Hand Arthritis - Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for hand arthritis with

Hand Arthritis · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Hand

Pattern Overview

Damp-Heat Bi is an acute inflammatory pattern in hand arthritis,

characterized by **acute synovitis, swelling, redness, and burning

pain. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the hand

joints**, causing acute synovitis, joint effusion, and severe pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

joints |

Associated Symptoms

tenderness |

Tongue and Pulse

and rapid pulse |

Pathogenesis Damp-Heat accumulating in the hand joints
Etiology Acute gout attack, rheumatoid flare-up, infection

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
LI11 Quchi Lateral end of the elbow crease

Large Intestine meridian; clears Heat |

SP9 Yinlingquan Below the medial condyle of the tibia

Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |

LI5 Yangxi On the wrist crease, radial side

Large Intestine meridian; treats wrist and hand pain |

BA Xie (Eight Evils) Between the fingers, at the web margins

Local points; treats finger joint pain and swelling |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; may

combine with pricking and cupping at BA Xie 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 redness and swelling

and detoxify |

Burning pain Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids
Joint effusion Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis

Western Mechanism Reference

Acute synovitis with neutrophil infiltration, joint effusion, and

elevated inflammatory cytokines. Damp-Heat Bi corresponds to acute hand

arthritis, often seen in gouty arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

flare-ups.

References

1. Textbook Standard.

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

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for hand pain

relief.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM arthritis 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.