Sacroiliac Joint Pain - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Sacroiliac Joint Pain · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Lower Back

Pattern Overview

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

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

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

| Associated Symptoms | Relief with warmth, morning stiffness, limited hip movement |

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

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

| Etiology | Exposure to cold and damp, prolonged sitting, postpartum weakness |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 | Warms Kidney Yang, disperses Cold and eliminates Dampness |

| BL32 Ciliao | In the second sacral foramen | Treats lower back and sacral pain |

| DU4 Mingmen | On the midline, between L2 and L3 spinous processes | Warms Yang and disperses Cold, unblocks collaterals and stops pain |

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

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

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 |

| Heavy sensation | Add Fang Ji, Yi Yi Ren to drain Dampness |

Western Mechanism Reference

Joint inflammation with sacroiliac synovitis, cold-induced vasoconstriction, and reduced local blood flow. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi corresponds to sacroiliac joint pain exacerbated by cold exposure, where reduced blood flow and increased joint stiffness contribute to symptom aggravation.

References

  1. Database + Textbook.

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

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