Chronic Sinusitis - Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic sinusitis
Chronic Sinusitis · Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat is a pattern in chronic sinusitis,
characterized by **chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps, purulent
yellow-green discharge, severe headache, irritability, and bitter
taste. The core pathogenesis is Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat
ascending to the sinuses**, causing chronic inflammation, polyp
formation, and purulent discharge.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
polyps, severe headache |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
eyes, hypochondriac distension |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
inflammation and polyp formation |
| Etiology |
|---|
sinusitis, chronic infection |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Fengchi (GB20) |
|---|
sternocleidomastoid and trapezius | Clears Gallbladder Heat and relieves
headache |
| Taiyang (EX-HN5) | In the depression at the temple |
|---|
severe headache |
| Taichong (LR3) |
|---|
metatarsals | Source point of Liver meridian; clears Liver-Gallbladder
Heat |
| Yingxiang (LI20) |
|---|
midpoint of the lateral border of the ala nasi | Opens the nasal
passages and drains pus |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Disperses Wind-Heat and relieves headache |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with pricking at Taiyang to enhance Heat clearing.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (龙胆泻肝汤) + Cang Er Zi San
(苍耳子散)
Composition:
Gentian Root (Long Dan Cao), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Gardenia (Zhi Zi),
Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Alisma (Ze Xie), Xanthium (Cang Er Zi), Magnolia
Flower (Xin Yi), Angelica Dahurica (Bai Zhi), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Clears Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat, drains pus, and opens
the nasal passages.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Nasal polyps |
|---|
|
| Copious purulent discharge |
|---|
to clear Heat and drain pus |
| Severe headache |
|---|
and stop pain |
| Irritability |
|---|
depression |
| Bitter taste |
|---|
fluids |
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps, IL-4/IL-13/eosinophilic
inflammation, and fungal-associated inflammation. Gallbladder Channel
Damp-Heat corresponds to chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps, where
Th2-type inflammation and eosinophil infiltration contribute to polyp
formation and chronic inflammation.
References
1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Chronic Sinusitis with Gallbladder Channel
Damp-Heat.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Liver-Gallbladder Damp-Heat →
Clearing Pathway.
3. WHO. (2023). Respiratory health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for sinus relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM respiratory health.
Related TCM Patterns for Chronic Sinusitis
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.