Red, itchy skin welts are the hallmark of urticaria, often known as hives. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) categorises hives based on underlying patterns of disharmony, including Wind-Heat, Wind-Cold, and Damp-Heat. Instead of only treating the symptoms, TCM aims to address the underlying cause. This method includes herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary modifications. Environmental factors, emotional stress, and weak immune function can also contribute to hives in TCM theory.
Chinese Herbal Formula for Hives
TCM prescribes herbal formulas based on individual patterns of imbalance. Commonly used herbal formulas include:
- Xiao Feng San (Eliminate Wind Powder): Used for Wind-Heat and Wind-Damp hives with severe itching.
- Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction): Recommended for Wind-Cold type hives with chills and body aches.
- Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentiana Liver-Draining Decoction): Used for Damp-Heat hives with red, swollen, and burning lesions.
- Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus Cortex): Often included in formulations for its properties in clearing Heat and Dampness.
- Ku Shen (Sophora Root): Helps alleviate itching and detoxify the body.
- Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root): Commonly used for Heat-clearing and detoxifying effects.
- Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Root): Nourishes Yin and cools Heat-related hives.
A licensed TCM practitioner can customise formulations to suit individual cases. Self-medicating with herbal formulas without proper diagnosis may not yield effective results. After all, the dosage and combination of herbs should be adjusted based on the severity and frequency of hives outbreaks.
Acupuncture for Hives TCM Treatment
Acupuncture is commonly used in TCM hives treatment in Singapore to regulate the body’s immune response and improve circulation. It targets specific meridians to dispel wind, clear heat, and strengthen Qi.
Key acupuncture points include:
- LI11 (Quchi) and SP10 (Xuehai): Used to clear heat and improve blood circulation.
- UB40 (Weizhong): Applied to detoxify and alleviate skin irritation.
- LV3 (Taichong): Balances the liver to reduce stress-related hives.
- ST36 (Zusanli): Strengthens the immune system and supports digestion.
- GB20 (Fengchi): Helps disperse wind and improve circulation.
- PC6 (Neiguan): Used to regulate Qi and address emotional triggers.
These sessions vary depending on severity. Chronic hives may require ongoing acupuncture treatments for sustained relief. The treatment plan should be adjusted based on the patient’s response to therapy.
Diet Tips for Managing Hives in TCM
Diet is integral in reducing the frequency and severity of hives. TCM dietary recommendations emphasise avoiding trigger foods and consuming cooling or dampness-clearing foods. After all, improper diet can lead to internal imbalances contributing to recurring hives.
Foods to Avoid:
- Spicy, fried, and greasy foods that contribute to heat and dampness.
- Alcohol and caffeine which can aggravate inflammation.
- Shellfish and processed foods that may trigger allergic reactions.
- Excessive consumption of red meat and dairy which may lead to dampness accumulation.
- Sugary and artificially flavoured foods that may cause inflammation.
Recommended Foods:
- Cooling foods like cucumber, bitter melon, and mung beans.
- Dampness-draining foods such as barley and adzuki beans.
- Antihistamine-like foods like chrysanthemum tea and peppermint.
- High-fibre foods like leafy greens to support digestion and detoxification.
- Foods rich in Omega-3, such as flaxseeds and walnuts, to reduce inflammation.
Hydration is essential to help detoxify the body and maintain healthy skin. Herbal teas prescribed by a TCM practitioner can support overall treatment. Regular consumption of teas such as honeysuckle and dandelion tea may help reduce heat and inflammation.
Conclusion
Hives in TCM are treated through combined herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments. Finding the underlying imbalance is essential to the success of Chinese herbal formulas for hives. A customised strategy for long-term management is ensured by speaking with a certified TCM practitioner. Patients with chronic hives should see their TCM practitioner frequently to adjust treatment as necessary.
Visit Tangs Clinical TCM to start your journey toward hives relief.
