Golfer's Elbow - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for golfer's elbow with

Golfer's Elbow · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Arm

Pattern Overview

Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in golfer's elbow, characterized

by **medial epicondylitis, cold pain, stiffness, and aggravation in cold

weather. The core pathogenesis is invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp

pathogens into the elbow meridians**, causing obstruction of Qi and

Blood flow and tendon inflammation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

stiffness, worse in cold weather |

Associated Symptoms

tenderness on palpation |

Tongue and Pulse

floating and tense pulse |

Pathogenesis

collaterals |

Etiology

inadequate warm-up |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
LI11 Quchi Lateral end of the elbow crease

Large Intestine meridian; regulates Qi and Blood in the upper limb |

LI10 Shousanli 2 cun below LI11, on the forearm

treats elbow pain |

TE5 Waiguan 2 cun above the wrist crease, dorsal side

the Triple Energizer meridian; treats elbow and wrist pain |

Ashi points Tender spots on the medial elbow

and meridian unblocking |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, even method; moxibustion

may be added to warm the meridians and disperse cold.

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
Weak grip Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi

Western Mechanism Reference

Medial epicondylitis with tendon inflammation, cold-induced

vasoconstriction, and reduced local blood flow. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi

corresponds to golfer's elbow exacerbated by cold exposure, where

reduced blood flow and increased muscle tension contribute to tendon

inflammation.

References

1. Database + Textbook.

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

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for elbow pain

relief.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM tendon health.

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.