Achilles Tendinitis - Damp-Heat Bi Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for Achilles tendinitis
Achilles Tendinitis · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Ankle
Pattern Overview
Damp-Heat Bi is an acute inflammatory pattern in Achilles tendinitis,
characterized by burning pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. The
core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the tendon,
causing local inflammation and fluid exudation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
warmth in the Achilles tendon |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
pressure or movement |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
inflammation and swelling |
| Etiology |
|---|
spicy foods) |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL60 Kunlun |
|---|
tendon | Unblocks the Bladder meridian; reduces local inflammation |
| SP9 Yinlingquan | Below the medial condyle of the tibia |
|---|
Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |
| GB34 Yanglingquan | Depression below the head of the fibula |
|---|
Relaxes tendons and reduces pain |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the tendon |
|---|
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 swelling | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |
|---|
| Burning pain | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |
|---|
| Fever | Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Acute inflammation with edema, neutrophil infiltration, and elevated
inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α). Damp-Heat Bi corresponds to acute
tendinitis or bursitis with significant exudative inflammation, often
seen after sudden overload or infection.
References
1. Acupuncture and Moxibustion Textbook.
2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for tendon pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM tendon health.
Related TCM Patterns for Achilles Tendinitis
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.