TCM Clinical Simulator

The Book of Modules: Interactive Case Study

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Patient Clinical Intake File
Demographics 53 y/o Female
Chief Complaint (Biao)

Lifelong, constitutional constipation on and off.

Recent Secondary Symptoms

Night sweats, dryness of mouth/throat, insomnia, constant heat sensation, continuously sipping water.

Objective Physical Diagnostic Markers
Tongue Evaluation Red body with thin dry yellow coat

Indicates deep interior heat and severe body fluid injury from dry-heat.

Pulse Diagnostics Thready, wiry, and slightly rapid

Thready shows Yin/Blood deficiency; Wiry indicates Liver; Rapid confirms Heat.

Book of Modules Reference Quick-Sheet
• Sheng Di: Nourish Yin, Cool Blood
• Gui Ban: Strongly Nourish Yin, Anchor Yang
• Huo Ma Ren: Rich Seed Oil, Moisten
• Tao Ren: Invigorate Blood, Moisten
• Duan Long/Mu Li: Astringe Sweat, Calm Shen
• Wu Wei Zi: Stop Sweat, Nourish Fluid
Phase 1 of 5

Diagnostic Assessment & Pattern Identification

Analyze the patient's symptoms, tongue, and pulse. What is the correct underlying pattern of disharmony according to traditional diagnostic criteria?

Phase 2 of 5

Formulating the Treatment Strategy

Every successful TCM prescription relies on a deliberate treatment plan targeting both Root (Ben) and Manifestation (Biao). Map each patient presentation to its corresponding treatment principle.

Presentation A

Dry mouth, red dry tongue, rapid pulse, and a constant feeling of heat.

Presentation B

Chronic, lifelong constipation (Biao) requiring gentle lubrication.

Presentation C

Disruptive night sweats accompanied by insomnia.

Phase 3 of 5

Herb Cabinet: Module Selection

Consult The Book of Modules. Choose the most precise herbal combination for each of our three treatment objectives.

1. Nourish Kidney & Liver Yin, Subdue Yang, Clear Heat Required

2. Moisten Intestines (Lubricate chronic constipation & regulate peristalsis) Required

3. Relieve Night Sweats & Calm the Shen (Insomnia) Required

Phase 4 of 5

Dosing Decisions & Customizations

Dosing is where clinical theory meets the actual patient. Determine the target dosing weight ranges based on TCM principles, and decide if you want to optimize for fluid production.

Module 1 (Yin Def)

Addresses the long term, constitutional Liver/Kidney Yin deficiency.

Module 2 (Constipation)

Addresses the chief complaint (lifelong, bothersome constipation).

Module 3 (Night Sweats)

Addresses the distressing acute presentation of night sweats & insomnia.

Check this option to clinically boost the specific herbs within your selected modules that have the direct secondary function of promoting fluids and relieving intense dryness.

Phase 5 of 5

Final Formula Prescription & Clinical Summary

Below is the complete compound herbal prescription compiled from your modular choices. Review the final dosage adjustments and clinical rationale.

Composite Prescription (Decoction) 1 Bag Daily (Divided Doses)

Module 1: Nourish Liver & Kidney Yin / Clear Heat

Sheng Di Huang (Rx. Rehmanniae):
Gui Ban (Plastrum Testudinis): 18g
Zhi Mu (Rx. Anemarrhenae):
Huang Bai (Cx. Phellodendri): 6g

Module 2: Moisten Intestines (Chief Complaint Priority)

Huo Ma Ren (Sm. Cannabis):
Tao Ren (Sm. Persicae): 9g
Dang Gui (Rx. Angelicae Sinensis): 9g
Zhi Ke (Fr. Aurantii): 9g

Module 3: Astringe Night Sweats & Calm the Shen

Duan Long Gu (Os Draconis): 20g
Duan Mu Li (Concha Ostreae): 20g
Wu Wei Zi (Fr. Schisandrae):

Clinical Takeaway:

  • Modularity: Traditional formulas can be parsed, stacked, and adjusted according to symptoms.
  • Dosage Balance: The chief complaint (Constipation) is dosed at the higher end of the ranges, while the constitutional chronic base (Yin Def) is treated slowly with low-to-mid range dosages.
  • Targeted Fluid Promotion: Active fluid-promoting herbs (Sheng Di, Zhi Mu, Huo Ma Ren, Wu Wei Zi) can be elevated individually inside their modules when profound dryness manifests.

© 2026 Book of Modules / Cormac Ferguson LAc