot states, ``Defense qi warms the flesh and flushes the skin; it replenishes the interstices and controls their opening and closing.'' Its capacity to fulfill these functions is mainly attributable to the diffusion---or gentle outward movement---of lung qi. This is discussed in The Magic Pivot in the following way: ``The upper burner opens, diffuses the five flavors i.e., foods of the five flavors, nourishes the skin, fills the body, and moistens the hair, just as the dew waters the earth.'' The sweat pores, referred to in Elementary Questions as ``qi gates'' were believed to have the function of diffusing lung qi. The relationship of the skin and body hair to the lung can be seen in disease. Although the lung itself is in the interior, its governing the qi of the whole body and its intimate relationship with defense qi in particular place it on the first line of the body's defense's to external evils. External evils assailing the fleshy exterior usually cause lung disease such as sore throat and nasal congestion. When lung qi is vacuous, the fleshy exterior become ``insecure,'' allowing sweat to flow out (spontaneous sweating).

lung governs the voice

The voice is intimately related to the lung. Lung qi powers the vocal chords. Sufficiency of lung qi is reflected in a full clear voice; lung qi vacuity is reflected in a low faint voice. Contraction of external wind-cold causing congestion of lung qi is reflected a hoarse voice. This is called ``replete metal failing to sound.'' Internal damage pulmonary consumption with great damage to lung qi and hoarse voice is called ``broken metal failing to sound.''

lung heat

Any pattern of lung heat. Signs include red facial complexion, cough with thick phlegm, chest pain, and, in severe cases, hasty breathing, or expectoration of blood. See warm evil invading the lung; heat damaging the network vessels of the lung; exuberant fire tormenting metal; exuberant lung-stomach heat.

lung heat cough

Cough due to lung heat.

lung heat scorching the lobes

Long scorching of the lobes of the lung by depressed heat causing wilting patterns. Elementary Questions states, ``Lung heat scorching the lobes develops into crippling wilt.'' Lung heat scorching lobes can give rise to two conditions: (1) lung wilting, characterized by coughing up of foamy turbid drool. (2) Wilting of arms and legs characterized by drying of the skin and body hair and withering of the flesh, lack of strength in the limbs.

lung holds the office of assistant, whence management and regulation emanate

From Elementary Questions. The heart holds the office of monarch, and the lung is its assistant. The heart governs the blood, whereas the lung governs qi; the lung therefore helps the heart to carry blood to all parts of the body so that they are all nourished. The ability to influence the heart beat by controlling respiration as in qi-gong may be further evidence for this relationship. The Inner Canon expressed the functions of organs in terms of analogy to government. The lung's action of conveying essence to the skin and body hair, its connection with defense qi, its role in the production of blood, its regulation of the waterways through all three burners, means that it has a supporting role in many functions within the economy of the body.

lung impediment

Damage to lung qi from persistent skin impediment with further contraction of evils or excessive sorrow or grief. Lung impediment is marked by oppression and vexation in the heart and chest, pain in the chest and back, cough with rapid breathing, and in some cases vomiting and nausea.

Medication: Diffuse the lung and dispel evils with Schisandra Decoction. If there are lung heat signs, use Family Secret White-Draining Powder. For pronounced lung vacuity, use Pulse-Engendering Powder.

Acupuncture: See skin impediment.

lung is averse to cold

From Elementary Questions The lung cannot tolerate excessive cold. The lung governs qi, is connected with the skin and body hair in the outer body, and opens at the nose. Cold evil can directly assail the exterior and damage outer defense yang and easily invade the lung channel. The lung also governs qi. When there is cold, qi becomes stagnant. Spleen-stomach vacuity cold can also affect the lung. These statements support the classical statement that the lung is averse to cold. It should nevertheless be noted that the lung is also susceptible to heat. See aversions of the five viscera.

lung is connected with the large intestine

The lung stands in interior-exterior relationship with the large intestine. The lung channel connects with the large intestine, and the large intestine channel connects with the lung. The lung's depurative downbearing helps the large's intestine's function of conveying and transforming of waste, and vice versa. Panting due to phlegm congestion can be treated with draining precipitants to free lung qi, whereas some types of constipation are best treated by opening the lung. Medicinals that transform phlegm and suppress cough, such as apricot kernel (Armeniacae Semen) and trichosanthes (Trichosanthis Fructus), also have the effect of moistening the intestines.

lung is connected with the skin and body hair

lung is connected with the skin; its luxuriance is the body hair

From Elementary Questions. See lung governs the skin and body hair.

