Carpal Tunnel Syndrome · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Wrist
Pattern Overview
Damp-Heat Bi is an acute inflammatory pattern in carpal tunnel syndrome, characterized by inflammatory swelling compressing the nerve, redness, and burning pain. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the wrist, causing edema and inflammation that compresses the median nerve.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Swelling, redness, burning pain in the wrist, numbness and tingling |
| Associated Symptoms | Local warmth, limited wrist movement, tenderness |
| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with yellow greasy coating, slippery and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the wrist, compressing the nerve |
| Etiology | Acute inflammation, infection, or acute flare-up of tenosynovitis |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| SP9 Yinlingquan | Below the medial condyle of the tibia | Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |
| PC7 Daling | Center of the wrist crease | Source point of Pericardium meridian; treats wrist pain |
| LI11 Quchi | Lateral end of the elbow crease | He-Sea point of Large Intestine meridian; clears Heat |
| Ashi points | Tender spots in the wrist | 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 |
| Numbness | Add Dan Shen, Ji Xue Teng to improve circulation |
Western Mechanism Reference
Inflammatory swelling compressing the nerve, increased vascular permeability, and neutrophil infiltration. Damp-Heat Bi corresponds to acute carpal tunnel syndrome with significant inflammatory edema, often seen in tenosynovitis or acute flare-ups.
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 wrist pain relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM nerve health.