Chronic Sinusitis - Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Chronic Sinusitis · Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Head

Pattern Overview

Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat is a pattern in chronic sinusitis, characterized by chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps, purulent yellow-green discharge, severe headache, irritability, and bitter taste. The core pathogenesis is Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat ascending to the sinuses, causing chronic inflammation, polyp formation, and purulent discharge.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Purulent yellow-green nasal discharge, nasal polyps, severe headache |

| Associated Symptoms | Bitter taste, irritability, tinnitus, red eyes, hypochondriac distension |

| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with yellow greasy coating, wiry and rapid pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat causing chronic inflammation and polyp formation |

| Etiology | Chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, allergic fungal sinusitis, chronic infection |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Fengchi (GB20) | Depression below the occipital bone, between the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius | Clears Gallbladder Heat and relieves headache |

| Taiyang (EX-HN5) | In the depression at the temple | Relieves severe headache |

| Taichong (LR3) | Dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals | Source point of Liver meridian; clears Liver-Gallbladder Heat |

| Yingxiang (LI20) | In the nasolabial groove, at the level of the midpoint of the lateral border of the ala nasi | Opens the nasal passages and drains pus |

| Hegu (LI4) | Dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpals | Disperses Wind-Heat and relieves headache |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may combine with pricking at Taiyang to enhance Heat clearing.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (龙胆泻肝汤) + Cang Er Zi San (苍耳子散)

Composition:

Gentian Root (Long Dan Cao), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Gardenia (Zhi Zi), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Alisma (Ze Xie), Xanthium (Cang Er Zi), Magnolia Flower (Xin Yi), Angelica Dahurica (Bai Zhi), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Clears Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat, drains pus, and opens the nasal passages.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Nasal polyps | Add Xia Ku Cao, Zhe Bei Mu to soften and resolve masses |

| Copious purulent discharge | Add Yu Xing Cao, Yi Yi Ren, Bai Jiang Cao to clear Heat and drain pus |

| Severe headache | Add Chuan Xiong, Bai Zhi, Ju Hua to disperse Wind and stop pain |

| Irritability | Add Yu Jin, He Huan Pi to soothe Liver and relieve depression |

| Bitter taste | Add Zhi Mu, Tian Hua Fen to clear Heat and generate fluids |

Western Mechanism Reference

Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps, IL-4/IL-13/eosinophilic inflammation, and fungal-associated inflammation. Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat corresponds to chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps, where Th2-type inflammation and eosinophil infiltration contribute to polyp formation and chronic inflammation.

References

  1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Chronic Sinusitis with Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat.

  2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Liver-Gallbladder Damp-Heat → Clearing Pathway.

  3. WHO. (2023). Respiratory health. World Health Organization.

Explore More

  • Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for sinus relief.

  • Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM respiratory health.