The Tai Yang layer is the most exterior, the most superficial of the Yang gate. It is formed by the Small Intestine Channel and Bladder Channel. The Governing Vessel Channel also has a relationship with this layer. These channels circulate through the posterior part of the body.
Tai Yang controls opening, has an action of expansion, of releasing Yang: functions of diffusing, protection and transformation. These functions are altered when attacked by perverse energy (cold) and also because there is a certain deficit of vital energy or defensive energy Wei Qi.
Three syndromes:
- Zhong Feng, invasion of Wind
- Shan Han, invasion of Cold
- Xu Shui, retention of fluids
Symptoms of Tai Yang
The typical symptoms of a Wind-Cold attack on the Tai Yang layer are:
- Aversion to cold, chills
- Fever, low-grade fever
- Pain: of the back, neck, posterior part of the body
- Normal tongue (has not yet affected the interior) with white coating
- Superficial pulse
There are more symptoms to differentiate whether it is Shan Han (damaged by cold) or Zhong Feng (struck by wind). It can also attack the Fu, Bladder, and produce Xu Shui (accumulation of fluid).
Symptoms of Shan Han
Cold attacks the Channel
- Does not sweat. Wei Qi is strong or blocked
- Pain throughout the body
- Cough, shortness of breath. Diffusing is blocked and then descending does not function
- Superficial tight pulse (1 level) not tense (3 levels), strikes the fingers, hard
- 8 principles: cold, fullness, exterior
- Points: GB-20, BL-60, BL-12, SI-3 + BL-62 (all Tai Yang), LI-4 + LU-7 (expels Wind and controls surface), GV-16
Symptoms of Zhong Feng
Wind opens all the windows and ascends
- Spontaneous sweating (pores open): this indicates that Wei Qi is weak
- 8 principles: empty, exterior
- ST-36, LI-4 + LU-7 (expels wind and controls surface)
Symptoms of Xu Shui
The Cold has reached the organ, Bladder cannot achieve its function