Trigeminal Neuralgia - Wind-Heat Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal Neuralgia · 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 pattern in trigeminal neuralgia, characterized by
**neurovascular compression causing inflammation, burning facial pain,
redness, fever, and thirst. The core pathogenesis is invasion of
Wind-Heat pathogens into the facial meridians**, causing heat disturbing
the collaterals, inflammation, and nerve hyperexcitability.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
attacks |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
|
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
|
| Etiology | Wind-Heat infection, viral infection, inflammation |
|---|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Disperses Wind-Heat and unblocks collaterals |
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
detoxifies |
| Fengchi (GB20) |
|---|
sternocleidomastoid and trapezius | Disperses Wind and clears Heat |
| Xiaguan (ST7) |
|---|
zygomatic arch, below the temporal process of the zygomatic bone | Key
point for trigeminal neuralgia |
| Neiting (ST44) | Between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones |
|---|
Stomach Heat and calms the face |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with pricking at Dazhui to enhance Heat clearing.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Xiong Zhi Shi Gao Tang (芎芷石膏汤)
Composition:
Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Angelica Dahurica (Bai Zhi), Gypsum (Shi Gao),
Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua), Ligusticum (Gao Ben), Notopterygium (Qiang Huo),
Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Disperses Wind-Heat, clears the meridians, and relieves
pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe burning pain |
|---|
fluids |
| Fever | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |
|---|
| Sore throat |
|---|
sore throat |
| Irritability | Add Zhi Zi, Dan Pi to clear Heat and calm the spirit |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Neurovascular compression causing inflammation, nerve root inflammatory
edema, and abnormal nerve conduction. Wind-Heat corresponds to
trigeminal neuralgia triggered by inflammation, where nerve root
inflammatory edema and abnormal nerve conduction contribute to burning
facial pain.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Facial Pain with Wind-Heat.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Wind-Heat → 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.