Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for myofascial pain
Myofascial Pain Syndrome · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in myofascial pain syndrome,
characterized by **trigger points with cold sensitivity, muscle pain,
stiffness, and aggravation in cold weather**. The core pathogenesis is
invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens into the muscle meridians,
causing obstruction of Qi and Blood flow, formation of trigger points,
and muscle pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
in cold/damp weather |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
heavy sensation |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
floating and tense pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
meridians |
| Etiology |
|---|
muscle protection |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
Qi, strengthens the body's resistance |
| GB21 Jianjing |
|---|
| Relaxes shoulder and neck muscles, disperses Wind |
| GB34 Yanglingquan | Depression below the head of the fibula |
|---|
Master point for tendons; relaxes muscles and relieves pain |
| Ashi points | Tender trigger points throughout the body |
|---|
pain relief and meridian unblocking |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, even method; moxibustion
may be added to warm the meridians and disperse cold. Trigger point
needling may be used for stubborn points.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Juan Bi Tang (蠲痹汤)
Composition:
Notopterygium (Qiang Huo), Angelica pubescens (Du Huo), Cinnamon Twig
(Gui Zhi), Gentiana (Qin Jiao), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan
Xiong), Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng), Mulberry Twig (Sang Zhi), Licorice
(Gan Cao)
Action: Disperses Wind-Cold-Damp, warms the meridians, relaxes
muscles, and relieves pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe cold pain | Add Fu Zi, Xi Xin to warm meridians |
|---|
| Pronounced trigger points |
|---|
sinews |
| Muscle stiffness | Add Bai Shao, Gan Cao to relax muscles |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Trigger points with cold sensitivity, localized muscle ischemia, and
increased muscle tension. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi corresponds to myofascial
pain syndrome exacerbated by cold exposure, where reduced blood flow and
increased muscle tension contribute to trigger point formation and pain.
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 muscle pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM myofascial pain
management.
Related TCM Patterns for Myofascial Pain Syndrome
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.