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External Influence Patterns

“Something came in from outside”

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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

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Often linked to:

  • Cold wind, draughts

  • Going out with wet hair

  • Sudden drop in temperature

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What helps:

  • Keep the neck and upper back warm

  • Rest and gentle warmth (scarf, warm bath)

  • Avoid further cold exposure

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* 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

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Often linked to:

  • Early stages of seasonal illness

  • Warm wind or seasonal change

  • Overheating

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What helps:

  • Rest and avoid overheating

  • Stay hydrated

  • Light, cooling foods

  • Allow the body time to release and rebalance

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* 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

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Often linked to:

  • Strong infections

  • Acute inflammatory responses

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What helps:

  • Rest is essential

  • Keep cool and hydrated

  • Seek appropriate medical support when needed

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​* 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

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Often linked to:

  • Damp or humid weather

  • Rainy climates

  • Exposure to mould or damp environments

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What helps:

  • Keep the body warm and dry

  • Gentle movement to support circulation

  • Avoid overly heavy or greasy foods

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* 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

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Often linked to:

  • Hot weather

  • Sun exposure

  • Dehydration

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What helps:

  • Hydration (regular, not excessive at once)

  • Cooling down gradually

  • Rest in a shaded or cool space

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​* 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.

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