Wind Phobiaaccording to TCM

What Is Anemophobia?

Anemophobia, commonly known as wind phobia or an aversion to wind, is a specific phobia characterized by an intense fear or discomfort when exposed to windy conditions. This condition can range from mild unease to severe anxiety or panic attacks, often leading individuals to avoid outdoor activities or situations where they might encounter wind.

In more severe cases, even a gentle breeze can trigger significant distress, impacting daily life and overall well-being. While modern medicine views anemophobia as a psychological disorder, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different perspective, linking it to imbalances within the body’s internal energy.

How Does TCM View Anemophobia?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, anemophobia is seen as a symptom of underlying disharmonies within the body, particularly related to the Wind element. Wind, in TCM, is often associated with sudden changes and disturbances, both physical and emotional.

When the body’s Qi, or vital energy, is unbalanced, it becomes more susceptible to external Wind, leading to conditions like anemophobia. The root cause can vary from person to person, with some experiencing it due to an excess of Wind, while others might suffer due to a deficiency or a combination of factors. Accurate diagnosis of the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial before any treatment is undertaken.

Root Causes of Wind Phobia in TCM

In TCM, anemophobia can stem from several different patterns, with Wind being the most common culprit. For instance, Exterior Wind can invade the body, causing symptoms like aversion to wind, headaches, and nasal discharge. This pattern is often associated with sudden onset and acute symptoms, where the body’s surface is attacked by external factors.

Another possible cause is Greater Yang Attack of Wind, where the Wind affects the upper parts of the body, leading to mild sweating, stiffness in the neck, and low-grade fever alongside anemophobia. Gui Zhi Tang is often used to address this pattern by releasing the Exterior and balancing the body’s response to Wind. However, it’s important to note that other factors like Heat or Cold can also contribute to anemophobia, each requiring a different therapeutic approach in TCM.

Explore below more details about what might cause Wind phobia according to TCM.

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Wind Phobia

Common Symptoms: Sneezing Aversion To Cold Fever Headaches Nasal Discharge Itchy Throat Coughing Stiff Neck

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Exterior Wind	Aversion to wind, Aversion to cold, Fever, Headaches, Wind phobia, Nasal discharge, Clear sputum, Itchy throat, Sneezing, Coughing, Muscle pain, Itchy skin... see more	Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San
Greater Yang Attack of Wind	Aversion to wind, Slight aversion to cold, Wind phobia, Low grade fever, Mild sweating, Stiff neck, Sneezing, Occipital headache... see more	Gui Zhi Tang
Wind-Heat	Fear of wind, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness, Occipital headache, Excessive sweating, Sore throat, Yellowish phlegm... see more	Yin Qiao San | Sang Ju Yin | Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang | Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang | Xiao Feng San | Fang Feng Tong Sheng San | Bing Peng San | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin | Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Wind Phobia

Common Symptoms: Fever Thirst Arthralgia Joints Red And Hot Anxiety Swollen Joints Joint Stiffness Aversion To Cold

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heat invading the Channels joints and muscles	Aversion to wind, Arthralgia, Joints red and hot, Fever, Thirst, Anxiety, Wind phobia, Swollen joints, Joint stiffness... see more	Xuan Bi Tang
Wind-Heat	Fear of wind, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness, Occipital headache, Excessive sweating, Sore throat, Yellowish phlegm... see more	Yin Qiao San | Sang Ju Yin | Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang | Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang | Xiao Feng San | Fang Feng Tong Sheng San | Bing Peng San | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin | Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Wind Phobia

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles	Aversion to wind, Arthralgia, Wind phobia, Fever	Da Fang Feng Tang | Xiao Huo Luo Dan | Ge Gen Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Wind Phobia

Treatment of anemophobia in TCM depends on the specific pattern diagnosed. If Exterior Wind is the cause, formulas like Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San are used, with Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) as a key herb to invigorate Blood and dispel Wind.

In cases of Greater Yang Attack of Wind, Gui Zhi Tang, featuring Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi), is preferred to release the Exterior and harmonize the body’s Qi. Each formula is carefully chosen based on the individual’s unique pattern of disharmony, ensuring a personalized approach to treatment.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address wind phobia, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Wind:
Gui Zhi Tang

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause wind phobia, such as Greater Yang Attack of Wind

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Wind Phobia Caused by Wind

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Gui Zhi Tang	Greater Yang Attack of Wind
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San	Exterior Wind
Yin Qiao San	Wind-Heat
Sang Ju Yin	Wind-Heat
Cong Chi Tang	Wind-Heat
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang	Wind-Heat
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang	Wind-Heat
Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang	Wind-Heat
Xiao Feng San	Wind-Heat
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San	Wind-Heat
Bing Peng San	Wind-Heat
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin	Wind-Heat
Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan	Wind-Heat

Top Formula for Heat:
Xuan Bi Tang

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause wind phobia, such as Heat invading the Channels joints and muscles

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Wind Phobia Caused by Heat

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Xuan Bi Tang	Heat invading the Channels joints and muscles
Yin Qiao San	Wind-Heat
Sang Ju Yin	Wind-Heat
Cong Chi Tang	Wind-Heat
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang	Wind-Heat
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang	Wind-Heat
Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang	Wind-Heat
Xiao Feng San	Wind-Heat
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San	Wind-Heat
Bing Peng San	Wind-Heat
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin	Wind-Heat
Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan	Wind-Heat

Top Formula for Cold:
Da Fang Feng Tang

Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause wind phobia, such as Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Wind Phobia Caused by Cold

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Da Fang Feng Tang	Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles
Xiao Huo Luo Dan	Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles
Ge Gen Tang	Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles

Acupoints for Wind Phobia

Acupuncture plays a vital role in TCM for treating anemophobia, with specific acupoints selected to expel Wind and restore balance. Qianding (DU-21) on the Governing Vessel is one such point, located on the midline of the head, which is used to expel Wind and calm the Mind. Another effective acupoint is Shangguan (GB-3) on the Gall Bladder Channel, situated near the ear, which helps expel Wind and benefits the ears, often used when Wind is obstructing the head and neck region.

Additionally, Tianquan (P-2) on the Pericardium Channel can be targeted to open the chest, invigorate Blood, and ease pain, particularly in cases where Wind is affecting the upper body and causing discomfort or anxiety. These acupoints, when stimulated, help restore harmony within the body and alleviate the symptoms of anemophobia.

Explore below some acupoints used to address wind phobia, organized by meridian.

Qianding DU-21

On the midline, 1.5 cun anterior to Baihui DU-20 or 3.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline.

Shangguan GB-3

In front of the ear, on the upper border of the zygomatic arch, in the depression directly above Xiaguan ST-7.

Tianquan P-2

2 cun below the end of the anterior axillary fold, between the two heads of biceps brachii muscle.