Knee Osteoarthritis - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for knee osteoarthritis
Knee Osteoarthritis · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Knee
Pattern Overview
Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in knee osteoarthritis,
characterized by **cartilage degeneration, cold pain, stiffness, and
aggravation in cold weather. The core pathogenesis is invasion of
Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens into the knee meridians**, causing obstruction
of Qi and Blood flow, synovitis, and accelerated cartilage degeneration.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
cold/damp weather |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
limited knee movement |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
floating and tense pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
collaterals |
| Etiology |
|---|
|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| ST35 Dubi | In the two hollows beside the patella |
|---|
that reduce knee pain and swelling |
| BL40 Weizhong |
|---|
| He-Sea point of Bladder meridian; treats back and knee pain |
| GB34 Yanglingquan | Depression below the head of the fibula |
|---|
Master point for tendons; treats knee pain and stiffness |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the knee |
|---|
meridian unblocking |
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 morning stiffness |
|---|
sinews |
| Joint swelling | Add Fang Ji, Yi Yi Ren to drain Dampness |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Cartilage degeneration with synovitis, cold-induced stiffness, and
reduced joint lubrication. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi corresponds to knee
osteoarthritis 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
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for knee pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM arthritis health.
Related TCM Patterns for Knee Osteoarthritis
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.