Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Myofascial Pain Syndrome · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Whole Body

Pattern Overview

Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in myofascial pain syndrome, characterized by trigger points with cold sensitivity, muscle pain, stiffness, and aggravation in cold weather. The core pathogenesis is invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens into the muscle meridians, causing obstruction of Qi and Blood flow, formation of trigger points, and muscle pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Muscle pain, trigger points, stiffness, worse in cold/damp weather |

| Associated Symptoms | Relief with warmth, limited range of motion, heavy sensation |

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

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

| Etiology | Exposure to cold and damp, poor posture, inadequate muscle protection |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 | Tonifies Kidney Qi, strengthens the body’s resistance |

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

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

| Ashi points | Tender trigger points throughout the body | Local pain relief and meridian unblocking |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, even method; moxibustion may be added to warm the meridians and disperse cold. Trigger point needling may be used for stubborn points.

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, relaxes muscles, and relieves pain.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

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

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

| Muscle stiffness | Add Bai Shao, Gan Cao to relax muscles |

Western Mechanism Reference

Trigger points with cold sensitivity, localized muscle ischemia, and increased muscle tension. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi corresponds to myofascial pain syndrome exacerbated by cold exposure, where reduced blood flow and increased muscle tension contribute to trigger point formation and pain.

References

  1. Database + Textbook.

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

Explore More

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

  • Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM myofascial pain management.