Shoulder Pain - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for shoulder pain with
Shoulder Pain · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Shoulder
---
Pattern Overview
Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in shoulder pain, characterized by
**rotator cuff inflammation, cold pain, stiffness, and aggravation in
cold weather. The core pathogenesis is invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp
pathogens into the shoulder meridians**, causing obstruction of Qi and
Blood flow, synovitis, and tendon inflammation.
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Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| **Primary Symptoms** |
in cold/damp weather |
| **Associated Symptoms** |
movement, heavy sensation |
| **Tongue and Pulse** |
|---|
floating and tense pulse |
| **Pathogenesis** |
collaterals |
| **Etiology** |
|---|
prolonged immobility |
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Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| **LI15 Jianyu** |
acromion and the greater tubercle | Key point for shoulder pain;
unblocks the shoulder meridian |
| **TE14 Jianliao** | On the shoulder, posterior to LI15 |
|---|
shoulder pain and limited movement |
| **GB21 Jianjing** | |
| Relaxes the shoulder and neck muscles | |
| **Ashi points** | Tender spots around the shoulder |
|---|
and meridian unblocking |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, even method; moxibustion
may be added to warm the meridians and disperse cold. Combine with
shoulder joint functional exercises.
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Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Juan Bi Tang (蠲痹汤)
Composition:
Notopterygium (Qiang Huo), Angelica pubescens (Du Huo), Cinnamon Twig
(Gui Zhi), Gentiana (Qin Jiao), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan
Xiong), Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng), Mulberry Twig (Sang Zhi), Licorice
(Gan Cao)
Action: Disperses Wind-Cold-Damp, warms the meridians, and relieves
pain.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Severe cold pain | Add Fu Zi, Xi Xin to warm meridians |
| Pronounced stiffness | Add Shen Jin Cao, Tou Gu Cao to relax sinews |
| Chronic condition | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
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Western Mechanism Reference
Rotator cuff inflammation with cold-induced vasoconstriction, reduced
local blood flow, and synovitis. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi corresponds to
shoulder pain exacerbated by cold exposure, often seen in rotator cuff
tendinitis or subacromial bursitis.
---
References
1. Database + Textbook.
2. Green, S., et al. (2003). Acupuncture for shoulder pain. *BMJ*,
326(7399), 1175-1178.
3. WHO. (2023). *Musculoskeletal pain*. World Health Organization.
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Explore More
- **Find your solution at [MendGod.com](https://mendgod.com)** –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for shoulder pain
relief.
- **Deepen your knowledge at [TcmCIO.com](https://tcmcio.com)** – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM shoulder health.
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Consult a licensed healthcare provider.