Syndrome of the ying stage

The syndrome of the ying stage is more severe and marked by further penetration of febrile pathogen. Ying refers to the qi in the blood, which flows internally to the heat. The syndrome of the ying stage is thus characterized by injury of ying yin and disturbance of the mind. Chief manifestations are feverishness of the body which is worse at night, dryness of the mouth without a strong desire to drink, mental restlessness, insomnia, deep - red tongue and thready, rapid pulse. In severe cases, faint skin rashes, delirium and coma may occur.

This syndrome is often a consequence of the inward transmission of diseases from the qi system, which has not been correctly treated. The further penetration of febrile pathogen injures the ying yin ( nutrient yin ) , the outcome of which is feverishness of the body which is worse at night, and dry mouth without a strong desire to drink. As nutrient qi flows to the heart, heat in the ying system disturbs the heart, giving rise to mental restlessness and insomnia. Delirium is a sign of invasion of the pericardium by pathogenic heat, whilst faint skin rashes appear due to injury of the blood vessels by heat. The deep - red tongue and thready, rapid pulse are also signs of invasion of the ying system by heat.

The method of treatment is to clear off heat from the ying system. Acupuncture or bleeding by pricking the vessels may be adopted as auxiliary methods. Points are mainly used from the Heart Meridian of Hand - Shaoyin, the Pericardium Meridian of Hand - Jueyin and the Du ( Governor Vessel ) Meridian.