External Influence Patterns

“Something came in from outside”

These patterns are usually sudden and short-term, often linked to weather, environment, or seasonal changes.

Wind–Cold

风寒 (Fēng Hán)

Wind from the outside, expressing as Cold in the body

What it may feel like:

Tight, aching headache (often back of head/neck)
Chills, dislike of cold, no sweating
Stiff neck and shoulders

Often linked to:

Cold wind, draughts
Going out with wet hair
Sudden drop in temperature

What helps:

Keep the neck and upper back warm
Rest and gentle warmth (scarf, warm bath)
Avoid further cold exposure

* Possible Western medical overlaps:

Common cold, flu (influenza), upper respiratory infections. Sometimes described as migraine or facial nerve pain (trigeminal neuralgia). This type of headache is often triggered by exposure to wind or sudden changes in environment, such as moving from a warm space into cold air.

Wind–Heat

风热 (Fēng Rè)

Wind from the outside, expressing as Heat in the body

What it may feel like:

Expanding or throbbing headache affecting the affecting the forehead
Feeling warm or feverish, slight chills, thirst
Sore throat, dry cough

Often linked to:

Early stages of seasonal illness
Warm wind or seasonal change
Overheating

What helps:

Rest and avoid overheating
Stay hydrated
Light, cooling foods
Allow the body time to release and rebalance

* Possible Western medical overlaps:

Common cold, influenza, tonsillitis. Sometimes seen in early stages of viral infections (e.g. measles or mumps).

Severe / toxic Wind–Heat

风热毒 (Fēng Rè Dú)

More intense external heat affecting the system

What it may feel like:

Strong pounding headache
High fever
Marked sore throat, swelling, or inflammation

Often linked to:

Strong infections
Acute inflammatory responses

What helps:

Rest is essential
Keep cool and hydrated
Seek appropriate medical support when needed

* Possible Western medical overlaps:

Severe tonsillitis, acute throat infections with marked inflammation and fever.

Wind–Dampness

风湿 (Fēng Shī)

Wind from the outside, combined with Dampness, affecting the head

What it may feel like:

Heavy, foggy, or dull headache (occipital, frontal, or generalised)
Sensation of heaviness or the head being “wrapped”
Sinus or nasal congestion
Feeling physically heavy or sluggish
Muscle and joint aches
Low appetite, nausea, or loose stools

Often linked to:

Damp or humid weather
Rainy climates
Exposure to mould or damp environments

What helps:

Keep the body warm and dry
Gentle movement to support circulation
Avoid overly heavy or greasy foods

* Possible Western medical overlaps:

Common cold, influenza. Sometimes associated with digestive symptoms such as nausea or stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis).

Summer Heat

暑热 (Shǔ Rè)

Prolonged exposure to heat and dehydration

What it may feel like:

Pounding or frontal headache
Exhaustion, thirst
Overheating or dizziness

Often linked to:

Hot weather
Sun exposure
Dehydration

What helps:

Hydration (regular, not excessive at once)
Cooling down gradually
Rest in a shaded or cool space

* Possible Western medical overlaps:

Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis), food poisoning, heatstroke. Sometimes associated with digestive symptoms, including intestinal inflammation (e.g. acute colitis).

* This does not mean the pattern is the same as a medical diagnosis.

It simply highlights some presentations that may resemble this pattern from a Western medical perspective.