Acne · Lung Channel Wind-Heat Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Face/Skin
Pattern Overview
Lung Channel Wind-Heat is a common pattern in acne, characterized by sebum overproduction with Propionibacterium acnes proliferation, inflammatory papules, pustules, itching, and erythema. The core pathogenesis is Wind-Heat in the Lung Channel ascending to the face, causing sebaceous gland inflammation and acne lesion formation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Inflammatory papules, pustules, blackheads/whiteheads, itching |
| Associated Symptoms | Dry mouth, mild fever, nasal congestion, red eyes |
| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with thin yellow coating, floating and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Wind-Heat in the Lung Channel ascending to the face |
| Etiology | Spicy food intake, external Wind-Heat, stress, hormonal fluctuations |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Hegu (LI4) | Dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpals | Disperses Wind-Heat and clears the Lung |
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease | Clears Heat and detoxifies |
| Lieque (LU7) | Above the wrist, on the radial side, in the depression between the tendons | Diffuses the Lung and disperses Wind-Heat |
| Chize (LU5) | On the elbow crease, lateral side of the biceps tendon | He-Sea point of Lung meridian; clears Lung Heat |
| Dazhui (GV14) | Below the spinous process of C7 | Clears Heat and releases the exterior |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may combine with facial acupuncture on local lesions.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin (枇杷清肺饮)
Composition:
Loquat Leaf (Pi Pa Ye), Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi), Coptis (Huang Lian), Phellodendron (Huang Bai), Ginseng (Ren Shen), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Disperses Wind-Heat, clears the Lung, and reduces inflammation.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Inflammatory papules | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |
| Itching | Add Bai Xian Pi, Ku Shen to stop itching |
| Dry mouth | Add Tian Hua Fen, Ge Gen to generate fluids |
| Redness | Add Dan Shen, Chi Shao to cool blood |
Western Mechanism Reference
Sebum overproduction with Propionibacterium acnes proliferation, and TLR2 receptor activation. Lung Channel Wind-Heat corresponds to inflammatory acne, where Propionibacterium acnes activates TLR2 receptors, triggering inflammatory cytokine release and acne lesion formation.
References
- Dermatology of TCM - Acne with Lung Channel Wind-Heat.
- Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Wind-Heat Invading the Lung → Clearing Pathway.
- WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for skin health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM dermatology.