Important Note: Although the information in this section was written by Healthphone.com's Healing Centre Panel of professional Chinese doctors, licensed acupuncturists, herbalists and other experts, Healthphone.com accepts no legal responsibility nor liability for any errors or omissions. The information in this section is presented as is, for educational purposes only. As with any medical matter, always consult your healthcare professional before acting on any health-related information.
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1.
Overview and Causes|
Hives, also known as "urticaria" is a commonly found intense itching skin disorder, characterized mainly by the rapid development of raised smooth patches or wheals (area of the skin that is temporarily raised and coloured red or pale with with red margins) on the skin. Hives is most often a sign of an allergic reaction. It is often caused by an allergy to certain foods, particularly shellfish, tomatoes, strawberries, eggs, milk, and chocolate. It can also be a reaction to drugs, food dyes, molds, bacteria, and animal skin or hair, etc. In addition, in a susceptible person, cold, the rays of the sun, and vigorous exercise also can be the cause. |
2. Symptoms|
(a)
The onset is usually abrupt. At first, the skin feels itchy, later
wheals appear. The wheals are of varying shapes and sizes, sometimes
merged into each other in bright red, or pink or milky white. The
skin lesions often appear and disappear alternately and rapidly
without leaving trace. The hives may appear on small areas or all
over the body.
(b) Accompanying symptoms are intense itching; occasionally, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, chest distress, pain sensations in throat and difficulty in breathing. (c) The course varies in different cases. Mostly, an acute case recovers in a few days. If it continues in a recurrent manner for over three months, it is chronic hives, which may last several months or years, with a continuous attack or with some remission stages. Return To Top |
3. TCM Effectiveness
and Evaluation
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Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are effective therapies
for hives, especially for chronic hives. The treatment usually takes
between two and six months for chronic cases. |
4.
Common Syndromes and Treatments in TCM
This ailment, according to TCM,
has different syndromes. The treatment for these syndromes using herbal
medicine and acupuncture is shown below.
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(a) Qigong and other therapies
For effect of Qigong on the Nervous System Function, click here. Generally speaking, Qigong is good for healing effect of this specific ailment, however individual results may vary. It improves the flow of the qi and the circulation of the blood, so you'll experience more energy, but, you won't see/ feel any immediate effects, as with many exercises and therapies, it takes a few weeks or even months of practice before you'll see any significant improvements. The following types of Qigong may help:
For the information of different types of Qigong ,just click a link above. This information is for education purpose only. We strongly advise you seek a licensed Qigong master to learn the correct ways to conduct these exercises before attempting them. (b) Medicated diet 1. Mulberry Leaf(sangye) 6g, decoct it about 10 minutes and drink the soup as tea. It is applicable to the Wind-heat type only. 2. Cinnamon twigs (guizhi) 3g, Fresh ginger (shengjiang) 5 slices. Decoct the herbs for 30 minutes in water 1000-1500ml. Then take out the herbs and add Polished round-grained Rice(jingmi) 200g, make gruel. Eat 1-2 bowls a day and take it in three days or continue more days if necessary. It is applicable to the Wind-cold type only. 3. Atractylodes Rhizome(cangzhu) 6g, Cape Jasmine Fruit(zhizi) 6g. Decoct the herbs for 30 minutes in water 1000-1500ml. Then take out the herbs and add Polished round-grained Rice(jingmi) 200g, make gruel. Eat 1-2 bowls a day and take it in three days or continue more days if necessary. It is applicable to the Gastrointestinal Damp-Heat Type only.
Acknowledgments:
We also greatly acknowedge Ms. Najaf Munir, MBBS, for her editorial support. Ms. Munir simplified the highly technical medical documents into easy-to-read documents, for the enjoyment and education of our numerous visitors. |
5. Healing by
Other Therapies
