Knee Pain - Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for knee pain with

Knee Pain · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Knee

Pattern Overview

Damp-Heat Bi is an acute inflammatory pattern in knee pain,

characterized by acute swelling, redness, and burning pain. The core

pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the knee joint, causing

acute synovitis, swelling, and severe pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

joint |

Associated Symptoms

tenderness |

Tongue and Pulse

and rapid pulse |

Pathogenesis Damp-Heat accumulating in the knee joint
Etiology Acute gout attack, inflammatory arthritis, trauma

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
ST35 Dubi In the two hollows beside the patella

that reduce knee pain and swelling |

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 knee

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 swelling Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis
Burning pain Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids
Redness Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify

Western Mechanism Reference

Acute swelling with synovitis, increased vascular permeability, and

neutrophil infiltration. Damp-Heat Bi corresponds to acute knee

swelling, often seen in gouty arthritis, acute synovitis, or traumatic

knee injuries with significant inflammatory response.

References

1. Textbook Standard.

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

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for knee 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.