Trigeminal Neuralgia - Yin Deficiency with Yang Hyperactivity
TCM differentiation and treatment for trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal Neuralgia · Yin Deficiency with Yang Hyperactivity Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Head
Pattern Overview
Yin Deficiency with Yang Hyperactivity is a chronic pattern in
trigeminal neuralgia, characterized by **increased nerve excitability,
burning pain, worse at night, dry mouth, and irritability**. The core
pathogenesis is Yin deficiency failing to control Yang, leading to
Yang hyperactivity, nerve hyperexcitability, and central sensitization.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
irritability |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
dizziness, tinnitus |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
nerve hyperexcitability |
| Etiology |
|---|
deficiency, prolonged illness |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Taixi (KI3) |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; nourishes Kidney-Yin |
| Taichong (LR3) |
|---|
metatarsals | Calms Liver-Yang and extinguishes Wind |
| Fengchi (GB20) |
|---|
sternocleidomastoid and trapezius | Disperses Wind and calms Yang |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Regulates Qi and unblocks collaterals |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method for
Yin-nourishing points, reducing method for Yang-calming points.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang (镇肝熄风汤)
Composition:
Achyranthes (Huai Niu Xi), Hematite (Dai Zhe Shi), Dragon Bone (Long
Gu), Oyster Shell (Mu Li), Tortoise Shell (Gui Ban), White Peony (Bai
Shao), Scrophularia (Xuan Shen), Asparagus (Tian Dong), Melia (Chuan
Lian Zi), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Nourishes Yin, calms Yang, extinguishes Wind, and relieves
pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe burning pain | Add Zhi Mu, Huang Bai to clear deficiency heat |
|---|
| Night sweats | Add Mu Li, Fu Xiao Mai to stabilize the exterior |
|---|
| Dizziness | Add Tian Ma, Gou Teng to extinguish Wind |
|---|
| Insomnia | Add Suan Zao Ren, Yuan Zhi to calm the spirit |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Increased nerve excitability with Na+ channel abnormal expression, nerve
hyperexcitability, and central sensitization. Yin Deficiency with Yang
Hyperactivity corresponds to chronic trigeminal neuralgia with nerve
hyperexcitability, where Na+ channel abnormal expression and central
sensitization contribute to persistent burning pain.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Yin Deficiency with Yang Hyperactivity.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Liver-Yang Hyperactivity →
Cross-layer.
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.