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Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

How Chinese medicine differentiates upper respiratory tract infections into the six patterns described for them, and the points for each. Distinct from this site's Common Cold, Sore Throat and Frequent Colds pages. Acupuncture only — no herbs.

This page is educational, for practitioners and students — it is not a diagnostic tool and does not replace a proper in-person assessment. High fever, difficulty breathing, severe sore throat with trouble swallowing, ear pain or symptoms lasting over ten days need medical assessment — especially in young children, older adults and those with chronic illness.
General Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture points traditionally used for upper respiratory tract infections — 3 key points, used across the patterns below rather than tied to just one.

PointKey action
G.B.-20Expels exterior Wind. Extinguishes interior Wind. Subdues Liver-Yang.
L.I.-4Expels exterior Wind and releases the Exterior. Promotes the diffusing of Lung-Qi, regulates the Defensive Qi and sweating. Stops pain.
DU-14Clears Heat. Releases the Exterior and expels exterior Wind. Regulates Nutritive and Defensive Qi.
The Six Patterns

↑ reinforcing   ↓ reducing   ⊥ even method.

1. Wind-Cold Invading the Lungs View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Chills predominate over fever; no sweating; clear watery nasal discharge; cough with thin white phlegm; body aches; itchy throat.
Tongue: Normal or slightly pale, thin white moist coat. Pulse: Floating and tight.
Treatment principle: Warms the Exterior, opens the pores and releases the Exterior.
G.B.-20 ↓ LU-7 ↓ L.I.-4 ↓ DU-14 ↓
Note: moxa is appropriate.

2. Wind-Heat Invading the Lungs View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Fever stronger than chills; sore throat; yellow, turbid nasal discharge; thick yellow phlegm cough; thirst; slight sweating.
Tongue: Red tip, thin yellow coat. Pulse: Floating and rapid, prominent at the right front position.
Treatment principle: Clears Heat, cools the body and disperses the Exterior.
G.B.-20 ↓ L.I.-4 ↓ DU-14 ↓ LU-5 ↓
Note: no moxa.

3. Summer-Heat with Dampness

Clinical manifestations: Fever that sweating does not relieve; a heavy, wrapped headache; chest oppression; thirst without desire to drink; nausea; heavy, tired limbs.
Tongue: Red body, white greasy coat (may turn yellow greasy if Heat dominates). Pulse: Soggy and rapid.
Treatment principle: Releases the Exterior, clears Summer-Heat and transforms Dampness.
G.B.-20 ↓ ST-36 ⊥ SP-9 ↓ L.I.-11 ↓
Note: no moxa. No Summer-Heat slide exists on this site's decks — no pattern link is given here.

4. Dry-Wind View full pattern →

Clinical manifestations: Dry cough with minimal mucus; dry nose, mouth and throat; cracked lips; low-grade fever with mild chills.
Tongue: Slightly red, dry surface, thin white dry coat, possible cracks. Pulse: Floating and rapid.
Treatment principle: Moistens the Lungs, gently disperses dryness and restores fluids.
LU-7 ↓ L.I.-4 ↓ G.B.-20 ↓ KI-6 ↑
Note: no moxa. Linked to this site's own Lung-Dryness slide.

5. Wind-Cold with Yang Deficiency

Clinical manifestations: Severe chills despite blankets; extreme fatigue and drowsiness; cold limbs; clear nasal discharge.
Tongue: Pale, puffy, tooth-marked, thin white moist coat. Pulse: Deep and weak.
Treatment principle: Assists Yang, warms the interior and releases the Exterior gently.
DU-14 ⊥ G.B.-20 ⊥ ST-36 ↑ REN-4 ↑
Note: moxa is strongly indicated. Mixed Excess/Deficiency; no matching deck slide — no pattern link is given here.

6. Wind-Cold with Blood and Yin Deficiency

Clinical manifestations: Prominent chills; little or no sweating; pale complexion, lips and nails; dizziness; palpitations; dry mouth and throat; weakness.
Tongue: Pale, thin, slightly dry, thin white coat. Pulse: Floating, thready and lacking force.
Treatment principle: Nourishes Blood and Yin while gently releasing the Exterior.
G.B.-20 ↓ LU-7 ↓ SP-6 ↑ KI-3 ↑
Note: Mixed Excess/Deficiency; no matching deck slide — no pattern link is given here.
Related conditions
Common Cold Sore Throat Frequent Colds

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Acupuncture-only reference — structure adapted (not text) from how other condition-lookup sites organize this kind of content. Let us know what to add or change.