Hip Arthritis - Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for hip arthritis with

Hip Arthritis · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Hip

Pattern Overview

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

characterized by **acute inflammatory arthritis, swelling, redness, and

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

the hip joint**, causing acute synovitis and severe inflammatory

response.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

joint |

Associated Symptoms

tenderness, fever |

Tongue and Pulse

and rapid pulse |

Pathogenesis Damp-Heat accumulating in the hip joint
Etiology

flare-up |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
GB30 Huantiao

trochanter | Master point for hip pain; on the Gallbladder meridian |

SP9 Yinlingquan Below the medial condyle of the tibia

Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |

GB34 Yanglingquan Depression below the head of the fibula

Relaxes tendons and reduces pain |

Ashi points Tender spots around the hip joint

of 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 redness and swelling

and detoxify |

Burning pain Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids
Fever Add Huang Qin, Huang Lian to clear Heat

Western Mechanism Reference

Acute inflammatory arthritis with synovitis, neutrophil infiltration,

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

hip arthritis, often seen in gouty arthritis, septic arthritis, or

reactive arthritis.

References

1. Textbook Standard.

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

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for hip 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.