Coccyx Pain · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Lower Back
Pattern Overview
Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in coccyx pain, characterized by cold-dampness type pain, heavy sensation, and aggravation in cold and damp weather. The core pathogenesis is invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens into the coccygeal region, causing obstruction of Qi and Blood flow and chronic pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Cold and heavy pain at the coccyx, worse in cold/damp weather |
| Associated Symptoms | Relief with warmth, heavy sensation, limited sitting tolerance |
| Tongue and Pulse | Pale red tongue with thin white coating, floating and tense pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens obstructing the coccygeal collaterals |
| Etiology | Exposure to cold and damp, prolonged sitting on cold surfaces |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| DU1 Changqiang | Midpoint between the tip of the coccyx and the anus | Local point; treats coccyx pain |
| BL32 Ciliao | In the second sacral foramen | Treats lower back and sacral pain |
| BL23 Shenshu | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 | Tonifies Kidney Qi; disperses Cold-Damp |
| Ashi points | Tender spots around the coccyx | Local pain relief and meridian unblocking |
Clinical Recommendation: Filiform needle, even method; moxibustion may be added to warm the meridians and disperse cold and damp.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (独活寄生汤)
Composition:
Angelica pubescens (Du Huo), Loranthus (Sang Ji Sheng), Eucommia (Du Zhong), Achyranthes (Niu Xi), Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Rehmannia (Shu Di), White Peony (Bai Shao), Ginseng (Ren Shen), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice (Gan Cao), Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng), Gentiana (Qin Jiao), Asarum (Xi Xin), Cinnamon (Rou Gui)
Action: Disperses Wind-Cold-Damp, tonifies Liver and Kidney, strengthens tendons and bones.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Severe cold pain | Add Fu Zi, Gui Zhi to warm meridians |
| Heavy sensation | Add Fang Ji, Yi Yi Ren to drain Dampness |
| Chronic pain | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
Western Mechanism Reference
Cold-dampness type pain with local vasoconstriction, increased muscle tension, and reduced tissue perfusion. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi corresponds to coccyx pain exacerbated by cold and damp environments, where reduced blood flow and increased muscle tension contribute to pain persistence.
References
- Textbook Standard.
- WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
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