Plantar Fasciitis - Damp-Heat Bi Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for plantar fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Foot
Pattern Overview
Damp-Heat Bi is an acute inflammatory pattern in plantar fasciitis,
characterized by **acute inflammation, swelling, redness, and burning
pain. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the
heel**, causing acute inflammation, edema, and severe pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Swelling, redness, burning pain in the heel |
|---|
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
ability |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the heel |
|---|
| Etiology | Acute overuse, infection, or gout attack |
|---|
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| SP9 Yinlingquan | Below the medial condyle of the tibia |
|---|
Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |
| BL60 Kunlun |
|---|
tendon | Unblocks the Bladder meridian; reduces swelling |
| KI3 Taixi |
|---|
tendon | Source point of Kidney meridian; tonifies Kidney Qi |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the heel |
|---|
Damp-Heat |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; may
combine with pricking and cupping at Ashi points to drain Damp-Heat.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Si Miao Wan (四妙丸)
Composition:
Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), Phellodendron (Huang Bai), Achyranthes (Niu
Xi), Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren)
Action: Clears Damp-Heat, reduces inflammation, promotes diuresis,
and relieves pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe redness and swelling |
|---|
and detoxify |
| Burning pain | Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids |
|---|
| Fever | Add Huang Qin, Huang Lian to clear Heat |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Acute inflammation with neutrophil infiltration, edema, and elevated
inflammatory cytokines. Damp-Heat Bi corresponds to acute plantar
fasciitis with significant inflammatory response, often seen after
sudden overuse or in cases of gouty inflammation.
References
1. Textbook Standard.
2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for foot pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM foot health.
Related TCM Patterns for Plantar Fasciitis
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.