Hives

A 2018 hives research study concluded that acupuncture outperformed Claritin for treating chronic urticaria (hives). Researchers at the First Affiliated Hospital of Hei Long Jiang University of Chinese Medicine found that acupuncture plus moxibustion produced a 90% effective rate. In comparison, drug therapy using Claritin (an antihistamine) had a 72% effective rate.

Researchers conducted a three-month follow-up for all patients in the study and found that the acupuncture group had a lower relapse rate than the drug therapy group. Acupuncture’s relapse rate was 14%, while Claritin’s was 31%. Therefore, they concluded that acupuncture combined with moxibustion was more effective than drug therapy in the short and long term.

Study Participants

Fifty-eight patients with chronic urticaria participated in the hives research study. Investigators randomly divided them into an acupuncture plus moxibustion group and a drug group, each with 29 patients. The acupuncture plus moxibustion group received acupuncture combined with ginger moxibustion. In contrast, the drug group patients received one 10 mg Claritin tablet daily for four weeks.

The acupuncture plus moxibustion group included 14 males and 15 females with an average age of 35 years and disease course of 12.5 months. Similarly, the drug group included 13 males and 16 females, with an average age of 34 years and disease course of 11.9 months.

Acupuncture Points For Hives

All patients in the acupuncture group received the following bilateral acupoints:

• LI11 (Quchi)
• GB20 (Fengchi)
• LI4 (Hegu)
• CV17 (Danzhong)
• ST25 (Tianshu)
• LV3 (Taichong)
• SP10 (Xuehai)
• ST36 (Zusanli)
• SP6 (Sanyinjiao)

Hives Treatment Details

Practitioners in the hives research study used sterile, single-use, hair-thin needles. First, they activated each point with a deqi sensation (achy feeling at the site) and retained the needles for 30 minutes. Next, the acupuncturists applied moxibustion by placing a thin slice of raw ginger on the acupoint and burning a small mound of moxa on the ginger, creating a pleasant, warm sensation on the skin. Practitioners administered treatment three times a week for four weeks.

Categorizing Results

After both groups completed treatment, investigators categorized results into 1 of 4 tiers:

1. Full Recovery: SSRI* (symptom score reduction index) ≥90%
2. Significantly effective: 60%≤SSRI<90%
3. Effective: 20%≤SSRI<60%
4. Not effective: SSRI<20%

*SSRI = (total scores before treatment-total scores after treatment) / total scores before treatment × 100%

Hives Research Study Measurements

Researchers evaluated patients before and after treatment, utilizing the following subjective and objective instruments to measure patient outcomes:

• First, investigators measured the hives’ severity, including degrees of itching, the number and size of raised lumps, and characteristics of skin scratches.
• Second, they assessed the quality of life, including physiology, psychology, daily activities, sports, and social activities.
• Third, investigators recorded serum levels of total IgE, CCL26, and CCL27.

IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is an antibody that mediates the release of histamines. CCL26 and CCL27 are chemokines that promote the release of histamines and participate in allergic reactions. Therefore, tracking these levels helps providers accurately diagnose and treat urticaria.

Hives Study Outcomes

The acupuncture plus moxibustion group had a significantly higher effective rate than the drug control group. While both groups in the hives research study demonstrated improvements, the acupuncture group produced better urticaria severity scores, quality of life scores, and IgE, CCL26, and CCL27 serum levels. In addition, statistical analyses of outcomes demonstrated that the acupuncture group produced superior positive patient outcomes and lower relapse rates than the drug control group.

Next Steps

The practitioners at Raleigh Acupuncture have great success resolving hives and urticaria. We use a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs and see quick and long-lasting results for our patients.

BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.

Additional Hives Acupuncture Resources

Watch Video about our Hives Treatment.

Second Hives Acupuncture Research Study.

First Hives Acupuncture Case Study.

Second Hives Acupuncture Case Study.

Learn about all the conditions we treat.

Reference

Zhang HL, Yin HN, Liu C. Clinical Effect and Immune Mechanism of Acupuncture Combined with Ginger－Padded Moxibustion Treating Urticaria of Cold Pattern [J]. Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 2018, 34(7):18–21.

