Urticaria, commonly known as hives, can be an incredibly distressing skin condition that can occur during any phase of life. While hives frequently occur in children, it is not uncommon for it to develop suddenly and unexpectedly in adulthood. The condition itself can be categorized into two main types: acute urticaria and chronic urticaria.
Acute urticaria typically lasts for a few days, with recurring episodes over the course of several weeks. It can be triggered by various factors, such as allergies to certain foods, pollen or even certain types of medication. The symptoms of acute urticaria can include transient, puffy and intensely itchy wheals, which can appear in different shapes and sizes. These wheals can show up anywhere on the body, causing considerable discomfort for individuals of all ages who are affected by this condition.
On the other hand, chronic urticaria is defined by reoccurring episodes that last for longer than six months. Similar to acute urticaria, chronic urticaria can show up with the exact same presentation. It is worth noting that chronic urticaria can affect individuals at any stage of their lives, adding an additional layer of complexity to diagnosing and managing this perplexing skin condition.
From a Western medical viewpoint, urticaria frequently occurs due to histamine intolerance. Histamine is an inflammatory immune chemical that the body produces to help fight off invaders. Histamine intolerance often occurs because the body cannot make adequate amounts of Diamine Oxidase (DAO) which is an enzyme that breaks down the histamine. DAO is made in the small intestine, but some people seem to be lacking adequate production to reduce the overall histamine load. This can be due to a gene mutation, like the MTHFR gene, which prevents proper absorption of histamine blockers and creates a scenario where hives are a common occurrence.
Western medicine approaches urticaria by prescribing antihistamine medications and steroids, while also advising the patient to avoid any known triggers like shellfish or pollen. Studies have also shown that increasing vitamin D3 intake to at least 4000 IU daily can be helpful.
East Asian Medicine (EAM) looks at hives a little differently. In EAM, urticaria is considered a skin condition caused by wind. This is because the symptoms of urticaria can appear suddenly and disappear quickly, varying in severity from aggressive to mild the next day. This reflects the nature of wind, which can be both swift and violent or gentle and almost nonexistent.
The cause of urticaria varies in EAM depending on several factors.
1. Wind – As mentioned, this is the most common cause of hives in EAM. Wind, when combined with cold or heat, can enter channels through the skin causing wheals on body with itching.
2. Emotions – Feeling stressed, anxious or irritable can be another reason that hives erupt. This happens because these emotions create heat in the body and its pathways / channels / meridians. As a result, urticaria may come and go depending on how you feel on that particular day. When the emotions are resolved, the hives usually disappear.
3. Allergies – During hay fever season when pollen is rampant, urticaria can be triggered. Spring, when hay fever allergies are at their peak, often brings unpredictable weather with strong winds and fluctuating temperatures. These rapid changes can wreak havoc for those suffering from both hay fever and urticaria or anyone with a weakened immune system.
4. Qi and Blood Deficiency – A weakened body due to illness, prolonged overexertion or insufficient rest can result in a noticeable decrease in energy levels. Energy encompasses the vital forces of qi and blood, both of which are interdependent and closely intertwined. In cases of weakness, the body becomes vulnerable to wind invasion, which can further exacerbate the existing health issues. Insufficient blood supply within the body can potentially give rise to internal wind, manifesting in various symptoms such as the development of hives on the skin. This makes it crucial to address and restore the body’s energy levels, bolster qi and blood and safeguard against external influences that may aggravate these conditions.
East Asian Medicine has been successfully treating hives for centuries. Typically, acupuncture, moxibustion and herbal formulas are utilized to help control the outbreaks and decrease overall inflammation in the body. Many common health conditions involve our immune system overacting and urticaria is no different. Acupuncture helps to clear the toxic heat frequently associated with urticaria, while also calming the nervous system. Moxibustion and herbs can improve circulation to help with itching and swelling, while also improving the overall quality of the immune system.
If you or someone you love is dealing with urticaria, consider giving East Asian Medicine a chance. The 3000 year old track record speaks volumes on how this medical system can assist in regaining your health.