Chronic Cough - Wind-Cold Attacking the Lung Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic cough with
Chronic Cough · Wind-Cold Attacking the Lung Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Chest
Pattern Overview
Wind-Cold Attacking the Lung is a common pattern in chronic cough,
characterized by **cold air-induced cough, white thin sputum,
aggravation by cold, and nasal congestion with clear discharge**. The
core pathogenesis is invasion of Wind-Cold pathogens into the Lung,
causing Lung Qi to fail to descend, leading to cough and airway
hyperresponsiveness.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
aggravated by cold |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
headache, body aches, no sweating |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
floating and tense pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
descend |
| Etiology |
|---|
|
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 |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Source point of Large Intestine meridian; disperses Wind
and releases the exterior |
| Tiantu (RN22) | In the depression at the suprasternal fossa |
|---|
Descends rebellious Qi and stops cough |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method;
moxibustion may be added to warm and disperse Cold.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Zhi Sou San (止嗽散)
Composition:
Aster (Zi Wan), Stemona (Bai Bu), Platycodon (Jie Geng), Cynanchum (Bai
Qian), Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong), Schizonepeta (Jing Jie), Licorice (Gan
Cao)
Action: Disperses Wind-Cold, diffuses the Lung, and stops cough.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe chills |
|---|
disperse Cold |
| Copious thin sputum |
|---|
transform fluids |
| Nasal congestion | Add Cang Er Zi, Xin Yi to open the nasal passages |
|---|
| Severe cough | Add Xing Ren, Pi Pa Ye to descend Qi and stop cough |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Cold air stimulation of airway mucosa activating C-fibers, cough reflex
excitation, and airway mucosal edema. Wind-Cold Attacking the Lung
corresponds to post-infectious cough or cough with airway
hyperresponsiveness, where cold air stimulation and airway mucosal edema
contribute to cough reflex sensitization.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Cough with Wind-Cold Attacking the Lung.
2. DB-TCMJB: Wind-Cold Binding the Lung.
3. DB-XJB: Zhi Sou San.
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-Heat Invading the Lung
- Phlegm-Dampness Accumulation in the Lung
- Phlegm-Heat Stagnation in the Lung
- Lung-Yin Deficiency
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.