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TCM Treatments for Hives
Hives, or urticaria, are raised, itchy welts that can appear suddenly on the skin due to an allergic reaction, environmental factor, or stress. They can be acute (lasting a few days or weeks) or chronic (lasting more than six weeks). TCM offers a unique approach to managing hives by addressing internal imbalances, aiming to reduce both symptoms and recurrence.
Causes of Hives
In TCM, hives are linked to several internal and external factors:
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Heat and Wind Invasion: External wind and heat can invade the skin, causing redness, itching, and inflammation. This imbalance is believed to create erratic skin reactions.
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Blood Heat: Excessive heat in the blood can trigger inflammation and skin irritation, which manifest as hives.
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Weak Spleen and Digestive Function: Poor digestion can hinder toxin elimination, leading to dampness and stagnation that contribute to skin sensitivity and allergic reactions.
Types of Hives
Different types of hives may respond differently to TCM treatments. Understanding each type is key to effective treatment:
• Acute Hives:
These appear suddenly and may be linked to specific triggers like food allergens or medications, often resolving within a few weeks.
• Chronic Hives
Lasting over six weeks, chronic hives are usually linked to an ongoing internal imbalance and require longer-term treatment.
• Physical Hives:
Caused by external physical factors such as pressure, temperature changes, or exercise. These hives can be managed with TCM by balancing the body's response to environmental triggers.
Symptoms of Hives
Hives are characterised by:
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Raised, Red or Skin-Colored Welts: These can vary in size and appear anywhere on the body.
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Itching or Burning Sensation: Itching is typically intense and can worsen with scratching, sometimes accompanied by a warm, burning sensation.
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Swelling and Redness: In some cases, especially with physical hives, the swelling and redness intensify when exposed to triggers like heat or cold.
TCM Approaches for Treating Hives
TCM offers several approaches for managing hives by focusing on both immediate symptom relief and long-term prevention:
• Herbal Medicine:
TCM herbs like Huang Qin (Scutellaria) and Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) are used to cool the blood, reduce inflammation, and relieve itching. Customised formulas are crafted to target specific triggers and imbalances.
• Acupuncture:
Specific acupuncture points are chosen to alleviate itching and promote blood circulation, helping to expel internal heat and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
• Dietary Recommendations:
TCM often recommends avoiding certain foods, especially spicy, fried, and greasy foods, which can increase internal heat and worsen symptoms. A balanced diet supports healthier skin and fewer hives.
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Are TCM Treatments safe?TCM has been practised for centuries. It promotes the usage of natural ingredients and encourages the body to regulate itself. The clinic's physicians are all registered under the TCM Practioners Board of Singapore and have years of clinical experience.
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Why does my neck ache so often?Neck pain is a common syndrome for people working desk bound jobs. After every hour, remember to move away from your desk and do some stretches. Also, check that your sleeping pillow is not too high, a fist height is usually recommended. If these changes do not help you alleviate your pain, or your neck pain cause you to experience headaches, come down to our clinic and our physician can do a checkup and recommend you the best treatment methods.
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Why do I need to undergo consultation first?Answering thorough questions actually helps a physician understand your condition better, and propose the best treatment solution for you! Don't worry! All these questions are for your benefit!
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How long does each treatment take?Each treatment session (consultation, spot massage, acupuncture) is usually about 40 to 45 mins. At the end of the session depending on each individual's situation, the physician will recommend a follow up date. During the follow up session, it will be possible to understand the individual's recovery rate. In most cases, patient's experience remarkable improvements after 3 to 4 sessions. No one is trying to scam you when we tell you that you need a review. Think about it, do you recover from an infection by eating medicine for just 1 day?
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Why is treatment so expensive?As cliche as it sounds, health is priceless. Are you willing to live in constant pain and allow your problems to escalate until the only solution is surgery? Don't worry, you have our promise that we do not oversell you treatements that you do not require!