Frozen Shoulder - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Frozen Shoulder · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Shoulder

Pattern Overview

Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in frozen shoulder, characterized by capsular inflammation and fibrosis, cold pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. The core pathogenesis is invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens into the shoulder meridians, causing obstruction of Qi and Blood flow, synovitis, and capsular fibrosis.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Cold pain and stiffness in the shoulder, limited range of motion in all directions |

| Associated Symptoms | Aggravation in cold weather, relief with warmth, shoulder heaviness |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale red tongue with thin white coating, floating and tense pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens obstructing the shoulder meridians |

| Etiology | Shoulder exposure to cold, improper sleeping posture, prolonged immobility |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| LI15 Jianyu | On the shoulder, in the depression between the acromion and the greater tubercle | Key point for shoulder pain; unblocks the shoulder meridian |

| TE14 Jianliao | On the shoulder, posterior to LI15 | Treats shoulder pain and limited movement |

| GB21 Jianjing | Midpoint of the shoulder, on the trapezius muscle | Relaxes the shoulder and neck muscles |

| Ashi points | Tender spots around the shoulder | Local pain relief and meridian unblocking |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, even method; moxibustion may be added to warm the meridians and disperse cold. Combine with shoulder joint functional exercises.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Juan Bi Tang (蠲痹汤)

Composition:

Notopterygium (Qiang Huo), Angelica pubescens (Du Huo), Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi), Gentiana (Qin Jiao), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng), Mulberry Twig (Sang Zhi), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Disperses Wind-Cold-Damp, warms the meridians, and relieves pain.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe cold pain | Add Fu Zi, Xi Xin to warm meridians |

| Pronounced stiffness | Add Shen Jin Cao, Tou Gu Cao to relax sinews |

| Chronic condition | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |

Western Mechanism Reference

Capsular inflammation and fibrosis with synovitis, fibroblast proliferation, and cold-induced stiffness. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi corresponds to frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) exacerbated by cold exposure, where synovial inflammation and capsular fibrosis progressively limit shoulder movement.

References

  1. Database + Textbook.

  2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.

Explore More

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