Chronic Cough - Lung-Yin Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic cough with
Chronic Cough · Lung-Yin Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Chest
Pattern Overview
Lung-Yin Deficiency is a chronic pattern in persistent cough,
characterized by **airway mucosal atrophy, dry cough with scanty sputum,
dry throat, and afternoon fever**. The core pathogenesis is
insufficient Lung-Yin failing to moisten the airways, leading to
mucosal atrophy, cough receptor exposure, and chronic dry cough.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
hoarseness |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
and soles, dry mouth |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
thready and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
|
| Etiology |
|---|
illness |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Feishu (BL13) | On the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to T3 |
|---|
Back-Shu point of Lung meridian; nourishes Lung-Yin |
| Gaohuang (BL43) | On the upper back, 3 cun lateral to T4 |
|---|
Nourishes deficiency and moistens the Lung |
| Taiyuan (LU9) | On the wrist crease, radial side |
|---|
Lung meridian; nourishes Lung-Yin |
| Taixi (KI3) |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney Yin |
| Zhaohai (KI6) | 1 cun below the medial malleolus |
|---|
and moistens the throat |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied to Gaohuang to nourish deficiency.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang (沙参麦冬汤)
Composition:
Glehnia (Sha Shen), Ophiopogon (Mai Dong), Polygonatum (Yu Zhu),
Trichosanthes Root (Tian Hua Fen), Mulberry Leaf (Sang Ye), Hyacinth
Bean (Bian Dou), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Nourishes Lung-Yin, moistens dryness, and stops cough.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe dry cough |
|---|
stop cough |
| Hoarseness |
|---|
improve voice |
| Afternoon fever | Add Zhi Mu, Di Gu Pi to clear deficiency heat |
|---|
| Blood-tinged sputum |
|---|
stop bleeding |
Western Mechanism Reference
Airway mucosal atrophy with reduced goblet cells and mucus secretion,
airway dryness, and cough receptor exposure. Lung-Yin Deficiency
corresponds to chronic cough with airway dryness, often seen in chronic
bronchitis, interstitial lung disease, or post-viral cough with mucosal
damage.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Cough with Lung-Yin Deficiency.
2. DB-TCMJB: Lung-Yin Deficiency.
3. DB-XJB: Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang.
4. WHO. (2023). Respiratory health. 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 cough management.
Related TCM Patterns for Chronic Cough
- Wind-Cold Attacking the Lung
- Wind-Heat Invading the Lung
- Phlegm-Dampness Accumulation in the Lung
- Phlegm-Heat Stagnation in the Lung
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.