Trapezius Pain · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 6 min
Body Area: Neck
Pattern Overview
Damp-Heat Bi is an acute inflammatory pattern in trapezius pain, characterized by acute inflammation, swelling, redness, and burning pain. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the trapezius muscle, causing acute inflammation, edema, and severe pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Swelling, redness, burning pain in the trapezius muscle |
| Associated Symptoms | Local warmth, tenderness, limited neck movement |
| Tongue and Pulse | Red tongue with yellow greasy coating, slippery and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the trapezius muscle |
| Etiology | Acute overuse, infection, or inflammatory flare-up |
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 |
| GB21 Jianjing | Midpoint of the shoulder, on the trapezius muscle | Relaxes the shoulder and neck muscles |
| Ashi points | Tender spots in the trapezius muscle | 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 redness and swelling | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |
| Burning pain | Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids |
| Fever | Add Huang Qin, Huang Lian to clear Heat |
Western Mechanism Reference
Acute inflammation with neutrophil infiltration, edema, and elevated inflammatory cytokines. Damp-Heat Bi corresponds to acute trapezius pain with significant inflammatory response, often seen after sudden overuse or in cases of infection.
References
- Textbook Standard.
- WHO. (2023). Musculoskeletal pain. World Health Organization.
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