Sinus Headache - Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Sinus Headache · 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 severe pattern in sinus headache, characterized by acute bacterial sinusitis, severe headache, purulent nasal discharge (yellow-green), bitter taste, and irritability. The core pathogenesis is Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat ascending along the channel, causing heat-toxin accumulation in the sinuses, pus formation, and severe headache.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Severe headache, purulent yellow-green nasal discharge, nasal congestion |

| 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 ascending to the sinuses |

| Etiology | Emotional stress, poor diet, bacterial sinusitis, chronic sinus 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 and Yingxiang to enhance Heat clearing and pus drainage.

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 relieves headache.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| 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 |

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

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

| Nasal congestion | Add Xi Xin, E Bu Shi Cao to open the nasal passages |

Western Mechanism Reference

Acute bacterial sinusitis with neutrophil infiltration, purulent secretion production, and bacterial colonization. Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat corresponds to acute bacterial sinusitis, where neutrophil infiltration and bacterial colonization contribute to purulent secretion production and severe headache.

References

  1. Otolaryngology of TCM - 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.

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