Peripheral Neuropathy - Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Peripheral Neuropathy · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Whole Body

Pattern Overview

Damp-Heat Bi is an inflammatory pattern in peripheral neuropathy, characterized by inflammatory neuropathy, burning pain, swelling, and redness. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the peripheral nerves, causing inflammation, edema, and severe burning pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Burning pain, swelling, redness in hands and feet |

| Associated Symptoms | Local warmth, tenderness, fatigue, sticky sensation in the mouth |

| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with yellow greasy coating, slippery and rapid pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the peripheral nerves |

| Etiology | Inflammatory neuropathy, autoimmune conditions, infection |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| SP9 Yinlingquan | Below the medial condyle of the tibia | Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |

| LI11 Quchi | Lateral end of the elbow crease | He-Sea point of Large Intestine meridian; clears Heat |

| GB34 Yanglingquan | Depression below the head of the fibula | Relaxes tendons and reduces pain |

| Ashi points | Tender spots in the affected areas | Local clearing of Damp-Heat |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; may combine with pricking and cupping at Ashi points to drain Damp-Heat.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Si Miao Wan (四妙丸)

Composition:

Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), Phellodendron (Huang Bai), Achyranthes (Niu Xi), Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren)

Action: Clears Damp-Heat, reduces inflammation, promotes diuresis, and relieves pain.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe burning pain | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |

| Swelling | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |

| Fever | Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids |

Western Mechanism Reference

Inflammatory neuropathy with elevated inflammatory cytokines, immune dysregulation, and nerve root inflammation. Damp-Heat Bi corresponds to inflammatory peripheral neuropathy, where immune-mediated inflammation and elevated inflammatory cytokines contribute to nerve damage and pain.

References

  1. Textbook Standard.

  2. WHO. (2023). Peripheral neuropathy fact sheet. World Health Organization.

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