Chronic Sinusitis - Lung Channel Wind-Heat Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic sinusitis
Chronic Sinusitis · Lung Channel Wind-Heat Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Lung Channel Wind-Heat is a common pattern in chronic sinusitis,
characterized by **chronic sinus mucosal inflammation with ciliary
dysfunction, recurrent nasal congestion with yellow discharge, headache,
anosmia, and cough. The core pathogenesis is Lung Channel latent
Heat ascending to the nasal passages**, causing chronic inflammation,
eosinophil infiltration, and impaired mucociliary clearance.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
discharge, headache, anosmia |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
aggravation with heat |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
mucosal inflammation |
| Etiology |
|---|
inflammation |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Disperses Wind-Heat and opens the nasal passages |
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
reduces inflammation |
| Yingxiang (LI20) |
|---|
midpoint of the lateral border of the ala nasi | Opens the nasal
passages and drains discharge |
| Yintang (EX-HN3) | Midpoint between the eyebrows |
|---|
and opens the nasal passages |
| Lieque (LU7) |
|---|
depression between the tendons | Diffuses the Lung and opens the nasal
passages |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with cupping on the back to clear Lung Heat.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Cang Er Zi San (苍耳子散) + Xie Bai San (泻白散)
Composition:
Xanthium (Cang Er Zi), Magnolia Flower (Xin Yi), Angelica Dahurica (Bai
Zhi), Mint (Bo He), Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi), Lycium Bark (Di Gu Pi),
Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Clears Lung Heat, opens the nasal passages, and drains
discharge.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Copious yellow discharge |
|---|
clear Heat and drain Dampness |
| Headache |
|---|
|
| Anosmia | Add Shi Chang Pu, Lu Lu Tong to open the orifices |
|---|
| Cough | Add Xing Ren, Jie Geng to diffuse the Lung and stop cough |
|---|
| Severe nasal congestion |
|---|
passages |
| Recurrent episodes |
|---|
strengthen the exterior |
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic sinus mucosal inflammation with ciliary dysfunction, elevated
IL-5/eotaxin, and eosinophil infiltration. Lung Channel Wind-Heat
corresponds to chronic sinusitis with Th2-type inflammation, where
elevated IL-5/eotaxin and eosinophil infiltration contribute to mucosal
inflammation and ciliary dysfunction.
References
1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Chronic Sinusitis with Lung Channel
Wind-Heat.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Lung 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.