Neck Pain - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for neck pain with

Neck Pain · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Neck

Pattern Overview

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

**muscle tension and spasm, cold pain, stiffness, and aggravation in

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

pathogens into the neck meridians**, causing obstruction of Qi and Blood

flow, muscle spasm, and pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

worse in cold weather |

Associated Symptoms

tension, headaches |

Tongue and Pulse

floating and tense pulse |

Pathogenesis

meridians |

Etiology

neck protection |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
GB20 Fengchi

sternocleidomastoid and trapezius | Disperses Wind-Cold; clears the head

and neck |

BL10 Tianzhu 1.3 cun lateral to GB20, in the neck

Bladder meridian; treats neck pain |

GB21 Jianjing
Relaxes the shoulder and neck muscles
DU14 Dazhui On the midline, below the spinous process of C7

Disperses Wind-Cold and unblocks the Governing Vessel |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method;

moxibustion may be added to warm the meridians and disperse cold.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Ge Gen Tang (葛根汤)

Composition:

Pueraria (Ge Gen), Ephedra (Ma Huang), Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi), White

Peony (Bai Shao), Ginger (Sheng Jiang), Licorice (Gan Cao), Jujube (Da

Zao), Notopterygium (Qiang Huo)

Action: Releases the exterior and disperses cold, relaxes sinews and

unblocks collaterals.

Modifications

Associated Symptoms Additions/Subtractions
Severe cold pain Add Fu Zi, Xi Xin to warm meridians
Pronounced shoulder and back pain

disperse Wind and unblock collaterals |

Headache Add Bai Zhi, Man Jing Zi to disperse Wind and stop pain
Stiff neck Add Ge Gen (increase dosage) to relax sinews

Western Mechanism Reference

Muscle tension and spasm with cold-induced vasoconstriction, local

ischemia, and decreased pain threshold. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi corresponds to

acute neck pain exacerbated by cold exposure, often seen in torticollis

or acute cervical myofascial pain syndrome.

References

1. Database + Textbook.

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

Explore More

Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for neck pain

relief.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM neck 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.