Urticaria

What is Urticaria (Hives)?

Urticaria, or hives, is a skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of red, swollen, and itchy wheals or patches on the skin. These wheals can vary in size, shape, and location, and may last anywhere from a few hours to several days before disappearing. 

There are several factors that can trigger urticaria, and the exact cause is often challenging to pinpoint. Some common causes and triggers include:

1. Allergic reactions: Urticaria can be triggered by exposure to allergens, such as certain foods, medications, insect bites or stings, latex, and pollen. 
2. Physical factors: Exposure to heat, cold, sunlight, water, or pressure on the skin can lead to the development of hives in some individuals. 
3. Infections and illnesses: Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections can sometimes cause urticaria as part of the body’s immune response. Underlying health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and hormonal imbalances, can also contribute to the development of hives.
4. Emotional stress: Psychological stress can be a trigger for urticaria in some people, as it can cause the release of stress hormones that can lead to inflammation and skin reactions.
5. Idiopathic urticaria: In some cases, no specific cause or trigger can be identified, and the urticaria is considered idiopathic.

Chinese Medicine’s Perspective on Urticaria

1. Wind: In Chinese medicine, Wind is seen as a swift and changeable factor that can invade the body and disrupt the normal flow of Qi. Wind can cause sudden onset of symptoms, movement of symptoms from one place to another, and itching – all common features of urticaria.
2. Heat: Heat is associated with inflammation, redness, and swelling. Heat urticaria can manifest as red wheals when exposed to heat or if you get too hot from exercise. 
3. Cold: Cold uritcaria occurs when you get hives if you are exposed to cold or get too cold. The hives from cold urticaria may be pale or dullin color. 
4. Qi and blood stagnation: The smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body is important for health. Emotional stress, poor diet, or injuries can lead to Qi and blood stagnation.  This is most often associated with pressure urticaria. 
5. Qi Deficiency: Qi is the body’s energy. When the qi is weak there can be fatigue, poor immune function, and digestive issues.  When uricaria is associated with foods it is often related to qi deficiency. 

These imbalances can combine and we may be treating more than one factor. After the specific imbalance is identified a customized treatment is created for you to correct this specific imbalance. By addressing the underlying imbalance we can see long term improvements.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

For example, the treatment for Wind-Heat uritcaria, which typically presents with symptoms such as red, inflamed welts, a feeling of heat, and severe itching would focus on herbs that can dispel wind as well as herb that clear heat.  While Wind-Cold Urticaria which may present with pale wheals, a feeling of chilliness, and less severe itching, the treatment approach would be different. Herbs for this imblance would be herbs that warm and release the wind. 

If urticaria is linked to Qi deficiency, the symptoms might include chronic hives, fatigue, a weak voice, and reactiongs to food. In this case, the herbs which strengthen the body’s Qi would be included. However, if there is Qi and blood stagnation are diagnosed, which may be diagnosed for pressure urticaria, herbs that bleak blood stagnation and move the Qi can be used. 

Acupuncture

The aim of acupuncture is to restore balance by correcting the underlying imbalance.  

Similar to herbal medicine, acupuncture treatments are tailored to an individual’s specific symptoms. Each acupuncture point has its specific actions and indications, allowing me to create personalized treatments by selecting a combination of points that address the patient’s unique presentation.

Research has shown that acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help reduce urticaria and reduce the recurrence rate of the condition.  Additionally, acupuncture is known to reduce the allergic response and decrease itch in the body. 

When urticaria presents with Wind-Heat symptoms, points might be chosen to clear Heat and expel Wind. Points such as Large Intestine 11 (LI11, Quchi) and Large Intestine 4 (LI4, Hegu) may be used to expel Wind. 

In cases of Wind-Cold urticaria, points would be selected to warm the body and expel Cold.  Stomach 36 (ST36, Zusanli) can be used to warm the body, while Large Intestine 4 (LI4, Hegu) can be used to dispel Wind.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be powerful treatments for urticaria. But it does not work overnight.  The treatment for urticaria is generally 3-6 months. We want to see some improvment within 4 weeks which gets better over time. 

Cupping Therapy

Cupping is a technique in which suction cups are applied to the skin to stimulate the flow of Qi and blood. Cupping can help alleviate urticaria symptoms by promoting the release of pathogenic factors such as Wind and Heat, and improving circulation in the affected areas. Wet cupping is particularly effective for urticaria and can have a profound effect. 

Integrating Chinese Medicine with Conventional Treatments

Chinese medicine can be used along with your conventional treatments in order to provide immediate relief of symptoms as well as long-term prevention and management of the condition. While conventional treatments, such as antihistamines and corticosteroids, can provide symptomatic relief, Chinese medicine aims to address the underlying disharmonies and imbalances that contribute to the development of urticaria. 

Conclusion

The potential of Chinese medicine in treating urticaria lies in its holistic approach to addressing the root causes of the condition, rather than merely treating the symptoms. Chinese medicine focuses on correcting the underlying imbalance leading to the condition. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce allergic reactions, decrease itch, and improve the immune system.  

Integrating Chinese medicine with conventional treatments can provide a comprehensive and effective approach to managing urticaria.  By correcting the underlying imbalance, it is possible to find relief and enjoy a life free from the discomfort of urticaria.