Patellar Tendinitis - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for patellar tendinitis

Patellar Tendinitis · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Knee

Pattern Overview

Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in patellar tendinitis,

characterized by **tendon inflammation, cold pain, stiffness, and

aggravation in cold weather. The core pathogenesis is invasion of

Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens into the knee meridians**, causing obstruction

of Qi and Blood flow and tendon inflammation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

worse in cold weather |

Associated Symptoms

pain with squatting |

Tongue and Pulse

floating and tense pulse |

Pathogenesis

collaterals |

Etiology

exercise |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

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

that reduce knee pain and swelling |

ST34 Liangqiu

patella | Treats knee pain and tendon inflammation |

GB34 Yanglingquan Depression below the head of the fibula

Master point for tendons; treats knee pain and stiffness |

Ashi points Tender spots around the patellar tendon

relief 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
Pain with squatting

unblock collaterals |

Western Mechanism Reference

Tendon inflammation with cold-induced vasoconstriction, reduced local

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

corresponds to patellar tendinitis exacerbated by cold exposure, where

reduced blood flow and increased tendon 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 knee pain

relief.

research papers and clinical case studies on TCM tendon 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.