Maria came in today; complaining of pain and itching, all over. She was diagnosed with Hives (Urticaria). She saw her primary doctor; and he suggested Acupuncture.
This was her first time trying Alternative Medicine. Maria had no knowledge of Acupuncture at all. She was brought up on Western Medicine; and has always listened to whatever her doctors said. It’s interesting that she ended up in my office.
Her medical doctor recommended Acupuncture, as it works well for hives, with no drugs or side effects.
I explained to Maria that according to Chinese Medicine; the spleen is the main organ that can bring out hives. She has been under a lot of stress, which contributes to a weakened spleen. 
If you don’t know what Hives look like, they appear as red welts that come and go. A Skin rash with itchy welts or red bumps that seem to appear suddenly, then move to another part of the body.
Hives are fairly common, occurring in about 20% of people of all ages. An acute, or short-lived case of hives may occur because of being exposed to some unusual chemical or natural irritant in a person’s environment; maybe in some product, or some pollen or bug.
These usually go away quickly, and it may be fairly obvious as to what may have caused the outbreak of hives.
Hives are raised welts on the skin that appear red, but then turn white when you press on them; this is known as “blanching.” Hives can look like small, narrow lines, or big patchy blotches.
Hives can clear up on their own, within a few weeks; without any treatment. However the Acupuncture treatments speed up the recovery!
Some people develop chronic hives, where a rash keeps recurring for weeks or months. Chronic hives can be a uniquely painful and frustrating condition; never knowing when you might break out into a burning, itchy rash.
I have found that when using the Laser Acupuncture, the symptoms are lessened.
Hives can cause persons to feel panic, making it very difficult to get on with their daily tasks.
Acupuncture treatments can help to alleviate the burning and itching of acute and chronic hives, helping to relieve the allergies, stress and other underlying conditions.
Acupuncture treatments focus on solving the deeper problems that cause hives, without any negative side effects.
When people get Hives; it is usually because of one of a few common factors.
1. Yin deficiency/Dryness – If the body is too dry, when any allergens get in, there is not enough moisture in the body to wash them out of the system; this causes the breakout.
2. Fire/Heat – If there is too much heat, fire, and inflammation in the body; when there is exposure to allergens, the body can’t take any more and will break out.
3. Liver stagnation with Heat – When a person is under stress for a long time, it can exacerbate stagnation of Qi in the liver system, which over time causes heat to build up, then the body cannot process little irritations.
The liver and kidneys have to do all the work to filter toxins out of the body, but when those organs are overstressed, the body will try to get rid of excess heat through the skin.
How to get rid of hives for good, will mean paying attention to what triggers the rash for each individual.
1. Avoid a cold wind blowing on you, whether outside, or from a fan or air conditioner. Dress appropriately; always bring an extra layer so you don’t catch a chill. This will also protect your skin from bright sunlight as well.
2. Avoid very hot showers, baths, saunas, etc.
3. Engage in regular exercise to help boost your blood circulation; walking is always ideal. This will help to reduce stress. Consider regular meditational practices as well.
4. Get plenty of rest. Good quality sleep is essential to help build up the Wei Qi.
5. Avoid foods that are either too hot (spicy or fried, red meats) or too cold (raw foods). No alcohol or coffee. These triggering foods and beverages can really worsen the hives. Drink more water to eliminate dryness in the body!
I wish you the Best in your Health, Wealth & Happiness!
Dr. Wu Dhi
Sherwood S Swartz AP, MMQ, DMQ, DOM.
