Allergic Rhinitis - Lung-Qi Deficiency with Cold Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for allergic rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis · Lung-Qi Deficiency with Cold Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Lung-Qi Deficiency with Cold is the core pattern in allergic rhinitis,
characterized by **IgE-mediated type I hypersensitivity, nasal
congestion with clear watery discharge, paroxysmal sneezing, cold
sensitivity, and easy susceptibility to colds**. The core pathogenesis
is Lung-Qi deficiency with weakened defensive exterior, allowing
Wind-Cold pathogens to invade the nasal passages, triggering mast cell
degranulation and allergic symptoms.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
paroxysmal sneezing, nasal itching |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
shortness of breath, pale complexion |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, deep and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
|
| Etiology |
|---|
allergic predisposition |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Feishu (BL13) | On the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to T3 |
|---|
Back-Shu point of Lung meridian; supplements Lung-Qi |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Disperses Wind and opens the nasal passages |
| Lieque (LU7) |
|---|
depression between the tendons | Diffuses the Lung and disperses
Wind-Cold |
| Yingxiang (LI20) |
|---|
midpoint of the lateral border of the ala nasi | Opens the nasal
passages and stops sneezing |
| Fengmen (BL12) | On the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to T2 |
|---|
Disperses Wind and strengthens the defensive exterior |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method for
Lung points, reducing method for nasal points; moxibustion may be added
at Feishu to warm and tonify Lung-Qi.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Yu Ping Feng San (玉屏风散) + Cang Er Zi San
(苍耳子散)
Composition:
Astragalus (Huang Qi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Saposhnikovia (Fang
Feng), Xanthium (Cang Er Zi), Magnolia Flower (Xin Yi), Angelica
Dahurica (Bai Zhi), Mint (Bo He), Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi), Licorice (Gan
Cao)
Action: Supplements Lung-Qi, strengthens the defensive exterior,
disperses Cold, and opens the nasal passages.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe nasal congestion |
|---|
passages |
| Profuse clear discharge |
|---|
discharge |
| Spontaneous sweating |
|---|
exterior |
| Shortness of breath | Add Wu Wei Zi, Hu Tao Rou to astringe Lung-Qi |
|---|
| Cold sensitivity |
|---|
|
Western Mechanism Reference
IgE-mediated type I hypersensitivity of nasal mucosa with elevated sIgE,
nasal hyperreactivity, and decreased NK cell activity. Lung-Qi
Deficiency with Cold corresponds to allergic rhinitis with immune
dysfunction, where Th1/Th2 imbalance and elevated IgE contribute to
nasal hyperreactivity and allergic symptoms.
References
1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Allergic Rhinitis with Lung-Qi Deficiency and
Cold.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Lung-Qi Deficiency → Pivot Layer.
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.
Related TCM Patterns for Allergic Rhinitis
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.