Rosacea - Lung-Stomach Heat Excess Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for rosacea with
Rosacea · Lung-Stomach Heat Excess Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Face/Skin
Pattern Overview
Lung-Stomach Heat Excess is the most common pattern in rosacea,
characterized by **facial vasomotor dysfunction with inflammation, LL-37
overexpression, MMP-9 activation, facial erythema, papules, and
pustules. The core pathogenesis is Heat in the Lung and Stomach
channels ascending to the face**, causing facial vasodilation,
inflammation, and lesion formation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
pustules, flushing |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
irritability, yellow urine |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Lung-Stomach Heat ascending to the face |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
exposure, emotional stress |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Disperses Wind-Heat and clears the Lung |
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
detoxifies |
| Chize (LU5) |
|---|
tendon | He-Sea point of Lung meridian; clears Lung Heat |
| Neiting (ST44) | Between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones |
|---|
point of Stomach meridian; clears Stomach Heat |
| Dazhui (GV14) | Below the spinous process of C7 |
|---|
releases the exterior |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with facial local needling for erythema.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin (枇杷清肺饮) + Xie Huang San
(泻黄散)
Composition:
Loquat Leaf (Pi Pa Ye), Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi), Coptis (Huang
Lian), Phellodendron (Huang Bai), Gypsum (Shi Gao), Gardenia (Zhi Zi),
Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng), Agastache (Huo Xiang), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Clears Lung and Stomach Heat, reduces facial inflammation,
and stops flushing.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Facial erythema |
|---|
detoxify |
| Papules | Add Bai Xian Pi, Ku Shen to reduce inflammation |
|---|
| Flushing | Add Dan Shen, Chi Shao to cool blood |
|---|
| Thirst | Add Tian Hua Fen, Ge Gen to generate fluids |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Facial vasomotor dysfunction with inflammation, LL-37 overexpression,
and MMP-9 activation. Lung-Stomach Heat Excess corresponds to rosacea
with facial erythema and inflammation, where LL-37 overexpression and
MMP-9 activation contribute to vascular dysfunction and inflammation.
References
1. Dermatology of TCM - Rosacea with Lung-Stomach Heat Excess.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Stomach Fire Excess → Clearing
Pathway.
3. WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for skin health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM dermatology.
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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.