Sciatica - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for sciatica with

Sciatica · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Leg

Pattern Overview

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

**cold pain in the leg, aggravated by cold weather, heavy sensation,

numbness, and relief with warmth. The core pathogenesis is invasion

of Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens into the leg meridians**, causing

obstruction of Qi and Blood flow, nerve root ischemia, and muscle spasm.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

weather, heavy sensation, numbness |

Associated Symptoms

movement |

Tongue and Pulse

floating and tense pulse |

Pathogenesis

meridians |

Etiology

in damp environments |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
BL23 Shenshu Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2

Yang, disperses Cold and eliminates Dampness |

BL40 Weizhong

| Relaxes sinews and activates collaterals, benefits the lower back and

knees |

GB30 Huantiao

trochanter of femur | Master point for sciatica; on the Gallbladder

meridian |

Ashi points Tender spots along the sciatic nerve pathway

pain relief and meridian unblocking |

Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, even method; moxibustion

is strongly recommended 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
Numbness Add Ji Xue Teng, Wu Shao She to unblock collaterals
Heavy sensation Add Fang Ji, Yi Yi Ren to drain Dampness

Western Mechanism Reference

Cold-induced radiculopathy with nerve root ischemia, muscle spasm, and

reduced local blood flow. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi corresponds to sciatica

exacerbated by cold exposure, where reduced blood flow to the nerve root

and increased muscle tension contribute to symptom aggravation.

References

1. Textbook Standard.

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

Explore More

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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.