Fibromyalgia - Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Fibromyalgia · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Whole Body

Pattern Overview

Damp-Heat Bi is an inflammatory pattern in fibromyalgia, characterized by inflammatory component, burning pain, swelling, and heat sensation. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the muscles and collaterals, causing widespread inflammation and pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Burning pain, swelling, heat sensation in muscles |

| Associated Symptoms | Local warmth, tenderness, fatigue, sticky sensation in the mouth |

| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with yellow greasy coating, slippery and rapid pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the muscles and collaterals |

| Etiology | Poor diet, alcohol consumption, damp-heat environment |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| SP9 Yinlingquan | Below the medial condyle of the tibia | Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |

| LI11 Quchi | Lateral end of the elbow crease | He-Sea point of Large Intestine meridian; clears Heat |

| GB34 Yanglingquan | Depression below the head of the fibula | Master point for tendons; relieves muscle pain |

| Ashi points | Tender spots throughout the body | Local clearing of Damp-Heat |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; may combine with pricking and cupping at Ashi points to drain Damp-Heat.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Si Miao Wan (四妙丸)

Composition:

Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), Phellodendron (Huang Bai), Achyranthes (Niu Xi), Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren)

Action: Clears Damp-Heat, reduces inflammation, promotes diuresis, and relieves pain.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe burning pain | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |

| Swelling | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |

| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |

Western Mechanism Reference

Inflammatory component with elevated inflammatory cytokines, immune dysregulation, and tissue edema. Damp-Heat Bi corresponds to fibromyalgia with a prominent inflammatory component, where elevated inflammatory markers and immune dysregulation contribute to symptom severity.

References

  1. Textbook Standard.

  2. WHO. (2023). Fibromyalgia fact sheet. World Health Organization.

Explore More

  • Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for widespread pain relief.

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