Sinus Headache - Wind-Cold Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for sinus headache with
Sinus Headache · Wind-Cold Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Wind-Cold is a common pattern in sinus headache, characterized by
**acute sinus mucosal congestion and edema, headache radiating to the
nose, nasal congestion with clear discharge, sneezing, and chills**. The
core pathogenesis is **invasion of Wind-Cold pathogens into the nasal
passages**, causing Lung Qi to fail to disperse, nasal congestion, and
headache.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
congestion with clear discharge, sneezing |
| Associated Symptoms | Chills, fever, neck stiffness, no sweating |
|---|
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
floating and tense pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Wind-Cold pathogens invading the nasal passages |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
drafts |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Fengchi (GB20) |
|---|
sternocleidomastoid and trapezius | Disperses Wind-Cold and clears the
head |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Disperses Wind and releases the exterior |
| Lieque (LU7) |
|---|
depression between the tendons | Diffuses the Lung and opens the nasal
passages |
| Yingxiang (LI20) |
|---|
midpoint of the lateral border of the ala nasi | Opens the nasal
passages and disperses Wind |
| Yintang (EX-HN3) | Midpoint between the eyebrows |
|---|
and opens the nasal passages |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with moxibustion on Fengmen (BL12) and Feishu (BL13) to warm and
disperse Cold.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Cang Er Zi San (苍耳子散)
Composition:
Xanthium (Cang Er Zi), Magnolia Flower (Xin Yi), Angelica Dahurica (Bai
Zhi), Mint (Bo He), Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng), Schizonepeta (Jing Jie),
Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Disperses Wind-Cold, opens the nasal passages, and relieves
headache.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe chills |
|---|
disperse Cold |
| Nasal congestion |
|---|
|
| Headache | Add Chuan Xiong, Qiang Huo to disperse Wind and stop pain |
|---|
| Neck stiffness | Add Ge Gen to relax sinews and unblock collaterals |
|---|
| Cough | Add Xing Ren, Jie Geng to diffuse the Lung and stop cough |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Acute sinus mucosal congestion and edema with cold air-induced reflex
vasodilation of nasal mucosa. Wind-Cold corresponds to acute viral
sinusitis or vasomotor rhinitis triggered by cold exposure, where nasal
mucosal vasodilation and congestion contribute to headache and nasal
obstruction.
References
1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Sinusitis with Wind-Cold.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Wind-Cold → 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.
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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.