Sacroiliac Joint Pain - Damp-Heat Bi Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for sacroiliac joint
Sacroiliac Joint Pain · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Lower Back
Pattern Overview
Damp-Heat Bi is an inflammatory pattern in sacroiliac joint pain,
characterized by **inflammatory sacroiliitis, burning pain, swelling,
and redness. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in
the sacroiliac region**, causing acute inflammation, joint edema, and
severe pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
sacroiliac region |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
movement, fever, dry mouth |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the sacroiliac region |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
inflammation (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis) |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
Kidney Qi, clears Heat and drains Dampness |
| SP9 Yinlingquan | Below the medial condyle of the tibia |
|---|
Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |
| BL32 Ciliao | In the second sacral foramen |
|---|
sacral pain |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the sacroiliac region |
|---|
clearing of 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 burning pain |
|---|
detoxify |
| Swelling | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |
|---|
| Fever | Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Inflammatory sacroiliitis with elevated inflammatory cytokines, immune
dysregulation, and sacroiliac joint edema. Damp-Heat Bi corresponds to
inflammatory sacroiliitis, often seen in ankylosing spondylitis or
reactive arthritis, where immune-mediated inflammation causes sacroiliac
joint pain and stiffness.
References
1. Textbook Standard.
2. WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
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research papers and clinical case studies on TCM joint health.
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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.