Hip Pain - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Hip Pain · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Hip

Pattern Overview

Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in hip pain, characterized by hip joint/bursa inflammation, cold pain, stiffness, and aggravation in cold weather. The core pathogenesis is invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens into the hip meridians, causing obstruction of Qi and Blood flow, synovitis, and bursal inflammation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Cold pain and stiffness in the hip, worse in cold/damp weather |

| Associated Symptoms | Relief with warmth, limited hip movement, heavy sensation |

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

| Pathogenesis | Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens obstructing the hip collaterals |

| Etiology | Exposure to cold and damp, prolonged sitting, inadequate hip protection |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| GB30 Huantiao | Midpoint between sacral hiatus and greater trochanter of femur | Master point for hip pain; on the Gallbladder meridian |

| BL54 Zhibian | 3 cun lateral to the sacral hiatus | Treats hip and lower back pain |

| GB29 Juliao | Anterior and inferior to the anterior superior iliac spine | Treats hip pain and bursitis |

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

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, even method; moxibustion may be added to warm the meridians and disperse cold.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (独活寄生汤)

Composition:

Angelica pubescens (Du Huo), Loranthus (Sang Ji Sheng), Eucommia (Du Zhong), Achyranthes (Niu Xi), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Rehmannia (Shu Di), White Peony (Bai Shao), Ginseng (Ren Shen), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice (Gan Cao), Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng), Gentiana (Qin Jiao), Asarum (Xi Xin), Cinnamon (Rou Gui)

Action: Disperses Wind-Cold-Damp, tonifies Liver and Kidney, strengthens tendons and bones.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe cold pain | Add Fu Zi, Gui Zhi to warm meridians |

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

| Bursal swelling | Add Fang Ji, Yi Yi Ren to drain Dampness |

Western Mechanism Reference

Hip joint/bursa inflammation with cold-induced vasoconstriction, synovitis, and reduced local blood flow. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi corresponds to hip pain exacerbated by cold exposure, often seen in trochanteric bursitis or early hip osteoarthritis.

References

  1. Database + Textbook.

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

Explore More

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