At some point in their lives, about 20 percent of people experience the itchy, swollen welts known as hives, acupuncturist Diane Joswick says. As an alternative or complementary treatment, acupuncture may help to relieve the immediate discomfort and address the underlying causes of your outbreak. Consult a doctor before beginning acupuncture treatments so that your acupuncturist can have accurate information about your medical condition.
Acupuncture Theory
Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, believe that energy flows through the body by way of channels known as “meridians.” When the energy flow becomes unbalanced, illness or uncomfortable physical or emotional symptoms can result. Acupuncture is one of several treatment methods used in TCM. During acupuncture treatment, slender metal needles are inserted into the patient’s skin at traditional locations along the meridians. By stimulating specific points associated with specific types of ailments, proponents of TCM believe that acupuncture rebalances the body’s energy, enabling the patient to recover.
Hives and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Conventional Western medicine attributes hives to several possible causes, including reactions to foods, medications, sunlight or intense emotions. In an article for AcuFinder Acupuncture Referral Service, Joswick writes that in contrast, TCM theory attributes hives to an excess of wind in the skin and the meridians. Cold wind causes pale pink or white hives, while hot wind causes red welts, according to the traditional interpretation of the symptoms. The acupuncture treatment protocol, as well as any herbal remedies or lifestyle recommendations a TCM practitioner might make, is based on her diagnosis of the underlying cause of your hives.
Acupuncture Points for Hives
Although the treatment protocols for acupuncture are traditionally tailored to fit each patient’s individual needs, there are several acupuncture points that are frequently used to treat hives. The Large Intestine 11 point is one of these; situated at the crease of the elbow, it is used to reduce pain and inflammation, and to expel excess wind dampness. Point No. 10 on the Spleen meridian is useful for many skin conditions, Joswick says, and can be used to treat eczema in addition to hives. Urinary Bladder 13, found on the upper back near the spine, is another common point indicated for hives, as well as for emotional disturbances and lung disorders.
Considerations
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, says that although few adverse effects have been reported from acupuncture, the treatment is not risk-free. If it is practiced incorrectly, you can suffer a serious injury or infection. Verify that your practitioner has met all state licensing requirements before undergoing any treatment. If your acupuncturist does not have conventional medical training, do not rely on him for any medical diagnoses. Always consult your doctor to ensure that no serious health issues are overlooked or misdiagnosed.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Acupuncture -- An Introduction
- AcuFinder Acupuncture Referral Service: Treating Hives with Acupuncture
- Yin Yang House: LI 11 Acupuncture Point -- Qu Chi -- Large Intestine Meridian
- Yin Yang House: UB 13 Acupuncture Point -- Fei Shu -- Bladder Meridian
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