Lumbar Disc Herniation - Cold-Dampness Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for lumbar disc
Lumbar Disc Herniation · Cold-Dampness Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Lower Back
Pattern Overview
Cold-Dampness is a common pattern in lumbar disc herniation,
characterized by **cold and heavy pain in the lower back, cold lower
limbs, numbness, aggravation on rainy days, and relief with warmth**.
The core pathogenesis is **Cold-Damp pathogens invading the lumbar
meridians**, with cold causing contraction and dampness causing
heaviness, exacerbating the meridian obstruction caused by the herniated
disc.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
lower limbs and numbness, worse on rainy days |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
extremities |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
moderate pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
exacerbating meridian obstruction |
| Etiology |
|---|
autumn and winter seasons |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
Yang, disperses Cold and eliminates Dampness |
| DU4 Mingmen |
|---|
| Warms Yang and disperses Cold, unblocks collaterals and stops pain |
| BL40 Weizhong |
|---|
| Relaxes sinews and activates collaterals, benefits the lower back and
knees |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the lumbar area |
|---|
and unblocking for pain relief |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, even method; moxibustion
is strongly recommended to warm the meridians, disperse Cold, and
transform Dampness. Combine with local heat application and herbal steam
therapy.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Gan Jiang Ling Zhu Tang (甘姜苓术汤)
Composition:
Licorice (Gan Cao), Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), Poria (Fu Ling),
Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi), Asarum (Xi Xin),
Angelica pubescens (Du Huo)
Action: Disperses Cold and eliminates Dampness, warms and unblocks
the meridians.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe cold with intense pain |
|---|
disperse Cold |
| Cold lower limbs and numbness |
|---|
meridians and unblock collaterals |
| Heavy Dampness | Add Cang Zhu, Yi Yi Ren to dry Dampness |
|---|
| Severe lower back pain |
|---|
Kidneys and strengthen the lower back |
Western Mechanism Reference
Cold-induced radiculopathy, cold-induced lumbar muscle spasm, aggravated
nerve root ischemia, and reduced blood flow. Cold-Dampness corresponds
to lumbar disc herniation exacerbated by cold exposure, where reduced
blood flow to the nerve root and increased muscle tension worsen
symptoms.
References
1. Textbook Standard.
2. WHO. (2023). Low back pain and disc disorders. World Health
Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for back pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM disc health.
Related TCM Patterns for Lumbar Disc Herniation
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.