Frequent Urticaria Outbreaks? Traditional Chinese Medicine Has the Answer
Urticaria, known as “Yin Zhen” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is an allergic skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of red or pale wheals on the skin that come and go. TCM offers unique theories and methods for treating urticaria. Let’s explore these in detail.
I. TCM Identification and Diagnostic Criteria for Urticaria
According to TCM, urticaria often results from external pathogens like wind, dampness, and heat, or internal factors such as spleen and stomach disorders and disharmony of qi and blood. Diagnosis in TCM is based on the following:
- Characteristics of Wheals: Urticaria wheals vary in size and shape, appearing as round, oval, or irregular patches that rise and disappear, recurring frequently.
- Accompanying Symptoms: Patients often experience itching, which can be severe enough to disrupt sleep. Some may have prodromal symptoms such as fever and chills before the onset.
- Tongue and Pulse Signs: The tongue may have a thin white or yellow coating, and the pulse is often floating, rapid, or wiry.
By integrating these symptoms, TCM can accurately identify and diagnose urticaria.
II. TCM Herbal Treatment and Strategies for Urticaria
TCM treatment for urticaria emphasizes pattern differentiation and treatment based on the patient’s specific condition.
- Dispel Wind and Relieve Itching: Suitable for wind pathogen-induced urticaria. Common herbs include Jingjie (Schizonepeta) and Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia) to dispel wind and relieve itching.
- Clear Heat and Drain Dampness: Suitable for urticaria with internal damp-heat. Common herbs include Huangqin (Scutellaria) and Zhizi (Gardenia) to clear heat, drain dampness, and eliminate wheals.
- Harmonize Qi and Blood: Targeted at urticaria due to disharmony of qi and blood. Common herbs like Danggui (Angelica) and Baishao (White Peony) are used to harmonize qi and blood, addressing the root cause.
During treatment, TCM practitioners may adjust prescriptions and dosages based on the patient’s constitution and changes in their condition to achieve optimal results.
III. Application of TCM External Therapies in Urticaria Recovery
In addition to internal medications, TCM offers various external therapies to aid in urticaria recovery.
- Herbal Washes: Using herbs with wind-dispelling, heat-clearing, and dampness-draining properties for herbal washes can directly act on the skin, relieve itching, and promote the disappearance of wheals.
- Cupping Therapy: Applying cups to specific acupoints helps expel dampness and heat toxins from the body, thereby alleviating urticaria symptoms.
- Acupuncture: Stimulating relevant acupoints through acupuncture can regulate the flow of qi and blood, enhance immune function, and contribute to urticaria recovery.
Patients should seek treatment at reputable medical institutions and follow professional guidance to ensure safety and efficacy during external therapy.
Conclusion
TCM treatment for urticaria emphasizes holistic regulation and individualized treatment through a combination of diagnostic identification, herbal remedies, and external therapies. This approach aims to fundamentally improve the patient’s constitution and condition. Patients should maintain a positive mindset, cooperate with the treatment plan, and adjust their diet and lifestyle to support recovery from urticaria.
