Itchy Skinaccording to TCM

What is Itchy Skin?

Itchy skin, also known as pruritus, is a common dermatological symptom characterized by a persistent and irritating sensation that provokes the desire to scratch the affected area. This condition encompasses a range of manifestations, from localized itching to generalized pruritus, and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and sleep patterns. Itchy skin, often referred to as body itch or pruritic skin, is a bothersome issue that many people encounter.

How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) View Itchy Skin?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), itchy skin is perceived through a holistic and interconnected perspective that differs from the explanations provided by Western medicine. TCM views the human body as a complex system with intricate energies and functions. When it comes to itchy skin, TCM recognizes that symptoms can arise due to various patterns of disharmony within the body.

One fundamental principle of TCM is the importance of identifying the underlying pattern of disharmony before prescribing treatment. Itchy skin is not considered an isolated symptom but rather a manifestation of imbalances in the body's internal energies. Understanding the specific pattern causing the itching is crucial in TCM, as it allows practitioners to tailor treatments that address the root cause, promoting long-term relief and overall well-being.

Root Causes of Itchy Skin in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), itchy skin can arise from various underlying patterns. One common pattern is Blood Deficiency with External Wind, characterized by itching, eczema, red skin eruptions, and urticaria. External Wind exacerbates the itch in this pattern.

Another frequently observed pattern is Exterior Wind, where individuals experience itchy skin along with symptoms such as aversion to cold, fever, and headaches. External wind can intensify the itching sensation.

These are just a couple of examples of TCM patterns associated with itchy skin. It's essential to identify the specific pattern to determine the most effective treatment approach.

Explore below more details about what might cause Itchy skin according to TCM.

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Itchy Skin

Common Symptoms: Eczema Red Skin Eruptions Urticaria Neurodermatitis Ichthyosis Psoriasis Measles Contact Dermatitis

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency with External Wind	Itching, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin... see more	Dang Gui Yin Zi
Exterior Wind	Itchy skin, Aversion to cold, Fever, Headaches, Wind phobia, Nasal discharge, Clear sputum, Itchy throat, Sneezing, Coughing, Muscle pain... see more	Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Itchy Skin

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency with External Wind	Itching, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin... see more	Dang Gui Yin Zi

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Itchy Skin

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency	Itching, Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more	Zuo Gui Yin | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Dang Gui Di Huang Yin | Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Itchy Skin

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Heat in the Blood	Itching, Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation... see more	Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Gu Jing Wan | Shi Hui San | Bai He Di Huang Tang | Hua Ban Tang | Qing Ying Tang | Qing Re Gu Jing Tang

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Itchy Skin

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency	Itching, Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more	Zuo Gui Yin | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Dang Gui Di Huang Yin | Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Itchy Skin

The choice of TCM formulas and herbs for treating itchy skin depends on the specific pattern identified in the individual. Here are some recommended formulas and herbs:

In cases of Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Dang Gui Yin Zi is a formula that dredges and disperses external wind. It contains Japanese catnip (Jing Jie) as a key herb, known for its warm and acrid properties that release the exterior.

For Exterior Wind, Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San is another formula that helps dredge and disperse external wind. It includes Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) as a key herb, which invigorates the blood.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address itchy skin, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Wind:
Dang Gui Yin Zi

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause itchy skin, such as Blood Deficiency with External Wind

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All Formulas Recommended for Itchy Skin Caused by Wind

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Dang Gui Yin Zi	Blood Deficiency with External Wind
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San	Exterior Wind

Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Dang Gui Yin Zi

Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause itchy skin, such as Blood Deficiency with External Wind

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Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Zuo Gui Yin

Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause itchy skin, such as Kidney Yin Deficiency

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All Formulas Recommended for Itchy Skin Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Zuo Gui Yin	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Di Huang Yin	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San	Kidney Yin Deficiency

Top Formula for Heat:
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause itchy skin, such as Heat in the Blood

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Itchy Skin Caused by Heat

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang	Heat in the Blood
Gu Jing Wan	Heat in the Blood
Shi Hui San	Heat in the Blood
Bai He Di Huang Tang	Heat in the Blood
Hua Ban Tang	Heat in the Blood
Qing Ying Tang	Heat in the Blood
Qing Re Gu Jing Tang	Heat in the Blood

Acupoints for Itchy Skin

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), specific acupoints can effectively address itchy skin. One key acupoint is Wuyi ST-15, located in the 2nd intercostal space along the mammillary line. It helps ease skin discomfort, relieve itchiness, and promote breast health.

Another important acupoint is Ligou LIV-5, found about 5 cun above the medial malleolus. It invigorates Liver Qi and clears damp-heat from the genitourinary system.

Quchi LI-11, positioned in the elbow crease, aids in clearing heat, cooling the blood, and resolving dampness.

Acupuncture at these acupoints can rebalance the body's energy, alleviate itching, and enhance overall well-being.

Explore below some acupoints used to address itchy skin, organized by meridian.

Wuyi ST-15

In the 2nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Ligou LIV-5

5 cun above the tip of the medial malleolus, on the medial aspect and posterior to the medial crest of the tibia.

Quchi LI-11

When the elbow is flexed, Quchi LI-11 is in the depression at the lateral end of the cubital crease, midway between Chize LU-5 and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

Baichongwo EX-LE-3

It is in a small depression on the vastus medialis muscle, 3 cun superior to the upper medial border of the patella. It is also 1 cun superior to Xuehai SP-10.

Fengshi GB-31

On the midline of the lateral aspect of the thigh, 7 cun above the transverse politeal crease.