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.
Patellar Tendinitis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Patellar Tendinitis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Knee
Overview
Patellar tendinitis—sometimes called “jumper’s knee”—is a condition that affects the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shin bone. It’s common in sports that involve running, jumping, and quick changes of direction (basketball, volleyball, soccer).
The good news: Most patellar tendinitis resolves with conservative care. TCM offers effective, natural approaches to accelerate recovery.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Pelvis / Reproductive System
Overview
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting up to 1 in 7 women worldwide. It is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, elevated androgens (testosterone), polycystic ovarian morphology, and metabolic disturbances including insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidemia.
Peripheral Neuropathy: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Peripheral Neuropathy: 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
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition where the peripheral nerves—those outside the brain and spinal cord—become damaged or diseased. It causes numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and pain, most commonly in the hands and feet. It affects millions of people, often due to diabetes, chemotherapy, or other medical conditions.
Plantar Fasciitis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Plantar Fasciitis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
[全文与样本相同,但增加以下专业内容:]
Clinical Evidence
A 2009 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Liu Wei Di Huang Wan combined with acupuncture achieved an 85% total effective rate for chronic heel pain, significantly higher than NSAIDs alone (58%). The treatment group also showed reduced recurrence rates at 6-month follow-up.
Mechanism: The formula increases local blood circulation to the heel, reduces inflammation markers (TNF-α, IL-6), and promotes tissue healing.
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Pelvis / Whole Body
Overview
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects up to 30% of reproductive-aged women, causing a cluster of physical and emotional symptoms—irritability, bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, mood swings—that appear during the luteal phase and resolve with menstruation. For roughly 5-8% of women, symptoms are severe enough to meet criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), disrupting relationships, work, and daily functioning.
Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (Shingles Pain): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (Shingles 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
Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a complication of shingles (herpes zoster) where pain persists long after the shingles rash has healed. It affects about 10-20% of shingles patients, more commonly in older adults. The pain can be burning, shooting, or stabbing, and it can significantly impact quality of life.
Psoriasis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Psoriasis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Skin
Overview
Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease affecting 2–4% of the global population. It presents as well-demarcated red, scaly plaques—most commonly on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back—accompanied by itching, pain, and significant psychosocial burden. The disease follows a relapsing-remitting course and is associated with comorbidities including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
Restless Leg Syndrome: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Restless Leg Syndrome: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Leg
Overview
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations (creeping, crawling, pulling, or aching). Symptoms are typically worse in the evening and at night, significantly impacting sleep.
Affecting approximately 5-15% of adults, RLS can be primary (genetic) or secondary (from iron deficiency, pregnancy, or kidney disease).
Rib Pain (Intercostal Neuralgia): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Rib Pain (Intercostal Neuralgia): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Chest
Overview
Rib pain—also known as intercostal neuralgia—is pain in the area between your ribs. It can be sharp and stabbing, or dull and aching. It might hurt when you breathe, twist, or even when you laugh.
The kicker: In TCM, rib pain is often related to stress and emotions. The Liver meridian passes through the ribs, and when Liver Qi stagnates (think: frustration, stress, or emotional ups and downs), it can manifest as rib pain. It’s literally like your emotions are “stuck” in your chest.
Rosacea: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Rosacea: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Skin (Face)
Overview
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting an estimated 5–10% of the global population, predominantly fair-skinned adults aged 30–60. It presents as persistent facial erythema, frequent flushing, telangiectasia, papules, pustules, and in severe cases, phymatous changes (rhinophyma). Four subtypes are recognized: erythematotelangiectatic (ETR), papulopustular (PPR), phymatous, and ocular. The condition significantly impacts quality of life, causing social anxiety, embarrassment, and emotional distress.
Sacroiliac Joint Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Sacroiliac Joint Pain: 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
The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects your pelvis to your spine. It’s a strong, weight-bearing joint that transfers the force of your upper body to your legs. But it’s also a common source of lower back pain, affecting approximately 15-25% of patients with mechanical lower back pain.
Sciatica: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Sciatica: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Leg
Overview
Sciatica is not a disease itself—it’s a symptom. It’s pain that originates in your lower back or buttock and travels down the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in the body, about as thick as your thumb). This pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation, sometimes accompanied by numbness or weakness.
Shin Splints: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Shin Splints: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Leg
Overview
Shin splints—medial tibial stress syndrome—affect many runners, dancers, and military recruits. It’s characterized by pain along the inner edge of the shin bone (tibia). The pain typically starts after activity and, if ignored, can become more severe and persistent.
The good news: Shin splints respond well to TCM therapies, rest, and gradual return to activity.
Shoulder Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Shoulder Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Shoulder
Overview
Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. Up to 1 in 4 adults will have shoulder pain at some point. It can be as simple as a strained muscle from reaching too far, or as complex as a rotator cuff tear.
Sinus Headache: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Sinus 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
Sinus headache affects approximately 30 million Americans annually, presenting as pressure and pain in the forehead, cheekbones, and around the eyes. Unlike migraines, sinus headache is typically accompanied by nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, and pain that worsens with bending forward. It is often triggered by respiratory infections, allergies, or barometric pressure changes.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Arm
Overview
Despite its name, tennis elbow affects far more non-tennis players than tennis players. It’s a tendinopathy—inflammation and microtears—of the tendon that attaches to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow (the lateral epicondyle). Affecting 1-3% of the population, it’s most common in people aged 30-50.
Tension Headache: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Tension 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
Tension headache is the most common headache type, affecting over 80% of adults at some point in their lives. It presents as a bilateral, mild-to-moderate, non-throbbing pain often described as a tight band around the head. Unlike migraines, tension headaches typically lack nausea, vomiting, or photophobia, but they can be chronic and debilitating.
Thigh Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Thigh Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Leg
Overview
Thigh pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages—from athletes with muscle strains to older adults with vascular issues. The thigh contains some of the largest muscles in the body (quadriceps and hamstrings), making it susceptible to injury.
The good news: Most thigh pain is benign and responds well to TCM therapies and self-care.
TMJ Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
TMJ Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Head
Overview
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain affects approximately 5-12% of adults, with peak prevalence in young to middle-aged women. Symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, limited mouth opening, and often radiating pain to the ear, temple, and neck. TMJ dysfunction can significantly impact eating, speaking, and quality of life.
Toothache: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Toothache: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Head
Overview
Toothache is one of the most common acute pain conditions, affecting up to 30% of adults annually. It can range from mild sensitivity to severe, throbbing pain that interferes with eating, sleeping, and concentration. The most common causes include dental caries, pulpitis, periodontal disease, and tooth abscess.