Fibromyalgia - Damp-Heat Bi Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for fibromyalgia with
Fibromyalgia · 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 fibromyalgia, characterized
by **inflammatory component, burning pain, swelling, and heat
sensation. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the
muscles and collaterals**, causing widespread inflammation and pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
muscles |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
sensation in the mouth |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
collaterals |
| Etiology | Poor diet, alcohol consumption, damp-heat environment |
|---|
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 |
|---|
Large Intestine meridian; clears Heat |
| GB34 Yanglingquan | Depression below the head of the fibula |
|---|
Master point for tendons; relieves muscle pain |
| Ashi points | Tender spots throughout the body |
|---|
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 |
|---|
detoxify |
| Swelling | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |
|---|
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Inflammatory component with elevated inflammatory cytokines, immune
dysregulation, and tissue edema. Damp-Heat Bi corresponds to
fibromyalgia with a prominent inflammatory component, where elevated
inflammatory markers and immune dysregulation contribute to symptom
severity.
References
1. Textbook Standard.
2. WHO. (2023). Fibromyalgia fact sheet. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for widespread pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM chronic pain
management.
Related TCM Patterns for Fibromyalgia
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.