Sacroiliac Joint Pain - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for sacroiliac joint
Sacroiliac Joint Pain · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Lower Back
Pattern Overview
Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in sacroiliac joint pain,
characterized by **joint inflammation, cold pain, stiffness, and
aggravation in cold weather. The core pathogenesis is invasion of
Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens into the sacroiliac region**, causing
obstruction of Qi and Blood flow, synovitis, and joint stiffness.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
region, worse in cold/damp weather |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
limited hip movement |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
floating and tense pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
collaterals |
| Etiology |
|---|
postpartum weakness |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
Yang, disperses Cold and eliminates Dampness |
| BL32 Ciliao | In the second sacral foramen |
|---|
sacral pain |
| DU4 Mingmen |
|---|
| Warms Yang and disperses Cold, unblocks collaterals and stops pain |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the sacroiliac region |
|---|
pain relief and meridian unblocking |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, even method; moxibustion
may be added to warm the meridians and disperse cold. Combine with local
heat application.
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 |
|---|
| Heavy sensation | Add Fang Ji, Yi Yi Ren to drain Dampness |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Joint inflammation with sacroiliac synovitis, cold-induced
vasoconstriction, and reduced local blood flow. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi
corresponds to sacroiliac joint pain exacerbated by cold exposure, where
reduced blood flow and increased joint stiffness contribute to symptom
aggravation.
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 back pain
relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM joint health.
Related TCM Patterns for Sacroiliac Joint Pain
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.