Metatarsalgia - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for metatarsalgia with

Metatarsalgia · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Foot

Pattern Overview

Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in metatarsalgia, characterized by

**forefoot inflammation, cold pain, stiffness, and aggravation in cold

weather. The core pathogenesis is invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp

pathogens into the forefoot meridians**, causing obstruction of Qi and

Blood flow and joint inflammation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

foot, worse in cold/damp weather |

Associated Symptoms

swelling |

Tongue and Pulse

floating and tense pulse |

Pathogenesis

collaterals |

Etiology

inadequate foot protection |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
SP4 Gongsun Medial foot, below the base of the 1st metatarsal

Luo-connecting point of Spleen meridian; treats foot pain |

ST44 Neiting Between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones

point of Stomach meridian; treats forefoot pain |

BL60 Kunlun

tendon | Unblocks the Bladder meridian; treats foot pain |

Ashi points Tender spots around the forefoot

and 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 stiffness Add Shen Jin Cao, Tou Gu Cao to relax sinews
Forefoot swelling Add Fang Ji, Yi Yi Ren to drain Dampness

Western Mechanism Reference

Forefoot inflammation with cold-induced vasoconstriction, reduced local

blood flow, and increased tissue stiffness. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi

corresponds to metatarsalgia exacerbated by cold exposure, where reduced

blood flow and increased tissue stiffness contribute to symptom

aggravation.

References

1. Database + Textbook.

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

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for foot pain

relief.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM foot 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.