Focus Keyphrase: Hives Research Study
Photo by Yan Krukov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-a-person-putting-cream-on-her-hand-7020250/

The following is a summary of a case study published in 2013 about the successful treatment of hives with acupuncture. At Raleigh Acupuncture, we treat hives (aka urticaria) with great success by applying a similar treatment protocol. This urticaria acupuncture case study highlights the benefits of this alternative therapy.

Acupuncture and Skin Conditions

Research studies have reported the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating skin disorders, including atopic dermatitis, urticaria, pruritus, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, and herpes zoster (shingles). This urticaria acupuncture case study describes a successful treatment protocol incorporating acupuncture with TCM-based nutrition and lifestyle suggestions to treat a patient with chronic urticaria.

Urticaria Acupuncture Case Study

A 41-year-old man had been struggling with chronic hives for the past seven years, affecting his face, neck, torso, upper and lower extremities. Previous to the hives, he was diagnosed with angioedema, which involved swelling of his lips. Doctors resolved the angioedema with intramuscular epinephrine injections.

However, his urticaria refused to subside, despite being treated with multiple courses of corticosteroids and antihistamines. In addition, stress and exposure to hot temperatures made his symptoms worse. Finally, he sought treatment at the UCLA health clinic, stating his desire to explore alternative medicine modalities.

Urticaria Patient Background

This urticaria patient worked at a tropical fish store, where the temperature was kept warm and humid. In addition, his diet consisted of large quantities of red meat, barbecue, and spicy foods. Doctors ruled out dermatographism when his scratch test (drawing a hard-pointed instrument across his skin) did not produce a raised line. Furthermore, his bloodwork came back normal.

The clinic initiated a multi-modal therapeutic approach, including acupuncture, TCM-based nutrition, lifestyle recommendations, and stress management. The treatment goal was to remove “wind” and “heat” from the body, the two most common causes of hives.

Acupuncture Treatment for Urticaria

The acupuncturists applied the following acupoints:

• LI-11 (Quchi)
• Sp-10 (Xuehai)
• Sp-6 (Sanyinjiao)
• St-36 (Zusanli).

In addition, practitioners made the following TCM dietary recommendations:

• Reduce intake of foods with a “hot” nature (spicy, barbecued, red meats, and alcohol).
• Increase consumption of “cooling” foods (fruits and vegetables).

Lifestyle suggestions included:

• Limiting exposure to hot and humid climates (e.g., his work environment).
• Stress management behavior modification (meditation, exercise, journaling to process built-up emotions).

Hives Treatment Results

After just one treatment, he experienced substantial improvement, reducing his hives from “20 hives per day to 1-2 hives per day.” Following his second visit, he stated, “this is the first time in a long while that I have had back to back days without hives.” In addition, he was able to taper down his use of antihistamines.

Following his eighth treatment, acupuncture had entirely resolved his hives, and he no longer had to take medications. To date, he has not had any recurrent episodes.

Urticaria Acupuncture Discussion

Urticaria is caused by the abnormal release of histamine from mast cells, resulting in plasma leakage in the top layer of the skin. Hives vary in size from a few centimeters to several inches in diameter. Medications, foods, systemic disorders, and physical and environmental stimuli can trigger a histamine release.

Conventional Western medical treatment includes:

• H1 antihistamines.
• H2 antihistamines
• Tricyclic anti-depressants
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists
• Corticosteroids
• Immunosuppressants
• Immunomodulators
• Thyroid hormone (for patients with thyroid antibodies who can benefit from suppressing autoimmune thyroid activity.)

Acupuncture Mechanism for Healing Urticaria

Multiple research studies over the past twenty years have identified acupuncture as an effective therapy for urticaria. Specifically, its purported mechanism of action from a Western medicine perspective includes re-modulating neurohumoral networks, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, autonomic nervous system, and nonspecific and specific immunity.

In addition, studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain have demonstrated that acupuncture modulates the itch response and the limbic system, which is essential for emotional processing.

Hives Study Conclusions

The authors in this urticaria acupuncture case study have described a classic case of chronic urticaria successfully treated with acupuncture. As a result, clinicians are strongly encouraged to recommend acupuncture for acute and chronic hives patients.

Next Steps

Try acupuncture if you or a loved one struggle with urticaria (hives). Treatments are safe, natural, and effective.

BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.

Watch Video About Our Urticaria Treatment.

