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 | Paroxysmal facial pain, triggered by cold, spasms, stiffness |
| Associated Symptoms | Chills, no sweating, neck stiffness, facial tightness |
| Tongue and Pulse | Pale red tongue with thin white coating, floating and tense pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Wind-Cold pathogens invading the facial meridians |
| Etiology | Cold exposure, facial exposure to wind, air conditioning drafts |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Fengchi (GB20) | Depression below the occipital bone, between the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius | Disperses Wind-Cold and clears the head |
| Hegu (LI4) | Dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpals | Disperses Wind and unblocks collaterals |
| Xiaguan (ST7) | In the depression on the lower border of the zygomatic arch, below the temporal process of the zygomatic bone | Key point for trigeminal neuralgia |
| Jiache (ST6) | In the depression on the lower border of the zygomatic arch, about 1 cun anterior to the angle of the mandible | Treats facial pain |
| Ashi points | Tender spots on the face | Local pain relief and 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 | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi and 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
- Internal Medicine of TCM - Facial Pain with Wind-Cold.
- Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Wind-Cold → Clearing Pathway.
- 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.
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