Hand Arthritis - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for hand arthritis with

Hand Arthritis · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Hand

Pattern Overview

Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in hand arthritis, characterized

by **rheumatoid/osteoarthritis, cold pain, stiffness, and aggravation in

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

pathogens into the hand joint meridians**, causing obstruction of Qi and

Blood flow and progressive joint degeneration.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

worse in cold/damp weather |

Associated Symptoms

swelling |

Tongue and Pulse

floating and tense pulse |

Pathogenesis

collaterals |

Etiology Exposure to cold and damp, aging, repetitive hand use

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
LI5 Yangxi On the wrist crease, radial side

Large Intestine meridian; treats wrist and hand pain |

LI11 Quchi Lateral end of the elbow crease

Large Intestine meridian; regulates Qi and Blood |

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

Local points; treats finger joint pain and stiffness |

TE4 Yangchi On the dorsum of the wrist, at the wrist crease

Source point of Triple Energizer meridian; treats wrist and hand pain |

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 Add Fu Zi, Gui Zhi to warm meridians
Pronounced stiffness Add Shen Jin Cao, Tou Gu Cao to relax sinews
Joint swelling Add Fang Ji, Yi Yi Ren to drain Dampness

Western Mechanism Reference

Rheumatoid/osteoarthritis with synovitis, cartilage degeneration, and

cold-induced stiffness. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi corresponds to hand arthritis

exacerbated by cold exposure, where reduced blood flow and increased

joint stiffness contribute to symptom aggravation.

References

1. Database + Textbook.

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.