Learn about all the conditions we treat.

Additional Resources

Urticaria Acupuncture Research Study.

First Hives Case Study.

Second Hives Case Study.

Reference

CLINICAL VIGNETTE Chronic Urticaria – An Integrative East-West Approach, Malcolm B. Taw, MD, Lawrence B. Taw, Proceedings of UCLA Healthcare -VOLUME 17 (2013).

Focus Keyphrase: Urticaria Acupuncture Case Study
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-wearing-eyeglasses-839586/

A 45-year-old man arrived at our clinic diagnosed with severe hives (aka urticaria) on his chest, arms, neck, and back. He had the condition for the past two years and controlled it with corticosteroids – which was one of the reasons he came to acupuncture. He wanted to stop using steroid creams on his body. This hives case review describes how acupuncture reduced his hives and got him off steroid medications.

What Are Hives?

Hives consist of raised welts located on the surface of the skin. They typically appear red or pink and can be either painless or have a stinging or itching sensation. The most common triggers for hives include allergic reactions to medications and foods or environmental irritants like detergents, dust, and mold. Hives are often a temporary problem that people can manage with allergy medications, and most rashes go away on their own. However, chronic hives pose a challenge to patients, as they are uncomfortable and unsightly. This was the case for our patient in this hives case review.

Hives Case Review

Our patient’s hives flared up daily, triggered when his body temperature rose during exercise or stress. As a result, his skin became raised, red, and tight. While his skin did not itch, it felt uncomfortable. The topical steroid cream eased the discomfort and sped up resolving the flare. However, when left untreated, his skin would take hours for them to “cool down.”

Acupuncture Treatment Strategy

His treatment strategy involved three components:

• Clearing toxic heat from the skin
• Nourishing the lungs to strengthen the skin
• Increasing Qi and blood circulation in the body to prevent heat buildup

The best way to treat hives is to clear the toxic heat that has built up at the skin level. In Chinese medicine, we treat heat at different levels – skin level, fascia level, and organ level. Hives are one way the body uses to release excess heat buildup in the skin. Other conditions reflect heat buildup deeper in the body. For example, perimenopause symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes involve heat buildup at the organ level.

Acupoints for Treating Hives

We selected acupoints for this hives case review that accomplished the three treatment strategies above. They included: GB20, BL13, BL17, BL18, BL20, BL23, BL25, BL40, and LI11. In addition, we prescribed a Chinese herbal formula that helped clear heat from the skin while nourishing the lungs.

After his first treatment, our patient had a 30 percent improvement in his condition. After struggling with the situation for the past two years, he was amazed at how quickly the acupuncture reduced his hives.

Fast, Effective Healing with Acupuncture

It took a total of four sessions to resolve his hives fully! This quick outcome is typical for our hives patients. Clearing heat from the outer skin layer is more straightforward than clearing it from deeper regions, like the organ level. However, we still get great results in reducing heat with our perimenopause patients. In addition, acupuncture alleviates inflammation from the body, using the same heat-clearing principles.

Acupuncture Reduces Inflammation

Unfortunately, many common health conditions involve our immune system “overacting” on the body, generating heat, which Western medicine calls inflammation. We see this with diseases like Crohn’s (inflammation of the large intestine and colon), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), and chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the nasal sinuses). Acupuncture treats these conditions by (1) clearing toxic heat from the organs involved and (2) quieting the immune system and strengthening the affected organs.

For example, we treat Crohn’s patients with heat-clearing acupoints and herbs, effectively reducing inflammation. In addition, we strengthen the large intestine and harmonize its working relationship with the liver. An imbalance between these two organs can lead to an autoimmune response. The result is reduced symptoms (less pain and less blood in the stool).

Resolve Hives Naturally

Try acupuncture if you are struggling with hives. You will most likely experience relief similar to our patient in this hives case review.

BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.

Watch Video About Our Hives Treatment.

Learn about all the conditions we treat.

Hives Acupuncture Research and Case Reviews

Hives Acupuncture Research Study.

Additional Hives Case Review.