lung is often in insufficiency

The lung tends toward vacuity; a feature of child pathology. Young children have weak bowels and viscera; their physical body and qi are not yet replete; and their yin and yang are still immature. When yin and yang are both frail, resistance to disease is low. Inability to adjust to heat and cold and irregular feeding cause increased susceptibility to invasion of the six excesses or dietary damage. For these reasons, externally contracted disease, and morbidity of the lung and spleen are common in small children. The lung governs qi, and is in charge of breathing; it is connected with the skin and body hair. Since the external defense of children is insecure, evils easily enter the ligature of the lung (the nose, throat, and windpipe). Hence, coughs and colds are very common. The spleen and stomach are the root of later heaven (the acquired constitution); they move and transform the grain and water (food) and distribute its essence; hence they are the source of qi and blood formation. Splenic movement and transformation tend to be underdeveloped in children, which makes it difficult to the supply the essence of grain and qi needed for healthy growth and development. Thus children often suffer from dietary damage causing accumulation and stagnation, retching and vomiting, and diarrhea. The lung is dependent on the spleen for nourishment; hence Elementary Questions states, ``The spleen engenders flesh, and flesh engenders the lung.'' When spleen qi is strong, the essence of grain and water flows up into the lung, and so the strength of lung qi relies on the later-heaven qi of the stomach and spleen.

lung is the delicate viscus

Of all the viscera, the lung, which draws in great qi (air) from outside the body, is most susceptible to six excesses, particularly wind, cold, and heat. Contractions of these evils readily cause nondiffusion of lung qi, which can manifest as cough and nasal congestion.

lung is the florid canopy

A phrase contained in Yu Shu's annotation on the 32nd difficulty of The Classic of Difficult Issues doubtlessly based on the statements in The Inner Canon. The Magic Pivot states, ``The lung is the canopy of the five viscera and six bowels.'' Elementary Questions states, ``The lung is chief of the viscera, and is the florid canopy of the heart.'' The lung is the uppermost of all organs in the chest and abdomen, covering the others like a canopy. It is also governs the exterior of the whole body and forms the outer defense of the bowels and viscera.

lung is the governor of qi, kidney is the root of qi

The lung draws in great qi (air) from the environment, but cannot do so unless the essential qi of the kidney is exuberant. See lung governs qi; kidney governs qi absorption.

lung is the receptacle that holds phlegm

Fluids are passed by the spleen to the lung, which distributes them around the body. Damp-qi arising when spleen qi is vacuous and fails to move and transform the fluids properly gathers to form phlegm, which collects in the lung. Thus the lung is the receptacle that holds phlegm, i.e., the place where it collects. See spleen is the source of phlegm formation.

lung is the upper source of water

The lung regulates the waterways and governs the movement of water. It is the viscus associated with water in the upper burner, hence the epithet.

lung mounting

Synonyms: pulmonary mounting.

Mounting caused by cold evil invading the lung. Elementary Questions states, ``When the lung pulse is sunken and contending, [this] indicates lung mounting.'' Wang Bing notes this saying ``cold contending with the viscera.'' Signs include distention and pain in the lesser abdomen and testicles and urinary stoppage.

lung opens at the nose

The nose is the outer opening of the respiratory tract, through which air enters the lung. Elementary Questions states, ``The lung governs the nose.'' The sense of smell can function normally only if lung qi is in harmony and breathing is smooth. Thus The Magic Pivot states, ``Lung qi flows to the nose; when the lung is in harmony, the nose can perceive fetor and fragrance.'' In addition, snivel (nasal mucus) is the humor of the lung. Many lung diseases are the result of the contraction of external evils through the nose and mouth, and are reflected in the condition of the nose. For example, colds may be characterized by nasal congestion and a runny nose, attributable to nondiffusion of lung qi and lung qi ascending counterflow, caused by evil heat congestion in the lung frequently leads to rapid breathing and flaring nostrils. Recent treatment of nasal polyps and chronic rhinitis by needling lung points on the ear also demonstrates the principle that the lung opens at the nose.

lung pulse is floating

The floating pulse is associated with diseases of the lung and the season autumn. Elementary Questions says, ``The lung pulse is downy.'' The Classic of Difficult Issues states, ``The autumn pulse is downy.'' A downy pulse is now usually referred to as a floating pulse. See floating pulse.

lung qi

The activating force that accounts for lung function. Lung qi includes ancestral qi. Breath.

lung qi ascending counterflow

Synonyms: counterflow lung qi.

