The diagnosis of the eight principles (Ba Gang) is a diagnostic system that can be applied to all situations. Unlike the diagnosis of the six stages which is used for attacks of external pathogenic energy or the diagnosis of the four levels which is more specific to heat attacks.
The eight principles are:
- Exterior - Interior (Biao - Li).
- Heat - Cold (Re - Han).
- Fullness - Emptiness (Shi - Xu).
- Yang - Yin.
Exterior pattern (Biao)
The surface of the body is affected, usually by attack of external energies.
Characteristics
- Location on the surface of the body: skin, muscles, channels and Wei Qi.
- Sudden appearance.
- Short duration.
- Mild clinical state.
Symptoms
- Fever with aversion to cold.
- Pain in head and body.
- Soft whitish tongue coating.
- Superficial pulse.
- Nasal congestion.
- Runny nose.
- Sore throat.
- Cough.
Interior pattern (Li)
Characteristics
- Deep location: organs-entrails, Qi-Blood, bones-marrow.
- Progressive evolution.
- Long duration.
- Severe clinical state.
Causes
- External pathogenic energy has not been eliminated when it was on the surface and penetrates inward.
- Direct attack of external pathogenic energy into the interior.
- emotions, stress, improper diet...
Cold pattern (Han)
- There is cold, sensation of cold, low temperature.
- White and fluid secretions.
- Pale complexion.
- Dampness, stillness.
Heat pattern (Re)
- There is heat, high temperature.
- Yellow tongue coating.
- Flushing, redness.
- Scanty, dark urine.
- Agitation, movement.
- Dryness.
Fullness pattern (Shi)
Pathogenic energy (Xie Qi) is in excess and vital energy (Zheng Qi) is strong.
- Excess.
- Blockage.
- Red face and eyes, congestion, nervousness, restlessness, strong secretions, constant pain and swelling.
Causes
- Attack of pathogenic energy (Xie Qi): cold, dampness, dryness, fire, heat.
- Accumulation of food.
- Emotions: restless, nervous, agitated, rough tongue.
Emptiness pattern (Xu)
Lack of vital energy, insufficient or loss. See Qi Emptiness.
- Interior picture, chronic and long-lasting.
- Physical and mental asthenia.
- Affects Jing and Shen.
- Weight loss.
- Pale face, lacking luster, red cheekbones, sweating, thirst, weak voice.
Causes
- Weak constitution.
- Old age.
- Chronic illness.
- Improper diet.
- The seven emotions.
- Excess physical and mental work.