Hives are not just one condition in TCM. They are a family of five distinct patterns. Each family has its own triggers and presentation. There is a permanent cure for urticaria (蕁麻疹根治) or hives through TCM.
There is a specific TCM explanation of what is happening beneath the skin, whether your wheals are burning and red or pale. Understanding the pattern of the hives is the first step to lasting relief. It means two people with the same diagnosis of urticaria receive different acupuncture protocols and herbal formulas.
TCM understands urticaria
Hives are a battle between the protective Defensive Qi in TCM. Defensive Qi is the essential energy bringing the body to life. It powers physiological functions in TCM. Wei Qi Defensive Qi is the protective layer of the body. It resists external pathogens and an invading pathogen. The pathogenic factor is characterized by:
- sudden onset
- movement
- changeability
Wind is the key culprit. It causes symptoms that happen differently, such as:
- appear suddenly
- move around
- disappear just as quickly
It is exactly how hives behave.
The skin disrupts the normal opening and closes the pore when invaded by the wind. It traps Qi and fluids beneath the surface, and it produces the characteristic raised wheals.
However, wind rarely acts alone. It teams up with heat or cold. This explains why some people have red, burning hives. It worsens with warmth, while others get pale. It is less itchy wheals. The condition flares in cold weather.
Urticaria may appear due to happenings in the digestive system. Hives appear when the stomach and spleen are overloaded by:
- greasy foods
- spicy foods
The results generate internal dampness and heat. It steams upward and erupts through the skin as bright, angry hives.
Causes of urticaria
The causes of urticaria are due to allergic reactions to foods, such as:
- nuts
- shellfish
- eggs
- dairy products
Other factors that provoke urticaria are:
- medications
- antibiotics
- aspirin
There are environmental factors that trigger urticaria, such as:
- pollen
- pet dander
- insect bites
- stings
There are physical stimuli that induce urticaria, such as:
- pressure
- cold
- heat
- sunlight
Stress aggravates the condition, which highlight the following:
- emotional health
- skin reactions
Viral and bacterial infections can lead to outbreaks of hives.
TCM for urticaria
TCM aims to address the root cause of the skin condition. The same urticaria might have different patterns, and each has different treatment. TCM offers a range of treatments for hives, targeting both:
- internal imbalances
- external skin manifestations
The symptoms are managed, and flare-ups are prevented with the combination of:
- lifestyle modifications
- acupuncture
- herbal medicines
Lifestyle modifications
TCM physicians evaluate your lifestyle. They recommend simple changes to relieve itching.
For example:
- Apply a cold compress on the affected area
- Apply a gentle moisturizer on the affected area regularly
- Avoid environments with:
- extreme temperatures
- high humidity
- Avoid triggers
- Wear loose clothes
Acupuncture
Acupuncture manages the urticaria symptoms. The process is done through inserting fine needles into the specific acupoints to stimulate:
- Qi flow
- Blood circulation
Inflammation is reduced by acupuncture, while promoting skin health.
Herbal medications
Herbal medicines play an essential role in treating hives. The TCM physicians assess the body constitution to identify patterns that contribute to the hive outbreaks. The physician prescribes a specific Chinese herbal formula based on this evaluation. The formulated medicine is personalized to your unique needs, which addresses imbalances.
FAQs
Is a permanent cure for hives possible?
The skin condition is managed with appropriate TCM treatments and lifestyle modifications. The treatment will relieve the symptoms.
Is urticaria a transmittable skin condition?
Urticaria is not a transmittable skin condition, which causes the following:
- Itchy
- Painful
But it is not caused by bacteria or viruses. Thus, it cannot be transmitted from one person to another.
