Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines
Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines
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Diagnostic Signs
Red tongue with thick yellow dry coating
Deep (Chen), Rapid (Shu), Slippery (Hua), Full (Shi)
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
The main cause of this pattern is when an external pathogen, typically Wind-Cold, has invaded the Exterior
Pathological Mechanism
Within the framework of the Six Stages theory, this is one of the two patterns of the Bright Yang stage (the second of the six stages). Within the Four Levels theory, this is one of the five patterns of the Qi level (the second of the four levels).
It corresponds to a penetration of an External Pathogen that has transformed into Heat in the Stomach and Intestines.
This pattern is more severe than the other pattern of the Bright Yang stage, the so-called "channel" pattern of Stomach Heat, because there is Dryness, a sign that the Heat has become Fire.
Signs of Dryness include the constipation, the dry stools and the dark urine. It also indirectly causes the abdominal fullness and pain due to the accumulation of dried-up faeces from constipation.
Other symptoms are more classic of Heat: the fever, sweating and thirst.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Drain Fire from the Stomach and Intestines, move downward.
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