Chronic Sinusitis - Lung-Qi Deficiency with Cold Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic sinusitis
Chronic Sinusitis · Lung-Qi Deficiency with Cold Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Lung-Qi Deficiency with Cold is a chronic deficiency pattern in chronic
sinusitis, characterized by **mucosal immune dysfunction causing
recurrent infections, nasal congestion with clear discharge, fatigue,
cold sensitivity, and easy susceptibility to colds**. The core
pathogenesis is Lung-Qi deficiency with weakened defensive exterior,
allowing recurrent infections and chronic sinus mucosal inflammation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
discharge, cold sensitivity, easy colds |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
complexion, spontaneous sweating |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, deep and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
and recurrent infections |
| Etiology |
|---|
respiratory infections, chronic illness, pediatric patients |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Feishu (BL13) | On the upper back, 1.5 cun lateral to T3 |
|---|
Back-Shu point of Lung meridian; supplements Lung-Qi |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Disperses Wind and opens the nasal passages |
| Lieque (LU7) |
|---|
depression between the tendons | Diffuses the Lung and disperses
Wind-Cold |
| Yingxiang (LI20) |
|---|
midpoint of the lateral border of the ala nasi | Opens the nasal
passages |
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;
moxibustion may be applied at Feishu and Zusanli to warm and tonify
Lung-Qi.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Wen Fei Zhi Liu Dan (温肺止流丹) or Yu Ping Feng San
(玉屏风散) with Cang Er Zi San (苍耳子散)
Composition:
Ginseng (Ren Shen), Schizonepeta (Jing Jie), Asarum (Xi Xin), Chebula
(He Zi), Astragalus (Huang Qi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Saposhnikovia
(Fang Feng), Xanthium (Cang Er Zi), Magnolia Flower (Xin Yi), Licorice
(Gan Cao)
Action: Warms the Lung, supplements Qi, strengthens the defensive
exterior, and opens the nasal passages.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Profuse clear discharge |
|---|
discharge |
| Severe cold intolerance |
|---|
disperse Cold |
| Spontaneous sweating |
|---|
exterior |
| Recurrent colds | Add Ling Zhi, Xiang Gu to support the upright Qi |
|---|
| Severe nasal congestion |
|---|
nasal passages |
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Mucosal immune dysfunction causing recurrent infections, decreased nasal
mucosal SIgA, and impaired mucociliary clearance. Lung-Qi Deficiency
with Cold corresponds to chronic sinusitis with immune dysfunction,
where decreased nasal mucosal SIgA and impaired mucociliary clearance
contribute to recurrent infections and chronic inflammation.
References
1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Chronic Sinusitis with Lung-Qi Deficiency and
Cold.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Lung-Qi Deficiency → Pivot Layer.
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.