Rosacea - Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for rosacea with Yin
Rosacea · Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Face/Skin
Pattern Overview
Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat is a chronic pattern in rosacea,
characterized by **chronic inflammation post-skin barrier damage, TRPV1
channel abnormal activation, neurovascular hyperreactivity, and flushing
triggered by mild stimuli. The core pathogenesis is Yin deficiency
failing to control Yang**, leading to internal Heat, neurovascular
hyperreactivity, and flushing.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
sensitivity to mild stimuli |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
sweats, irritability |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
hyperreactivity |
| Etiology |
|---|
constitutional Yin deficiency |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Taixi (KI3) |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney-Yin |
| Zhaohai (KI6) | 1 cun below the medial malleolus |
|---|
and clears deficiency heat |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
reduces flushing |
| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella |
|---|
Cools Blood and reduces erythema |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method for
Yin-nourishing points, reducing method for Heat-clearing points.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (知柏地黄丸)
Composition:
Anemarrhena (Zhi Mu), Phellodendron (Huang Bai), Rehmannia (Shu Di),
Dioscorea (Shan Yao), Cornus (Shan Zhu Yu), Poria (Fu Ling), Moutan (Mu
Dan Pi), Alisma (Ze Xie)
Action: Nourishes Yin, clears deficiency heat, and reduces
neurovascular hyperreactivity.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Chronic flushing | Add Zhi Mu, Huang Bai to clear deficiency heat |
|---|
| Dry skin |
|---|
dryness |
| Night sweats | Add Mu Li, Fu Xiao Mai to stabilize the exterior |
|---|
| Sensitivity | Add Bai Shao, Gan Cao to relax and soothe |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Chronic inflammation post-skin barrier damage, TRPV1 channel abnormal
activation, and neurovascular hyperreactivity. Yin Deficiency with
Internal Heat corresponds to chronic rosacea with neurovascular
hyperreactivity, where TRPV1 channel abnormal activation and
neurovascular hyperreactivity contribute to flushing triggered by mild
stimuli.
References
1. Dermatology of TCM - Rosacea with Yin Deficiency and Internal Heat.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Kidney-Yin Deficiency → Cross-layer.
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.