Sinus Headache - Wind-Heat Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for sinus headache with
Sinus Headache · Wind-Heat Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Wind-Heat is a common pattern in sinus headache, characterized by
**acute sinus mucosal inflammation, headache radiating to the nose,
yellow nasal discharge, fever, and sore throat**. The core pathogenesis
is invasion of Wind-Heat pathogens into the nasal passages, causing
Lung Qi to fail to clear, nasal mucosal inflammation, and headache.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
discharge, nasal congestion |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
yellow sputum |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Wind-Heat pathogens invading the nasal passages |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
respiratory infection |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Disperses Wind-Heat and clears the exterior |
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
detoxifies |
| 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 |
| Lieque (LU7) |
|---|
depression between the tendons | Diffuses the Lung and disperses
Wind-Heat |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with pricking at Dazhui to enhance Heat clearing.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Yin Qiao San (银翘散) + Cang Er Zi San (苍耳子散)
Composition:
Lonicera (Jin Yin Hua), Forsythia (Lian Qiao), Mint (Bo He), Arctium
(Niu Bang Zi), Schizonepeta (Jing Jie), Fermented Soybean (Dan Dou Chi),
Xanthium (Cang Er Zi), Magnolia Flower (Xin Yi), Angelica Dahurica (Bai
Zhi), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Disperses Wind-Heat, clears the nasal passages, and relieves
headache.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Thick yellow nasal discharge |
|---|
Heat and detoxify |
| Severe headache |
|---|
stop pain |
| Sore throat |
|---|
sore throat |
| Fever | Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids |
|---|
| Cough | Add Xing Ren, Jie Geng to diffuse the Lung and stop cough |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Acute sinus mucosal inflammation with IL-6/TNF-α elevation, mucosal
congestion, edema, and increased vascular permeability. Wind-Heat
corresponds to acute viral or bacterial sinusitis, where elevated
inflammatory cytokines and increased vascular permeability contribute to
mucosal edema and sinus headache.
References
1. Otolaryngology of TCM - Sinusitis with Wind-Heat.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Wind-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.