TCM Pattern Differentiation Library
This library contains 326 condition-pattern combinations covering 81 diseases with detailed TCM differentiation, acupuncture prescriptions, and herbal formulas.
Each pattern page includes:
- Key symptoms and differentiation points
- Acupuncture point prescription with locations and functions
- Herbal formula with modifications
- Western mechanism reference
- Clinical recommendations
Browse by Disease Category
Use the search or browse the complete list below to find your specific pattern.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Wrist
Overview
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) affects about 3-6% of adults—more commonly women than men. It’s the most common peripheral nerve entrapment disorder, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers. Left untreated, it can lead to weakness and loss of dexterity.
Cervical Spondylosis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Cervical Spondylosis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Neck
Overview
Cervical spondylosis is what happens when your neck—the most flexible part of your spine—starts to show its age. By age 60, over 85% of people have some degree of cervical spondylosis on X-rays. While it sounds scary, many people have no symptoms at all.
Chronic Abdominal Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Chronic Abdominal Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Overview
Chronic abdominal pain affects approximately 10-15% of adults globally, significantly impacting quality of life. It can be associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS, chronic gastritis, or visceral hypersensitivity, often presenting as cramping, bloating, or dull, persistent pain.
While Western medicine addresses abdominal pain through antispasmodics, dietary modification, and sometimes neuromodulators, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views it as a manifestation of Cold-Damp accumulation or Spleen-Stomach Deficiency—where insufficient Qi and Yang fail to warm and nourish the digestive organs. This guide provides evidence-based TCM strategies for chronic abdominal pain relief.
Chronic Constipation: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Chronic Constipation: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Abdomen / Digestive System
Overview
Chronic constipation affects roughly 16% of adults worldwide, rising to over 30% among those aged 60 and above. It involves infrequent bowel movements, hard or lumpy stools, excessive straining, and a persistent sense of incomplete evacuation. Beyond physical discomfort, chronic constipation contributes to anxiety, reduced quality of life, and—in severe cases—hemorrhoids, fecal impaction, and rectal prolapse.
Chronic Cough: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Chronic Cough: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Chest & Respiratory / Throat
Overview
Chronic cough—defined as a cough lasting 8 weeks or longer—affects up to 10% of the adult population and is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. It can stem from post-nasal drip, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), or remain unexplained despite extensive investigation. Regardless of cause, chronic cough disrupts sleep, causes embarrassment, triggers urinary incontinence, and can even lead to rib fractures.
Chronic Fatigue-Related Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Chronic Fatigue-Related Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Overview
Chronic fatigue-related pain is a condition where persistent exhaustion is accompanied by widespread muscle aches, joint pain, and reduced physical function. It’s common in conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and post-viral syndromes.
The good news: TCM offers powerful, natural approaches for restoring energy and reducing pain.
Chronic Gastritis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Chronic Gastritis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Abdomen / Digestive System
Overview
Chronic gastritis—the persistent inflammation of the stomach lining—affects a significant portion of the global population, with prevalence estimates varying by region but often exceeding 50% in some countries due to Helicobacter pylori infection, NSAID use, autoimmune factors, and dietary habits. Patients experience recurrent epigastric pain, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, and early satiety. Over time, chronic gastritis can progress to atrophic changes, intestinal metaplasia, and even gastric cancer, making early management critical.
Chronic Pharyngitis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Chronic Pharyngitis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Head & Neck / Throat
Overview
Chronic pharyngitis—an inflammation of the throat lasting more than 3 months—is a common complaint that affects millions of people worldwide. Symptoms include persistent sore throat, dryness, tickling sensation, the feeling of a foreign body in the throat (“globus”), frequent throat clearing, and sometimes hoarseness. Unlike acute pharyngitis (typically caused by bacterial or viral infection), chronic pharyngitis has multiple contributing factors: acid reflux, post-nasal drip, voice overuse, smoking, environmental irritants, and repeated acute infections.
Chronic Prostatitis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Chronic Prostatitis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Pelvis / Perineum
Overview
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is the most common urological condition in men under 50, affecting 8-15% of all male adults. It causes persistent or recurrent pelvic pain (perineum, lower abdomen, lower back, genitals), urinary symptoms (frequency, urgency, painful urination), and sexual dysfunction—all of which severely impair quality of life and mental health.
