Acne - Lung Channel Wind-Heat Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for acne with Lung
Acne · Lung Channel Wind-Heat Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Face/Skin
Pattern Overview
Lung Channel Wind-Heat is a common pattern in acne, characterized by
**sebum overproduction with Propionibacterium acnes proliferation,
inflammatory papules, pustules, itching, and erythema**. The core
pathogenesis is Wind-Heat in the Lung Channel ascending to the face,
causing sebaceous gland inflammation and acne lesion formation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
blackheads/whiteheads, itching |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
eyes |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
|
| Etiology |
|---|
fluctuations |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Disperses Wind-Heat and clears the Lung |
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
detoxifies |
| Lieque (LU7) |
|---|
depression between the tendons | Diffuses the Lung and disperses
Wind-Heat |
| Chize (LU5) |
|---|
tendon | He-Sea point of Lung meridian; clears Lung Heat |
| Dazhui (GV14) | Below the spinous process of C7 |
|---|
releases the exterior |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with facial acupuncture on local lesions.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin (枇杷清肺饮)
Composition:
Loquat Leaf (Pi Pa Ye), Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi), Coptis (Huang
Lian), Phellodendron (Huang Bai), Ginseng (Ren Shen), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Disperses Wind-Heat, clears the Lung, and reduces
inflammation.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Inflammatory papules |
|---|
detoxify |
| Itching | Add Bai Xian Pi, Ku Shen to stop itching |
|---|
| Dry mouth | Add Tian Hua Fen, Ge Gen to generate fluids |
|---|
| Redness | Add Dan Shen, Chi Shao to cool blood |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Sebum overproduction with Propionibacterium acnes proliferation, and
TLR2 receptor activation. Lung Channel Wind-Heat corresponds to
inflammatory acne, where Propionibacterium acnes activates TLR2
receptors, triggering inflammatory cytokine release and acne lesion
formation.
References
1. Dermatology of TCM - Acne with Lung Channel Wind-Heat.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Wind-Heat Invading the Lung →
Clearing Pathway.
3. WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for skin health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM dermatology.
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Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.