Hypogastric Sensations
A feeling of distension in the hypogastric area indicates stagnation of Liver-Qi. Intense pain is
due either to stasis of Liver-Blood or to Liver-Fire.
A feeling of fullness over the hypogastrium indicates Dampness, while a dragging, bearing-down
feeling indicates sinking of Spleen-Qi.
This area should be palpated and its tone and texture assessed. If it feels hard and distended it
indicates stagnation of Qi or Dampness. If it is soft and flaccid, it indicates a deficiency of the
Kidneys and the Original Qi.
Tongue
The root of the tongue reflects problems of the Bladder, Intestines or Kidneys. Problems of the
Bladder or of the Intestines will be reflected in the coating. This, however, presents similar signs
for both types of problem and the two cannot be distinguished from the tongue only. Thus, a
thick yellow and sticky coating with red spots on the root indicates Damp-Heat, which may be
either in the Bladder or in the Intestines.
A sticky and dull-dirty coating on the root indicates long-standing retention of Dampness and
usually Cloudy Painful-Urination Syndrome.
No coating on the root or coating that is partially peeled may indicate a deficiency of
Kidney-Yin and Fatigue Painful-Urination Syndrome, but may also, however, be due to a
pathology of the Intestines.
Thus observation of the root of the tongue in urinary problems must always be closely checked
against the pulse findings. If both Rear positions of the pulse present the same abnormal quality,
then the problem is most probably in the Intestines. If only the left Rear position of the pulse
presents an abnormal quality, then the problem is most probably in the Bladder.
Pulse
On the pulse, the Bladder is reflected on the left Rear position. If this is Wiry it indicates either
stagnation of Liver-Qi affecting the Bladder if it is Slow, or Bladder Heat if it is Rapid.
A Slippery quality on the left Rear position indicates Dampness, Damp-Heat if it is Rapid and
Damp-Cold if it is Slow.
A Weak-Floating quality on the same position indicates long-standing retention of Dampness