Asthma - Cold Wheezing Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for asthma with Cold
Asthma · Cold Wheezing Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Chest
Pattern Overview
Cold Wheezing is a common pattern in acute asthma exacerbation,
characterized by **cold air/allergen-induced bronchospasm, wheezing,
chest tightness, white thin sputum, and aggravation by cold**. The core
pathogenesis is **cold phlegm hiding in the Lung, triggered by external
Cold**, causing Qi obstruction, bronchospasm, and wheezing.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
sputum |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
complexion |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
or floating tense pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
external Cold |
| Etiology |
|---|
constitution |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Lieque (LU7) |
|---|
depression between the tendons | Luo-Connecting point of Lung meridian;
disperses Wind-Cold and diffuses the Lung |
| Fengmen (BL12) | On the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to T2 |
|---|
Disperses Wind and releases the exterior |
| Feishu (BL13) | On the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to T3 |
|---|
Back-Shu point of Lung meridian; regulates Lung Qi |
| Dingchuan (EX-B1) | 0.5 cun lateral to GV14 (below C7) |
|---|
point specifically for asthma; stops wheezing |
| Gaohuang (BL43) | On the upper back, 3 cun lateral to T4 |
|---|
Nourishes deficiency and supports Lung Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing or even method;
moxibustion may be added to warm and disperse Cold. Ear bleeding may be
used during acute attacks.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: She Gan Ma Huang Tang (射干麻黄汤)
Composition:
Belamcanda (She Gan), Ephedra (Ma Huang), Asarum (Xi Xin), Schisandra
(Wu Wei Zi), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Tussilago (Kuan Dong Hua), Ginger
(Sheng Jiang), Jujube (Da Zao)
Action: Warms the Lung, disperses Cold, transforms Phlegm, and stops
wheezing.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe wheezing |
|---|
|
| Copious thin sputum |
|---|
transform fluids |
| Severe chills | Add Gui Zhi, Fu Zi to warm Yang and disperse Cold |
|---|
| Nasal congestion | Add Cang Er Zi, Xin Yi to open the nasal passages |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Cold air/allergen-induced mast cell degranulation, histamine release,
bronchospasm, and Th1/Th2 imbalance. Cold Wheezing corresponds to
cold-induced asthma, where cold air activates TRPA1/TRPM8 channels
inducing mast cell degranulation and bronchospasm.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Asthma with Cold Wheezing.
2. DB-XJB: She Gan Ma Huang Tang.
3. WHO. (2023). Asthma fact sheet. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for respiratory
health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM asthma management.
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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.