Focus Keyphrase: Hives Case Review
Photo by Ono Kosuki: https://www.pexels.com/photo/serious-businessman-speaking-on-smartphone-on-street-5647296/

A 28-year-old woman came to our acupuncture clinic in a state of panic – her entire body was covered with hives. It had started two weeks earlier and nothing was helping. Benadryl gave temporary relief, but the hives just came back. They were red, raised and itchy. This hives acupuncture case study describes how acupuncture totally resolved her hives in just seven treatments.

Hives & Urticaria – The Problem With Two Names

WebMD states, ” Urticaria, also known as hives, is an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or plaques (wheals) on the skin that appear suddenly — either as a result of the body’s reaction to certain allergens, or for unknown reasons. Hives usually cause itching, but may also burn or sting.”

Acute urticaria affects 15-20% of the general population at some time during their lifetime. Chronic urticaria affects 2-3% of individuals over their lifetime.

Hives Acupuncture Case Study

At Raleigh Acupuncture we treat a great deal of urticaria. This hives acupuncture case study is a typical example. Chinese medicine recognizes hives as heat trapped in the skin. Treatment involves clearing away that toxic heat and strengthening the body to avoid harboring that heat in the future.

Our bodies carry excess heat in all sorts of ways. Menopausal women have night sweats and hot flashes. Certain people sweat profusely when they are anxious. We all know the heat of a fever when we are sick. All of these are examples of different types of excess heat accumulated in the body due to imbalances and disharmonies. Hives are another example of excess heat, this time trapped in the skin.

There are specific acupuncture points known for clearing heat that is trapped in the skin. Other points help the body avoid building up heat in the first place. A combination of these types of points were used in treating our patient with hives described in this hives acupuncture case study.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs for Urticaria

At Raleigh Acupuncture we have developed a highly effective treatment for resolving hives. Patients lay face down on the treatment table. A series of sterile, single-use, hair thin needles are inserted on the arms, back and legs. Each point in the treatment serves a specific purpose to resolve hives. In combination, they can clear heat and restore balance to the body.

Some of the acupuncture points used in this hives acupuncture case study included BL13, BL17, BL18 and BL40. In addition, a powerful point to clear heat is located on the arms and is named Li11. Chinese herbal formulas also have a powerful effect clearing toxic heat from the skin. The specific herbs are determined based on the unique presentation of each patient. Herbs are safe, natural and have no side effects.

Speedy Recovery

Our patient started feeling better after her first treatment. After four treatments her hives were 80% better. The last three treatments were staggered a month apart, to help reinforce her body’s own healing capacity. Hives would not bother her again.

Next Steps

This hives acupuncture case study is a typical example of how we treat hives and urticaria, and the excellent results you can expect from treatment.

BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.

WATCH VIDEO ABOUT OUR HIVES TREATMENT.

LEARN ABOUT OTHER SKIN CONDITIONS WE TREAT.

Urticaria, also known as hives, is a very common skin condition. Symptoms include itchy, raised, red, or skin-colored welts on the skin’s surface. This double-blind hives acupuncture research study explored acupuncture as an effective treatment for urticaria.

The Problem

Urticaria is a common skin condition affecting 20% of the general population at least once during their lifetime. Some cases are triggered by foods, additives, medications or internal disease. However, the majority of cases are unexplained and seem to evade known triggers.

Urticaria Acupuncture Research

In this 2005 randomized, controlled, double-blind hives acupuncture research from Iran, 40 patients with chronic urticaria were studied at Isfahan University. The patients had idiopathic (spontaneous, with unknown cause) urticaria, which was resistant to conventional treatment. None of the patients had received medication in the past month.

Participants were randomly divided into two groups. Group One was treated with acupuncture for three weeks, while Group Two received a placebo treatment for the same amount of time. The patients in Group One received the following acupuncture points: GB31, GB20, BL40 and LI4.

Group Two participants, the control, were treated with sham acupuncture (points appeared to be inserted into the skin but actually were not). Treatment methods were not revealed to patients or investigators until the end of the study.

Results

The hives acupuncture research study tracked the average number of hives episodes over a three week period between Groups One and Two. The control group (fake acupuncture) averaged 4.81 episodes, compared to 3.62 episodes in the true acupuncture group. The acupuncture group had 25% less episodes of urticaria compared with placebo.

The average duration of urticarial episodes in the third week was 5.7 hours in the control group versus 4.3 hours in the acupuncture group (a 25% reduction for the acupuncture group).

Hives Acupuncture Research Conclusion

The hives acupuncture researcher team concluded, “Acupuncture induced partial remission of chronic urticaria in the majority of the patients. During 3 weeks of study, the efficacy of acupuncture was greatest in the third week of treatment.”

Raleigh Acupuncture Urticaria Treatment

We have been treating hives for over 15 years. Most patients start feeling better after the first treatment. Each treatment is designed to meet the particular needs of the patient. Our treatments have close to a 90% success rate because we customize each patient treatment, as opposed to the study, which only let practitioners use certain points for all participants.

In addition, at Raleigh Acupuncture we prescribe Chinese herbal medicine to help resolve urticaria. We have a number of formulas to treat a wide variety of hives conditions. No two cases are exactly alike, and customized treatments deliver greater benefit.

Next Steps

If you suffer from hives or urticaria, try acupuncture. It is safe, natural and has no negative side effects. Treatments yield excellent results for resolving these skin conditions for good.

BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.

WATCH VIDEO ABOUT OUR HIVES TREATMENT.

LEARN ABOUT OTHER SKIN CONDITIONS WE TREAT.

References

F Iraji, M Saghayi, H Mokhtari, A Siadat. Acupuncture In The Treatment Of Chronic Urticaria: A Double Blind Study. The
Internet Journal of Dermatology. 2005 Volume 3 Number 2.

Urticaria Acupuncture Research

We typically get excellent results from our hives treatment. This hives acupuncture research supports our own findings – acupuncture resolves hives and urticaria fast!

Hives and urticaria are resolved best with acupuncture. By treating the root issue, we get long-lasting results. Learn how the Raleigh Acupuncture hives urticaria treatment can help.

Raleigh Acupuncture Hives Urticaria Treatment

Watch this video to learn more about our treatment.

Skin Is Your Most Important Organ

It’s easy to forget that our skin is an organ, just like our heart, lungs, and liver. When it functions well, we thrive. And when it doesn’t, we suffer. Acupuncture is all about maximizing organ function. This principle includes your skin. That’s why we can resolve issues like hives and urticaria.

Acupuncture Resolves Hives and Urticaria

Both of these conditions involve excess heat in the skin. Your body is generating too much internal heat. As a result, it uses the skin to vent heat out of the body. Western medicine uses topical creams to calm the surface of the skin. But such an approach is insufficient.

Acupuncture goes to the root of the problem, clearing excess heat from within your body. First, we identify the source of your extra heat. Next, we correct the imbalance at the organ level. As a result, your skin condition will improve.

What To Expect

When you come for the Raleigh Acupuncture hives urticaria treatment, we conduct an intake exam:

• We review your medical history and details about your skin condition.
• Then we inquire about your sleep, stress levels, diet, digestion, and bowel function. These can all play an essential role in generating excess heat inside your body.
• Finally, we create a treatment plan to address your hives and urticaria.

On your first visit, you will receive a complete acupuncture treatment. It will immediately start addressing the root cause of your skin condition. All of our needles are single-use, sterile, and hair-thin. As a result, you will hardly feel them. In addition, our treatments are so relaxing that many patients fall asleep during their sessions.

Recent Hives Case

A 42-year-old man came to our clinic with a severe case of hives that covered his entire body. Steroids brought only temporary relief. The itching and discomfort were extreme, and he felt desperate for a solution. He had one previous outbreak of hives several years ago but had been fine in the interim. The intake exam revealed that his pulse was rapid and wiry, and his tongue was red, reflecting internal heat.

He experienced immediate relief after his first acupuncture treatment. When he arrived a week later for his second session, his hives were fifty percent better. We had also prescribed a Chinese herbal formula to complement his acupuncture. His hives entirely resolved following the fourth treatment. A year later, they had not returned. His response is typical for the impressive results we achieve with acupuncture when treating hives and urticaria.

Next Steps

BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.

Watch Video About Our Hives Urticaria Treatment.

We treat many other skin conditions as well, including ECZEMA, SHINGLES, ACNE and ITCHING PAIN. Click on these links to learn more.

Learn about all the conditions we treat.

Research and Case Studies

Hives Acupuncture Research Study.

First Hives Case Study.

Second Hives Case Study.

Focus Keyphrase: Raleigh Acupuncture Hives Urticaria