Ankle Sprain · 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 following ankle sprain, characterized by significant swelling, redness, burning pain, and localized warmth. The core pathogenesis is Damp-Heat accumulation at the injury site, causing intense inflammation and fluid exudation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Severe swelling, redness, burning pain in the ankle |
| Associated Symptoms | Localized warmth, limited movement, possible fever |
| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with yellow greasy coating, slippery and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating at the injury site |
| Etiology | Severe sprain with significant inflammatory response, infection |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| BL60 Kunlun | Depression between lateral malleolus and Achilles tendon | Unblocks the Bladder meridian; reduces swelling |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the ankle | Local clearing of Damp-Heat |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, reducing method; may combine with pricking and cupping to drain Damp-Heat. Avoid strong manipulation in the acute phase.
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 inflammatory swelling, increased vascular permeability, and neutrophil infiltration. Damp-Heat Bi corresponds to severe ankle sprains (grade II-III) with significant inflammatory response, or cases complicated by infection.
References
- Textbook Standard.
- WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for ankle recovery.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM sports health.