Fibromyalgia · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Damp-Heat Bi is an inflammatory pattern in fibromyalgia, characterized by inflammatory component, burning pain, swelling, and heat sensation. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the muscles and collaterals, causing widespread inflammation and pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Burning pain, swelling, heat sensation in muscles |
| Associated Symptoms | Local warmth, tenderness, fatigue, sticky sensation in the mouth |
| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with yellow greasy coating, slippery and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the muscles and collaterals |
| Etiology | Poor diet, alcohol consumption, damp-heat environment |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| SP9 Yinlingquan | Below the medial condyle of the tibia | Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |
| LI11 Quchi | Lateral end of the elbow crease | He-Sea point of Large Intestine meridian; clears Heat |
| GB34 Yanglingquan | Depression below the head of the fibula | Master point for tendons; relieves muscle pain |
| Ashi points | Tender spots throughout the body | 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 burning pain | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |
| Swelling | Add Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi to promote diuresis |
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
Western Mechanism Reference
Inflammatory component with elevated inflammatory cytokines, immune dysregulation, and tissue edema. Damp-Heat Bi corresponds to fibromyalgia with a prominent inflammatory component, where elevated inflammatory markers and immune dysregulation contribute to symptom severity.
References
- Textbook Standard.
- WHO. (2023). Fibromyalgia fact sheet. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com – Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for widespread pain relief.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full research papers and clinical case studies on TCM chronic pain management.