Achilles Tendinitis · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Ankle
Pattern Overview
Damp-Heat Bi is an acute inflammatory pattern in Achilles tendinitis, characterized by burning pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the tendon, causing local inflammation and fluid exudation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Burning pain, swelling, redness, and local warmth in the Achilles tendon |
| Associated Symptoms | Limited ankle movement, pain aggravated by pressure or movement |
| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with yellow greasy coating, slippery and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the tendon, causing inflammation and swelling |
| Etiology | Acute overuse, infection, or dietary factors (rich, spicy foods) |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| BL60 Kunlun | Depression between lateral malleolus and Achilles tendon | Unblocks the Bladder meridian; reduces local inflammation |
| SP9 Yinlingquan | Below the medial condyle of the tibia | Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |
| GB34 Yanglingquan | Depression below the head of the fibula | Relaxes tendons and reduces pain |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the tendon | Local 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 swelling | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |
| Burning pain | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |
| Fever | Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids |
Western Mechanism Reference
Acute inflammation with edema, neutrophil infiltration, and elevated inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α). Damp-Heat Bi corresponds to acute tendinitis or bursitis with significant exudative inflammation, often seen after sudden overload or infection.
References
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Textbook.
- WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for tendon pain relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM tendon health.