One treatment a week.
At a glance
Years of relentless itching and frustration from chronic hives cleared completely, and by the time her dermatology appointment came up she no longer needed it.
Presentation
A 39-year-old patient had struggled for years with chronic hives that caused relentless itching, discomfort and frustration. She had tried over-the-counter antihistamines, pramoxine and prescription creams from her family doctor, but nothing gave lasting relief. She was on a waiting list to see a dermatologist and decided to try acupuncture in the meantime.
Diagnosis
Her hives were caused by blood stasis. In TCM, hives (urticaria) from blood stasis are seen as a condition where sluggish, obstructed blood flow fails to nourish and circulate through the skin properly, often leaving purplish or dark-red wheals, intense itching, and a long or recurring course.
Treatment
- Bai Chong Wo — an acupuncture point 3 cun above the top of the kneecap, used mainly for skin conditions and itching
- Dr. Haixia Ni’s “Skin Five plus 1” combination — [LI-11 (Quchi), SP-10 (Xuehai), SP-6 (Sanyinjiao), KD-9 (Zhubin), LI-4 (Hegu)] + ST-33 (Yinshi). ST-33 is added when the itching is worse at night.
- Herbal medicine — a formula to break up blood stasis
Result
After just a few sessions the itching and flare-ups were significantly reduced, and as treatment continued the hives cleared completely. By the time her dermatology appointment came up, she no longer needed it.
Additional notes
This reflects an individual patient experience, not clinical trial data.
Results vary from person to person depending on the condition, its severity, and how an individual responds to treatment. TCM and acupuncture are not a substitute for care from your physician or another regulated health professional. If you’re dealing with a serious or urgent symptom, please see a doctor first.