Impaired depurative downbearing of the lung characterized by severe cough and panting.See impaired depurative downbearing of the lung.

lung qi block

lung qi flows to the nose

lung qi vacuity

A disease pattern most commonly attributable to repeated impairment of lung qi diffusion and downbearing over a long period of time, although it may also be caused by general qi vacuity. The chief signs are forceless cough and panting and shortness of breath. Other signs include a pale white or bright white facial complexion, fatigue and lack of strength, rapid breathing on exertion, spontaneous sweating, susceptibility to the common cold, laziness to speak, and low timid voice.

Medication: Lung qi vacuity is treated by boosting lung qi with medicinals such as codonopsis (Codonopsitis Radix), astragalus (Astragali (seu Hedysari) Radix), licorice (Glycyrrhizae Radix), and schisandra (Schisandrae Fructus). A representative formula is Lung-Sup

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on back transport points, LU, SP, and CV. Select BL-13 (Lung Transport), BL-43 (Gao-Huang Transport), LU-9 (Great Abyss), BL-20 (Spleen Transport), SP-3 (Supreme White), CV-6 (Sea of Qi), and ST-36 (Leg Three Li); needle with supplem

lung repletion

Evil repletion in the lung channel, attributable to wind-cold, phlegm-heat, phlegm-damp, phlegm-fire, etc. Signs include cough and rough panting, pain and fullness in the chest, phlegm-drool congestion, expectoration of thick yellow phlegm sometimes flecked with blood, and sudden loss of voice.

lung stores the corporeal soul

lung taxation

A vacuity taxation (severe enduring vacuity) pattern attributable to lung vacuity and characterized by dry sore throat, hoarse voice, loss of sense of smell, red facial complexion, oppression in the chest and shortness of breath, cough and ejection of blood, reduced food intake, emaciation and lack of strength, and heat~effusion.

Medication: Boost qi and supplement the lung. Use Ginseng Root-Securing Pill.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on LU and KI. Select BL-13 (Lung Transport), BL-20 (Spleen Transport), BL-43 (Gao-Huang Transport), LU-9 (Great Abyss), LU-5 (Cubit Marsh), KI-3 (Great Ravine), KI-6 (Shining Sea), and ST-36 (Leg Three Li); needle with supplementatio

lung tie

The area where the lung joins the windpipe. The trachea and larynx. The wind-pipe (trachea), throat, and nasal passages.

lung vacuity

Any of various disease patterns of insufficiency of the qi, blood, yin, and yang of the lung, attributable to excessive warmth or cold, to enduring disease and weak health, or to enduring cough damaging the lung. Signs include cough, shortness of breath, copious clear thin phlegm, fatigue and laziness to talk, low weak voice, fear of cold spontaneous sweating. In some cases there is tidal heat~effusion, night sweating, heat in the hearts of the palms and soles, insomnia, postmeridian reddening of the cheeks, dry mouth and pharynx, cough with no phlegm or with blood-flecked phlegm. The tongue is pale and tender-soft or tender-red. The pulse is vacuous or weak or fine and rapid. lung qi vacuity.

lung vacuity cough

Cough attributable to lung vacuity, usually insufficiency of lung yin, and sometimes lung qi vacuity.

lung vacuity rapid panting

Panting attributable to lung vacuity. Yin vacuity patterns are mostly due to lung-kidney yin vacuity, whereas yang vacuity patterns are mostly due to dual vacuity of the spleen and lung or spleen-kidney yang vacuity. Signs include panting and inability to catch one's breath, accompanied by yin vacuity or yang vacuity signs.

Medication: Boost qi and supplement the lung. For yin vacuity, use Metropolis Qi Pill; for yang vacuity, use Kidney Qi Pill or Placenta Great Creation Pill.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on back transport points, LU, KI, SP, and CV. Main points: BL-13 (Lung Transport), Panting Stabilizer, BL-43 (Gao-Huang Transport), LU-9 (Great Abyss), and ST-36 (Leg Three Li). Selection of points according to pattern: For lung-kidn

lung water

One of the five waters spoken of in Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Coffer. Water swelling in lung disease characterized by inhibited breathing, generalized swelling with difficult urination, and duck's slop diarrhea.

lung wilting

A chronic condition characterized by a dull-sounding cough, ejection of thick turbid foamy drool, panting at the slightest exertion, dry mouth and pharynx, emaciation, red dry tongue, and a vacuous rapid pulse. In some cases, there may be tidal heat~effusion, and, in severe cases, the skin and hair may become dry. It is attributed to dryness-heat and enduring cough damaging the lung, or damage to fluid due to other disease depriving the lung of moisturization. A form of consumption. skin and body hair wilting. Indispensable Medical Reading states, ``Lung wilting is skin and body hair wilting.''

