Urticaria - Wind-Heat Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for urticaria with
Urticaria · Wind-Heat Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Skin
Pattern Overview
Wind-Heat is a common pattern in urticaria, characterized by
**heat-induced vasodilation, red wheals, intense itching, triggered by
heat, exercise, or emotional stress**. The core pathogenesis is
invasion of Wind-Heat pathogens into the exterior, causing mast cell
activation, histamine release, and vasodilation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
or exercise |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
|
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Wind-Heat pathogens invading the exterior |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
stress |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
Wind-Heat and stops itching |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Disperses Wind and clears Heat |
| Dazhui (GV14) | Below the spinous process of C7 |
|---|
releases the exterior |
| Fengchi (GB20) |
|---|
sternocleidomastoid and trapezius | Disperses Wind and clears Heat |
| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella |
|---|
Cools Blood and stops itching |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with pricking at Dazhui to enhance Heat clearing.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Xiao Feng San (消风散) or Yin Qiao San (银翘散)
Composition:
Schizonepeta (Jing Jie), Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng), Arctium (Niu Bang
Zi), Cicada Slough (Chan Tui), Anemarrhena (Zhi Mu), Gypsum (Shi Gao),
Rehmannia (Sheng Di), Angelica (Dang Gui), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Disperses Wind-Heat, clears the exterior, and stops itching.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Intense itching | Add Bai Xian Pi, Ku Shen to stop itching |
|---|
| Red wheals | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |
|---|
| Thirst | Add Tian Hua Fen, Ge Gen to generate fluids |
|---|
| Feverishness | Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Heat-induced vasodilation and mast cell activation, with histamine and
bradykinin release causing increased vascular permeability. Wind-Heat
corresponds to heat-induced or cholinergic urticaria, where heat
exposure and mast cell activation contribute to histamine release and
wheal formation.
References
1. Dermatology of TCM - Urticaria with Wind-Heat.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Wind-Heat Invading the Exterior →
Clearing Pathway.
3. WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for skin health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM dermatology.
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Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.