Bell's Palsy - Wind-Heat Attacking the Collaterals Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for Bell's palsy with
Bell's Palsy · Wind-Heat Attacking the Collaterals Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Wind-Heat Attacking the Collaterals is a pattern in acute Bell's palsy,
characterized by **facial nerve inflammation (HSV-1 reactivation),
sudden facial paralysis, facial heat pain, fever, and sore throat**. The
core pathogenesis is **invasion of Wind-Heat pathogens into the facial
collaterals**, causing viral-induced neuroinflammation, nerve damage,
and facial paralysis.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
pain, fever |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
|
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
|
| Etiology |
|---|
Wind-Heat invasion |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Fengchi (GB20) |
|---|
sternocleidomastoid and trapezius | Disperses Wind-Heat and clears the
head |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Disperses Wind and unblocks collaterals |
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
detoxifies |
| Dicang (ST4) | About 0.4 cun lateral to the corner of the mouth |
|---|
Treats deviation of the mouth |
| Jiache (ST6) |
|---|
zygomatic arch, about 1 cun anterior to the angle of the mandible |
Treats facial paralysis |
| Yifeng (TE17) |
|---|
mastoid process and the mandible | Treats ear pain and facial paralysis
|
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even method; during the
acute phase, use gentle technique. May combine with Dazhui pricking to
enhance Heat clearing.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Qian Zheng San (牵正散) + Yin Qiao San (银翘散)
Composition:
White Aconite (Bai Fu Zi), Bombyx Batryticatus (Jiang Can), Scorpion
(Quan Xie), Lonicera (Jin Yin Hua), Forsythia (Lian Qiao), Mint (Bo He),
Isatis (Ban Lan Gen), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Disperses Wind-Heat, clears toxins, unblocks collaterals,
and corrects facial deviation.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe facial heat pain |
|---|
generate fluids |
| Ear pain | Add Chuan Xiong, Chai Hu to disperse Wind and stop pain |
|---|
| Sore throat |
|---|
sore throat |
| Headache | Add Ju Hua, Man Jing Zi to disperse Wind and clear Heat |
|---|
| Herpetic lesions | Add Long Dan Cao, Ze Xie to clear Damp-Heat |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Facial nerve inflammation following HSV-1 reactivation, with
viral-induced neuroinflammation and nerve damage. Wind-Heat Attacking
the Collaterals corresponds to Bell's palsy associated with HSV-1
reactivation, where viral replication and neuroinflammation contribute
to facial nerve damage.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Facial Paralysis with Wind-Heat Attacking
Collaterals.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Wind-Heat → Clearing Pathway.
3. WHO. (2023). Neurological health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for facial nerve
health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM neurology.
Related TCM Patterns for Bells Palsy
- Wind-Cold Attacking the Collaterals
- Qi-Blood Deficiency
- Phlegm-Blood Stasis Obstructing the Collaterals
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.