Achilles Tendinitis - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for Achilles tendinitis
Achilles Tendinitis · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Ankle
Pattern Overview
Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in Achilles tendinitis,
characterized by **cold pain, stiffness, and aggravation in cold
weather. The core pathogenesis is invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp
pathogens into the tendon meridians**, causing obstruction of Qi and
Blood flow, leading to pain and stiffness.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
worse in cold weather |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
limited ankle movement |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
floating and tense pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
meridians |
| Etiology |
|---|
exercise |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL60 Kunlun |
|---|
tendon | Unblocks the Bladder meridian; treats heel and ankle pain |
| BL62 Pucan | Below the lateral malleolus |
|---|
ankle stiffness |
| KI3 Taixi |
|---|
tendon | Tonifies Kidney Qi; strengthens the tendon |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the tendon |
|---|
and meridian unblocking |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, even method; moxibustion
may be added to warm the meridians and disperse cold.
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 |
|---|
warm meridians |
| Pronounced stiffness | Add Shen Jin Cao, Tou Gu Cao to relax sinews |
|---|
| Weakness in the lower back and knees |
|---|
strengthen the lower back |
Western Mechanism Reference
Inflammatory response in the Achilles tendon with cold-induced
vasoconstriction and local ischemia. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi corresponds to
tendinopathy triggered by cold exposure, where reduced blood flow and
increased muscle tension contribute to pain and stiffness.
References
1. Acupuncture and Moxibustion Textbook.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Pointing Method.
3. 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.