Urticaria, also known as "nettle rash," is a localized, transient edematous response caused by the dilation of small blood vessels and increased permeability in the skin and mucous membranes. Clinically, it is characterized by the sudden appearance of itchy hives on the skin, which can occur at any time of the year, with a peak incidence in spring. The condition is classified based on its duration: if the onset is abrupt and the course lasts less than 3 months, it is referred to as "acute urticaria," whereas if hives recur and the course extends beyond 3 months, it is termed "chronic urticaria." In Traditional Chinese Medicine, urticaria falls under the category of "wind itching and rash." The occurrence of this condition is often attributed to a deficiency in the body's constitution or an invasion of external wind evils, leading to the skin losing its nourishment and manifesting as itching and hives.
Wind-Heat Invasion Type: The hives are red in color, with a burning sensation and severe itching that worsens with heat, accompanied by fever and sore throat; the tongue coating is thin and yellow, and the pulse is floating and rapid.
Wind-Cold Binding Type: The hives are white in color, worsening with exposure to wind and cold, and alleviating with warmth, accompanied by chills; the tongue is pale, the coating is thin and white, and the pulse is floating and tight.
Blood Deficiency and Wind-Dryness Type: Hives recur frequently and persist over time, worsening in the afternoon or at night, accompanied by restlessness, poor sleep, dry mouth, and heat in the palms and soles; the tongue is red with little coating, and the pulse is thin, rapid, and weak.
Gastrointestinal Damp-Heat Type: The hives appear suddenly, red, and in patches, with epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting, constipation or diarrhea; the tongue coating is yellow and greasy, and the pulse is slippery and rapid.
It is recommended to perform moxibustion once a day, targeting 2 to 3 acupoints each time, with each acupoint being treated for 30 to 40 minutes. Rotate the points treated, with a 10-day period constituting one course of treatment, and then rest for 2 to 3 days before continuing with the next course. (If time permits and there is a need, more acupoints can be treated with moxibustion. The specific duration should be adjusted according to one's own physical needs.)
1. For chronic urticaria, it is important to identify the cause and provide corresponding treatment for chronic infections, intestinal parasites, endocrine disorders, and other causes. If symptoms such as chest tightness or difficulty breathing occur, seek medical attention promptly and adopt comprehensive treatment. 2. During treatment, avoid contact with allergenic substances and drugs. Refrain from consuming fishy foods, shrimp, crab, alcohol, coffee, onions, garlic, and other irritating foods, and maintain regular bowel movements. 3. Cupping therapy method: Select the Shenque acupoint, and apply a large glass cup for cupping. Leave the cup for 5 minutes, remove it, and then reapply for another 5 minutes. Repeat this process three times. Alternatively, use flash cupping, repeatedly applying and removing the cup until the local area around the acupoint becomes congested.