Allergic Rhinitis - Lung Channel Latent Heat Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for allergic rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis · Lung Channel Latent Heat Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Lung Channel Latent Heat is a pattern in allergic rhinitis,
characterized by **perennial allergic rhinitis with acute exacerbation,
nasal congestion with yellow or sticky discharge, dry throat, and nasal
itching. The core pathogenesis is Latent Heat in the Lung Channel**,
causing chronic nasal mucosal inflammation, eosinophil infiltration, and
acute exacerbations.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
discharge, nasal itching, dry throat |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
disturbance |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
mucosal inflammation |
| Etiology |
|---|
chronic nasal inflammation |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Chize (LU5) |
|---|
tendon | He-Sea point of Lung meridian; clears Lung Heat |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Clears Heat and opens the nasal passages |
| Yingxiang (LI20) |
|---|
midpoint of the lateral border of the ala nasi | Opens the nasal
passages |
| Shaoshang (LU11) |
|---|
the nail corner | Well point of Lung meridian; clears Lung Heat and
opens the nasal passages |
| Lieque (LU7) |
|---|
depression between the tendons | Diffuses the Lung and opens the nasal
passages |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with pricking at Shaoshang to enhance Lung Heat clearing.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin (辛夷清肺饮)
Composition:
Magnolia Flower (Xin Yi), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Gypsum (Shi Gao),
Anemarrhena (Zhi Mu), Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi), Loquat Leaf (Pi Pa
Ye), Ophiopogon (Mai Dong), Rehmannia (Sheng Di), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Clears Lung Heat, opens the nasal passages, and reduces
inflammation.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Yellow sticky discharge |
|---|
and detoxify |
| Severe nasal congestion |
|---|
passages |
| Dry throat |
|---|
dryness |
| Cough | Add Xing Ren, Jie Geng to diffuse the Lung and stop cough |
|---|
| Irritability | Add Zhi Zi, Dan Pi to clear Heat and calm the spirit |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Perennial allergic rhinitis with acute exacerbation, nasal mucosal
chronic inflammation, and eosinophil infiltration. Lung Channel Latent
Heat corresponds to perennial allergic rhinitis with acute exacerbation,
where chronic eosinophilic inflammation and mucosal remodeling
contribute to persistent symptoms and acute flare-ups.
References
1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Allergic Rhinitis with Lung Channel Latent
Heat.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Lung 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 allergy relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM respiratory health.
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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.