Medication: Treat by enriching yin, clearing heat, and moistening the lung, using Ophiopogon Decoction or Dryness-Clearing Lung-Rescuing Decoction. With ejection of copious clear white foamy drool without cough or thirst and with dizziness, shortness of breath, lassi

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on LU and KI. Select BL-13 (Lung Transport), BL-43 (Gao-Huang Transport), LU-5 (Cubit Marsh), LI-11 (Pool at the Bend), KI-3 (Great Ravine), KI-6 (Shining Sea), and SP-6 (Three Yin Intersection); needle with supplementation. For endu

lung wind

Any condition created by wind evil affecting the lung. Skin sores or itching, facial sores, or redness and ulceration of the bulb of the nose. Severe drinker's nose.

lung wind acne

Synonyms: drinker's nose.

lung yang vacuity

A disease pattern that arises when enduring cough damages lung qi, and detriment to qi affects yang, or when lung qi is damaged in patients usually suffering from yang vacuity. Lung yang vacuity is characterized by forceless cough and panting, bright white facial complexion, and physical cold and cold limbs.

Medication: Warm and supplement lung yang. Use Licorice and Dried Ginger Decoction or Poria (Hoelen), Licorice, Schisandra, Ginger, and Asarum Decoction.

Acupuncture: Use the same points as for lung qi vacuity, and use large amounts of moxa.

lung yin

Synonyms: pulmonary liquid; lung liquid.

The fluids that keep the lung moist. Lung yin is dependent upon the nourishment from the essence of grain and water transmitted upward by the spleen and the moisturization provided by kidney. It stands in complementary opposition to lung qi. Evil heat or dryness qi invading the lung or internal injury to the lung can in time cause damage to lung yin, which manifests as a dry cold, phlegm-flecked blood, tidal heat~effusion, and night sweating.

lung yin vacuity

A disease pattern of lung vacuity with heat signs. Lung yin vacuity is mostly the result of damage caused by long-lingering lung heat, which frequently develops in patients suffering from either general debilitation from an enduring illness or from impaired lung downbearing. It sometimes arises as a result of invasion of the lung by dryness evil. The chief signs are cough without phlegm or with scant sticky phlegm, and tidal heat~effusion. Other signs include emaciation, dry throat and mouth, postmeridian tidal heat~effusion, vexing heat in the five hearts, and night sweating. Sometimes the phlegm is flecked with blood or or the voice is hoarse. The tongue is red with little liquid. The pulse is rapid and fine. Lung yin vacuity frequently affects kidney yin, resulting in lung-kidney yin vacuity.

Medication: Moisten the lung and suppress cough; enrich yin and downbear fire. Use Lily Bulb Metal-Securing Decoction.

Acupuncture: Base treatment mainly on back transport points, LU, and KI. Select BL-13 (Lung Transport), BL-43 (Gao-Huang Transport), LU-5 (Cubit Marsh), and KI-6 (Shining Sea); needle with supplementation. For lung-kidney yin vacuity, add BL-23 (Kidney Transport), KI-

lung, its bloom is in the body hair

Elementary Questions states, ``The lung... its bloom is in the body hair.'' Bloom means external manifestation of health. The health of the lung is reflected in the luxuriance of the skin. This is because the lung governs transportation of essence to the skin and body hair. In the extreme state of pulmonary consumption (TB), the skin takes on a perished-looking complexion and the hair becomes dry and lifeless. This is why the lung is said to have its bloom in the skin and body hair. See lung engenders skin and body hair.

lung-kidney yin vacuity

A condition comprising signs of lung yin vacuity and kidney yin vacuity. Signs of lung yin vacuity include emaciation and marked ill health, dry cough with little phlegm (sometimes streaked with blood), dry mouth and throat, low hoarse voice, and rapid breathing. Signs of kidney yin vacuity include night sweating, lumbar pain, and seminal emission. Lung and kidney yin vacuity is further characterized by reddening of the cheeks and steaming bone tidal heat~effusion, red tongue, and rapid fine pulse.

Medication: Enrich and nourish the lung and kidney. Use Lily Bulb Metal-Securing Decoction. See lung yin vacuity; kidney yin vacuity; kidney vacuity; dual vacuity of the lung and kidney.

lung-metal

The lung as belonging to metal in the doctrine of the five phases.

lung-stomach flaming fire panting

Synonyms: fire panting.

lusterless facial complexion

A complexion that lacks color and vitality.See withered-yellow facial complexion; white facial complexion.

lusterless nails

Dry pale nails lacking sheen. A sign of liver blood vacuity.See liver, its bloom is in the nails.