Frozen Shoulder - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for frozen shoulder with
Frozen Shoulder · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Shoulder
Pattern Overview
Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in frozen shoulder, characterized
by **capsular inflammation and fibrosis, cold pain, stiffness, and
limited range of motion. The core pathogenesis is invasion of
Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens into the shoulder meridians**, causing
obstruction of Qi and Blood flow, synovitis, and capsular fibrosis.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
limited range of motion in all directions |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
warmth, shoulder heaviness |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
floating and tense pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
meridians |
| Etiology |
|---|
prolonged immobility |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| LI15 Jianyu |
|---|
acromion and the greater tubercle | Key point for shoulder pain;
unblocks the shoulder meridian |
| TE14 Jianliao | On the shoulder, posterior to LI15 |
|---|
shoulder pain and limited movement |
| GB21 Jianjing |
|---|
| Relaxes the shoulder and neck muscles |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the shoulder |
|---|
and meridian unblocking |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, even method; moxibustion
may be added to warm the meridians and disperse cold. Combine with
shoulder joint functional exercises.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Juan Bi Tang (蠲痹汤)
Composition:
Notopterygium (Qiang Huo), Angelica pubescens (Du Huo), Cinnamon Twig
(Gui Zhi), Gentiana (Qin Jiao), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan
Xiong), Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng), Mulberry Twig (Sang Zhi), Licorice
(Gan Cao)
Action: Disperses Wind-Cold-Damp, warms the meridians, and relieves
pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe cold pain | Add Fu Zi, Xi Xin to warm meridians |
|---|
| Pronounced stiffness | Add Shen Jin Cao, Tou Gu Cao to relax sinews |
|---|
| Chronic condition | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Capsular inflammation and fibrosis with synovitis, fibroblast
proliferation, and cold-induced stiffness. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi corresponds
to frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) exacerbated by cold exposure,
where synovial inflammation and capsular fibrosis progressively limit
shoulder movement.
References
1. Database + Textbook.
2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for shoulder pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM shoulder health.
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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.