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 | Burning facial pain, redness, fever, paroxysmal attacks |
| Associated Symptoms | Thirst, sore throat, irritability, red eyes |
| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with thin yellow coating, floating and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Wind-Heat pathogens disturbing the facial meridians |
| Etiology | Wind-Heat infection, viral infection, inflammation |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Hegu (LI4) | Dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpals | Disperses Wind-Heat and unblocks collaterals |
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease | Clears Heat and detoxifies |
| Fengchi (GB20) | Depression below the occipital bone, between the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius | Disperses Wind and clears Heat |
| 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 |
| Neiting (ST44) | Between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones | Clears 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 | Add Zhi Mu, Xuan Shen to clear Heat and generate fluids |
| Fever | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |
| Sore throat | Add Ban Lan Gen, Xuan Shen to clear Heat and relieve 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
- Internal Medicine of TCM - Facial Pain with Wind-Heat.
- Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Wind-Heat → 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.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM neurology.