Q What happens at the first visit?
A At the first visit, we assess the character of the secretions (clear, thick, color), accompanying symptoms (nasal congestion, headache, cough, reflux), and aggravating situations, and use pulse diagnosis to evaluate the degree of Lung qi deficiency and phlegm-fluid. We then begin a decoction prescription matched to the pattern, along with nasal acupuncture and pharmacopuncture treatment.
Detailed Answer
Treatment flow: Stage 1 (pattern diagnosis) — we listen to the color and viscosity of secretions and when they worsen, accompanying rhinitis, reflux, and cough symptoms, and occupational or environmental exposure. Pulse and tongue diagnosis distinguish Lung qi deficiency, cold-phlegm, and heat-phlegm. Stage 2 (decoction prescription) — clear, thin secretions (cold-phlegm): Samso-eum or Socheongnyong-tang (Minor Blue Dragon decoction) family. Thick, yellow secretions (heat-phlegm): Ijin-tang or Cheongsanggyeontong-tang family. Chronic or recurrent type: addition of Spleen- and Lung-tonifying prescriptions such as Yukgunja-tang (Six Gentlemen decoction). Stage 3 (acupuncture, pharmacopuncture) — needling and pharmacopuncture applied to nasal passage and Lung meridian acupoints such as Yeonghyang (LI20), Indang (EX-HN3), Hapgok (LI4), and Pyesu (BL13). Nasal bloodletting to relieve congestion. Stage 4 (maintenance) — after secretions decrease, reduce the decoction dose and provide dietary and lifestyle guidance to prevent recurrence.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Accurately distinguishing the nature of the phlegm-fluid (whether cold or hot) first is the core of prescribing. Using the same decoction without pattern differentiation can actually make symptoms more uncomfortable.
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