Trigeminal Neuralgia - Wind-Cold Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal Neuralgia · 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 trigeminal neuralgia, characterized by
**nerve demyelination causing ectopic discharge, sudden paroxysmal
facial pain, spasms, stiffness, and aggravation by cold**. The core
pathogenesis is **invasion of Wind-Cold pathogens into the facial
meridians**, causing cold contraction, Qi stagnation, and nerve
hyperexcitability.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
spasms, stiffness |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
tightness |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
floating and tense pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Wind-Cold pathogens invading the facial meridians |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
conditioning 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 unblocks collaterals |
| Xiaguan (ST7) |
|---|
zygomatic arch, below the temporal process of the zygomatic bone | Key
point for trigeminal neuralgia |
| Jiache (ST6) |
|---|
zygomatic arch, about 1 cun anterior to the angle of the mandible |
Treats facial pain |
| Ashi points | Tender spots on the face |
|---|
meridian unblocking |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even method; moxibustion
may be added at Fengchi and Ashi points to warm the meridians. Use
gentle technique as the face is sensitive.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San (川芎茶调散) + Ma Huang Fu Zi
Xi Xin Tang (麻黄附子细辛汤)
Composition:
Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Schizonepeta (Jing Jie), Saposhnikovia (Fang
Feng), Angelica Dahurica (Bai Zhi), Asarum (Xi Xin), Notopterygium
(Qiang Huo), Mint (Bo He), Ephedra (Ma Huang), Aconite (Fu Zi), Licorice
(Gan Cao)
Action: Disperses Wind-Cold, unblocks collaterals, and relieves
pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe pain | Add Quan Xie, Wu Gong to search out Wind and stop pain |
|---|
| Severe chills | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |
|---|
| Neck stiffness | Add Ge Gen to relax sinews |
|---|
| Nasal congestion | Add Cang Er Zi, Xin Yi to open the nasal passages |
|---|
| Chronic condition |
|---|
unblock collaterals |
Western Mechanism Reference
Nerve demyelination causing ectopic discharge, with cold stimulation
triggering Aβ fiber abnormal discharge. Wind-Cold corresponds to
trigeminal neuralgia triggered by cold, where cold exposure lowers the
threshold for Aβ fiber discharge and triggers pain attacks.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Facial Pain with Wind-Cold.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Wind-Cold → Clearing Pathway.
3. WHO. (2023). Neurological health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for nerve pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM neurology.
Related TCM Patterns for Trigeminal Neuralgia
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.