Hip Pain - Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for hip pain with

Hip Pain · 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 pain, characterized

by **septic/inflammatory bursitis, swelling, redness, and burning

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

hip**, causing acute bursitis, severe inflammation, and pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms Swelling, redness, burning pain in the hip
Associated Symptoms

movement, fever |

Tongue and Pulse

and rapid pulse |

Pathogenesis Damp-Heat accumulating in the hip
Etiology Infection, acute gout, inflammatory bursitis

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
GB30 Huantiao

trochanter of femur | 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

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

Septic/inflammatory bursitis with neutrophil infiltration, edema, and

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

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

inflammatory flare-ups.

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 joint 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.