Chronic Urticariaaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Dermatological Conditions & Symptoms, Eczema, Dermatitis and Itchy Conditions of the Skin, Skin Inflammation & Swelling
Parent symptom: Urticaria
What is Chronic Urticaria?
Chronic urticaria, also known as persistent urticaria, is a skin condition characterized by the recurrent appearance of hives or wheals on the skin that last for more than six weeks. These raised, itchy welts can vary in size and shape, often causing discomfort and distress.
Chronic urticaria can be triggered by various factors, including allergies, autoimmune reactions, or underlying medical conditions. It is a subset of urticaria, a broader term referring to the sudden development of hives on the skin.
How does TCM View Chronic Urticaria?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on chronic urticaria, considering it as a manifestation of internal disharmony. Unlike Western medicine, which often attributes hives to external allergens, TCM recognizes that chronic urticaria can result from various patterns of disharmony within the body. This underscores the importance of identifying the specific pattern of imbalance before initiating treatment.
Causes of Chronic Urticaria According to TCM
TCM identifies several patterns of disharmony that can contribute to chronic urticaria. For example, Greater Yang Attack of Wind patterns manifest as symptoms of Wind-Cold invasion, often leading to hives accompanied by chills and aversion to cold.
On the other hand, patterns of Kidney Deficiency or Blood and Qi Deficiency involve imbalances in the body's foundational energies, which can lead to chronic urticaria characterized by recurrent episodes.
It's essential to note that TCM recognizes various patterns that can contribute to chronic urticaria, and individual cases may require a customized approach to diagnosis and treatment.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Chronic Urticaria
In TCM, the choice of formulas and herbs to address chronic urticaria depends on the specific pattern of disharmony identified in the patient. For patterns involving Greater Yang Attack of Wind, the Gui Zhi Tang formula is often recommended. This formula contains key herbs like Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), characterized by their Pungent, Sweet, and Warm properties. Gui Zhi Tang is effective in treating patterns of Exterior-Cold and Exterior-Empty, helping to alleviate symptoms and restore balance.
For patterns related to Kidney-Deficiency or Blood and Qi Deficiency, the Shi Quan Da Bu Tang formula comes into play. This formula includes key herbs like Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), known for their Sweet and Warm properties. Shi Quan Da Bu Tang is employed to address patterns of Kidney-Deficiency, Blood and Qi Deficiency, helping to strengthen the body's foundation and alleviate chronic urticaria.
Additionally, TCM recognizes the importance of nourishing the Heart and calming the Mind in cases of chronic urticaria. The Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan formula, which incorporates key herbs like Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), is utilized to treat patterns of Heart Yin Deficiency, Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency, and Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency. This holistic approach aims to address the underlying imbalances contributing to chronic urticaria and promote overall well-being.
In conclusion, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a comprehensive perspective on chronic urticaria, emphasizing the need to identify the specific pattern of disharmony before tailoring treatment with the appropriate formulas and herbs. By addressing the root causes, TCM seeks to alleviate the recurrent symptoms of chronic urticaria and restore harmony to the body's internal systems.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chronic urticaria, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Chronic urticaria can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Gui Zhi Tang, with cinnamon twigs as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
Chronic urticaria can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a deficiency in both Yin and Yang energies, necessitating a balanced approach to tonification.
One such formula is Shi Quan Da Bu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Chronic urticaria can be treated by these formulas when it stems from a disharmony between the heart and the mind, often manifesting as emotional disturbances or sleep issues.
One such formula is Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan, with unprepared rehmannia as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Chronic Urticaria
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chronic urticaria, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Chronic urticaria can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic urticaria, like Gui Zhi Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Chronic urticaria can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic urticaria, like Shi Quan Da Bu Tang.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Chronic urticaria can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic urticaria, like Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan.