Itchy Skin in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different itchy skin patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
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.
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.
TCM Patterns for Itchy Skin
Wind
Causes: Itching, Itchy skin
Blood Deficiency with External Wind
Itching
Along with: 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
Exterior Wind
Itchy skin
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Headaches, Wind phobia, Nasal discharge, Clear sputum, Itchy throat, Sneezing, Coughing, Muscle pain
Blood Deficiency
Causes: Itching
Blood Deficiency with External Wind
Itching
Along with: 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
Yin Deficiency
Causes: Itching
Kidney Yin Deficiency
Itching
Along with: 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
Heat
Causes: Itching
Heat in the Blood
Itching
Along with: Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation
Herbal Formulas for Itchy Skin
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address itchy skin
Dang Gui Yin Zi
Addresses these itchy skin patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Blood
- Moistens Dryness
- Clears Heat
- Dispels Wind
- Relieves itching
Addresses These Itchy Skin Pattern Variations
Blood Deficiency with External Wind
How it manifests:
Itching
Accompanying symptoms:
Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis...
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Addresses these itchy skin patterns:
Main Actions
- Treats severe fevers and Heat in the Blood system
- Removes Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Itchy Skin Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Itching
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Zuo Gui Yin
Addresses these itchy skin patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Tonifies the Kidneys
Addresses These Itchy Skin Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Itching
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San
Addresses these itchy skin patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Relieves headaches
Addresses These Itchy Skin Pattern Variations
Exterior Wind
How it manifests:
Itchy skin
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Headaches, Wind phobia, Nasal discharge, Clear sputum...
Gu Jing Wan
Addresses these itchy skin patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin
- Clears Heat
- Stops bleeding
- Stabilizes the menses
Addresses These Itchy Skin Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Itching
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Addresses these itchy skin patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin
- Improves vision
Addresses These Itchy Skin Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Itching
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Shi Hui San
Addresses these itchy skin patterns:
Main Actions
- Cools the Blood and
- Stops bleeding
- Clears Heat and drains Fire
Addresses These Itchy Skin Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Itching
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Dang Gui Di Huang Yin
Addresses these itchy skin patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Blood
- Tonifies Kidney and Liver Yin
- Regulates the menstrual cycle
Addresses These Itchy Skin Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Itching
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Bai He Di Huang Tang
Addresses these itchy skin patterns:
Main Actions
- Moistens the Lungs
- Enriches the Body Fluids
- Clears Heat and cools the Blood
Addresses These Itchy Skin Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Itching
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Addresses these itchy skin patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi
Addresses These Itchy Skin Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Itching
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Hua Ban Tang
Addresses these itchy skin patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Cools the Blood
Addresses These Itchy Skin Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Itching
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Qing Ying Tang
Addresses these itchy skin patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Nutritive level Heat
- Relieves Fire Toxin
- Removes Heat
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Itchy Skin Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Itching
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...
Qing Re Gu Jing Tang
Addresses these itchy skin patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Empty Heat
- Tonifies the Kidney Yin
- Stops bleeding
- Supplies Body Fluids
Addresses These Itchy Skin Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Itching
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...