Chronic Sinusitis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Chronic Sinusitis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Head & Neck / Respiratory
Overview
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects roughly 12% of adults in the United States alone—that’s nearly 30 million people grappling with persistent nasal congestion, facial pressure, post-nasal drip, and impaired smell lasting 12 weeks or longer. Unlike acute sinus infections, chronic sinusitis involves ongoing inflammation of the sinus lining, often with or without bacterial involvement, and frequently coexists with allergies, nasal polyps, or structural issues.
Cluster Headache: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Cluster Headache: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Head
Overview
Cluster headache is one of the most severe primary headache disorders, affecting approximately 1 in 1,000 adults. It is characterized by unilateral, excruciating pain lasting 15-180 minutes, accompanied by ipsilateral autonomic features such as lacrimation, nasal congestion, and ptosis. Episodes occur in clusters—daily or near-daily attacks over weeks to months, followed by remission periods.
Coccyx Pain (Tailbone): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Coccyx Pain (Tailbone): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Lower Back
Overview
Coccyx pain—tailbone pain—is surprisingly common, affecting more women than men (by a ratio of about 5:1). It can range from a dull ache when sitting to sharp pain when transitioning from sitting to standing.
The coccyx is the small, triangular bone at the very bottom of your spine. It’s the remnant of the tail we had in our evolutionary past—but it’s not useless! It provides attachment for several pelvic floor muscles and ligaments that support the pelvic organs.
Eczema: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Eczema: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Skin
Overview
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis (AE), is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting 2.1–4.9% of the global population. It is characterized by intense itching, red and inflamed skin, vesicles with serous exudate, and recurrent flare-ups that disrupt sleep, mood, and daily life. The condition follows a relapsing-remitting pattern, often beginning in childhood but persisting into adulthood.
Eye Strain Headache: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Eye Strain Headache: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Head
Overview
Eye strain headache—often called digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome—affects over 70% of modern workforce adults who spend prolonged hours on digital screens. Symptoms include frontal headache, eye fatigue, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck tension, typically worsening as the day progresses.
Fibromyalgia: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Fibromyalgia: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Overview
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tender points throughout the body. It affects approximately 2-4% of the population, more commonly in women. The pain is often described as a deep ache or burning sensation, and it can be accompanied by sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties, and emotional distress.
Finger Joint Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Finger Joint Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Hand
Overview
Finger joint pain affects millions of people worldwide, particularly those over 50. It can be from osteoarthritis (the “wear and tear” type), rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune), or simple overuse.
Finger joints are small but essential—they allow us to write, type, grip, and perform countless daily tasks. When they hurt, every activity becomes a challenge.
Foot Arthritis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Foot Arthritis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Foot
Overview
Foot arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, particularly those over 50. The most common type is osteoarthritis, but rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the foot. Arthritis in the foot can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty walking.
The good news: TCM offers effective, non-pharmacological approaches for managing foot arthritis.
Frozen Shoulder: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Frozen Shoulder: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Shoulder
Overview
Frozen shoulder sounds like a snowball fight injury—it’s not. It’s a condition where the shoulder joint becomes so stiff and painful that simple daily activities—combing your hair, reaching for a cup, or putting on a shirt—become difficult, sometimes impossible.
Frozen shoulder affects about 2-5% of people, most commonly in their 40s and 50s. It’s more common in women and people with diabetes. The medical name is “adhesive capsulitis,” which means the shoulder joint capsule becomes thick and tight, like a balloon that’s been squeezed shut.
Functional Dyspepsia: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Functional Dyspepsia: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Abdomen / Digestive System
Overview
Functional dyspepsia (FD) affects 11–29% of the global population, making it one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints worldwide. Patients experience persistent or recurring upper abdominal pain or burning, postprandial fullness, early satiety, and bloating—without any identifiable structural disease on endoscopy or imaging. FD significantly impairs quality of life, work productivity, and mental health, yet conventional treatments (proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics) provide incomplete relief for many patients.
GERD / Acid Reflux: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
GERD / Acid Reflux: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Abdomen / Digestive System
Overview
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects an estimated 20% of adults in Western countries and is increasingly prevalent across Asia. It occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, and discomfort that can disrupt sleep, eating habits, and daily productivity. Over time, untreated GERD may lead to esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and an elevated risk of esophageal cancer.