Sciatica · Damp-Heat Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Leg

Pattern Overview

Damp-Heat Bi is an inflammatory pattern in sciatica, characterized by burning pain, redness, swelling, and aggravation with heat. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the leg meridians, causing inflammatory radiculopathy, nerve root edema, and severe burning pain.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Sciatica · Kidney Yang Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Leg

Pattern Overview

Kidney Yang Deficiency is a severe deficiency pattern in sciatica, characterized by chronic cold-type sciatica, cold pain, weakness, frequent urination, and cold intolerance. The core pathogenesis is insufficient Kidney Yang failing to warm the lumbar spine and sciatic nerve, leading to chronic cold pain, weakness, and impaired nerve repair.

Sciatica · Liver-Kidney Deficiency Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Leg

Pattern Overview

Liver-Kidney Deficiency is a chronic degenerative pattern in sciatica, characterized by degenerative spine-related pain, chronic ache, weakness, and aggravation with overwork. The core pathogenesis is insufficient nourishment of the lumbar spine and sciatic nerve by Liver Blood and Kidney Essence, leading to degenerative changes, chronic nerve compression, and persistent pain.

Sciatica · Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Leg

Pattern Overview

Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis is the core pattern during the acute phase of sciatica, characterized by sharp radiating leg pain, nerve root compression, limited movement, and aggravation with coughing or straining. The core pathogenesis is herniated disc or piriformis muscle compression causing Qi stagnation and Blood stasis along the sciatic nerve pathway, leading to severe pain and impaired function.

Sciatica · Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Leg

Pattern Overview

Wind-Cold-Damp Bi is a common pattern in sciatica, characterized by cold pain in the leg, aggravated by cold weather, heavy sensation, numbness, and relief with warmth. The core pathogenesis is invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens into the leg meridians, causing obstruction of Qi and Blood flow, nerve root ischemia, and muscle spasm.

Sciatica: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Leg

Overview

Sciatica is not a disease itself—it’s a symptom. It’s pain that originates in your lower back or buttock and travels down the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in the body, about as thick as your thumb). This pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation, sometimes accompanied by numbness or weakness.