Tennis Elbow - Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for tennis elbow with
Tennis Elbow · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Arm
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Pattern Overview
Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in tennis elbow, characterized by
**lateral epicondylitis, cold pain, stiffness, and aggravation in cold
weather. The core pathogenesis is invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp
pathogens into the elbow meridians**, causing obstruction of Qi and
Blood flow and tendon inflammation.
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Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| **Primary Symptoms** |
stiffness, worse in cold weather |
| **Associated Symptoms** |
tenderness on palpation |
| **Tongue and Pulse** |
|---|
floating and tense pulse |
| **Pathogenesis** |
collaterals |
| **Etiology** |
|---|
inadequate warm-up |
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Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| **LI11 Quchi** | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
Large Intestine meridian; treats elbow pain |
| **LI10 Shousanli** | 2 cun below LI11, on the forearm |
treats elbow pain |
| **TE5 Waiguan** | 2 cun above the wrist crease, dorsal side |
|---|
the Triple Energizer meridian; treats elbow and wrist pain |
| **Ashi points** | Tender spots on the lateral elbow |
relief and meridian unblocking |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, even method; moxibustion
may be added to warm the meridians and disperse cold.
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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 |
| Weak grip | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
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Western Mechanism Reference
Lateral epicondylitis with tendon inflammation, cold-induced
vasoconstriction, and reduced local blood flow. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi
corresponds to tennis elbow exacerbated by cold exposure, where reduced
blood flow and increased muscle tension contribute to tendon
inflammation.
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References
1. Database + Textbook.
2. Bisset, L., et al. (2006). Acupuncture for tennis elbow. *BMJ*,
333(7575), 939.
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 elbow pain
relief.
- **Deepen your knowledge at [TcmCIO.com](https://tcmcio.com)** – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM tendon health.
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Consult a licensed healthcare provider.