Chronic Urticaria in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different chronic urticaria patterns according to TCM theory
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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.
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.
TCM Patterns for Chronic Urticaria
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause chronic urticaria
Yin and Blood Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Fine (Xi), Rapid (Shu)
The tongue in this pattern reflects both the Blood Deficiency and Yin Deficiency components. The body is typically pale to pale-red, thinner than normal, and dry. In cases where Blood Deficiency predominates, the colour leans more pale; where Yin Deficiency is more prominent, the body may show a slightly redder hue, especially at the tip. Cracks may appear, particularly in the centre of the tongue, reflecting the depletion of nourishing fluids. The coating is characteristically scanty, thin, or partially peeled away in patches (geographic tongue), indicating that Stomach and Kidney Yin are insufficient to produce a normal coating. The tongue overall appears undernourished and lacking lustre.
Herbal Formulas for Chronic Urticaria
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address chronic urticaria