Shaoyang syndrome

The Shaoyang syndrome is an outcome of the transmission and transformation of the Taiyang syndrome. The pathogenic factors have left the exterior represented by Taiyang, but yet they have not reached the interior represented by Yangming. Since the pathogenic factors remain between the exterior and interior, the Shaoyang syndrome is actually an intermediate syndrome. Its main pathological manifestations are alternate chills and fever, fullness in the costal and hypochondriac regions, anorexia, mental restlessness, vomiting, a bitter taste in the mouth, dryness of the throat, blurring of vision and a string - taut pulse.

When the pathogenic factor invades Shaoyang, it contends with the antipathogenic qi between the exterior and the interior. Subsequently, the qi circulation is hindered and its ascending and descending function is impaired. Alternate chills and fever are the outcome of the struggle between the pathogenic factor and the anti - pathogenic qi. Pathogenic invasion of the Shaoyang Meridian specifically leads to disorders of the qi of the meridian, which, as determined by its pathway, manifests as fullness in the costal and hypochondriac regions. Anorexia and vomiting are due to upward disturbance of the stomach qi, when the pathogenic factor in Shaoyang has reached the stomach. Inward disturbance of Shaoyang fire results in mental restlessness. Upward attack of the fire of the gallbladder along the Shaoyang Meridian produces a bitter taste in the mouth, dryness of the throat and blurring of vision. Obstruction of the qi of the liver and gallbladder causes string - taut pulse. The method of treatment is to harmonize Shaoyang by selecting points from the Shaoyang and Jueyin meridians.