Sinus Headache - Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for sinus headache with
Sinus Headache · 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 severe pattern in sinus headache,
characterized by **acute bacterial sinusitis, severe headache, purulent
nasal discharge (yellow-green), bitter taste, and irritability**. The
core pathogenesis is **Gallbladder Channel Damp-Heat ascending along the
channel**, causing heat-toxin accumulation in the sinuses, pus
formation, and severe headache.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
discharge, nasal congestion |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
eyes, hypochondriac distension |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
sinuses |
| Etiology |
|---|
chronic sinus 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 and Yingxiang to enhance Heat clearing
and pus drainage.
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
relieves headache.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Copious purulent discharge |
|---|
to clear Heat and drain pus |
| Severe headache |
|---|
and stop pain |
| Bitter taste |
|---|
fluids |
| Irritability |
|---|
depression |
| Nasal congestion |
|---|
|
Western Mechanism Reference
Acute bacterial sinusitis with neutrophil infiltration, purulent
secretion production, and bacterial colonization. Gallbladder Channel
Damp-Heat corresponds to acute bacterial sinusitis, where neutrophil
infiltration and bacterial colonization contribute to purulent secretion
production and severe headache.
References
1. Otolaryngology of TCM - 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 Sinus Headache
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.