Urticaria Hives
Urticaria (hives) causes red, itchy welts. Acute or chronic, it’s called Sheetapitta in Ayurveda, treated with detox, dosha balance, and immunity care.
About Urticaria Hives
Introduction
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by red, itchy welts that can appear anywhere on the body. These welts, or wheals, can vary in size and shape and may join together to form larger areas of raised skin. Urticaria can be acute or chronic, depending on the duration and frequency of outbreaks.
Definition
Urticaria is defined as a vascular reaction of the skin marked by the transient appearance of elevated wheals surrounded by erythema (redness). These wheals result from the release of histamine and other chemical mediators from mast cells in the skin.
Statistics
- Global Prevalence: Approximately 20% of people will experience urticaria at some point in their lives.
- Acute Urticaria: Lasts less than six weeks and is more common.
- Chronic Urticaria: Lasts more than six weeks and affects about 0.5-1% of the population.
- Gender Distribution: Chronic urticaria is more common in women than men.
Classification
Urticaria is classified into several types based on the cause and duration:
- Acute Urticaria: Lasts less than six weeks, often triggered by infections, foods, medications, or insect stings.
- Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU): Lasts more than six weeks with no identifiable trigger.
- Physical Urticaria: Triggered by physical stimuli such as pressure, cold, heat, sunlight, or water.
- Dermatographic Urticaria: Caused by scratching or stroking the skin.
- Cholinergic Urticaria: Triggered by heat, exercise, or stress.
Ayurveda Approach
In Ayurveda, urticaria is referred to as "Sheetapitta." It is believed to result from an imbalance in the doshas, primarily Vata and Kapha, along with the accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the body. Treatment focuses on detoxifying the body, balancing the doshas, and strengthening the immune system.
Common Causes
The causes of urticaria can vary widely and may include:
- Allergic Reactions: Foods (nuts, shellfish), medications (antibiotics, NSAIDs), insect stings, or pollen.
- Infections: Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections.
- Physical Triggers: Pressure, cold, heat, sunlight, water, or exercise.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions where the immune system attacks healthy tissues.
- Stress: Emotional stress can trigger or worsen hives.
- Idiopathic: In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown.
Ayurvedic Perspective
Home Remedies
- Cold Compresses: Applying cold packs to reduce itching and swelling.
- Oatmeal Baths: Soothing irritated skin with colloidal oatmeal.
- Aloe Vera: Applying aloe vera gel to soothe the skin.
- Anti-inflammatory Diet: Consuming foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Therapies
Ayurvedic
- Herbal Remedies: Haridra (turmeric), Neem, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), and Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia).
- Panchakarma: Detoxification procedures to balance doshas.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Avoiding foods that aggravate Kapha and Vata doshas, such as dairy, cold foods, and processed foods.
Naturopathy
- Dietary Changes: Emphasizing fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Hydrotherapy: Using water treatments to soothe the skin.
- Herbal Supplements: Enhancing overall health and immune function.
Yoga
- Stress Reduction: Practices like meditation and pranayama to reduce stress.
- Asanas: Specific yoga postures that improve blood circulation and detoxification, such as Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) and Matsyasana (Fish Pose).
Common Symptoms
- Vary in size and shape.
- Appear anywhere on the body.
- Join together to form larger patches.
- Change shape, move around, and disappear and reappear over short periods.
Recommended Treatments
Ayurveda
Root‑cause, constitution‑based care guided by classical Ayurvedic principles, delivered safely by qualified doctors. At Atmabodh, Ayurveda is practised as a comprehensive health system that supports your body’s natural intelligence. We combine physician‑led assessment with personalised diet, lifestyle, and therapies, always gentle, realistic, and coordinated with your ongoing medical care when needed. Why choose Ayurveda at Atmabodh? Doctor‑led: Assessment and plan curated by our Ayurvedic physicians. Personalised: Tailored to your prakriti (constitution) and current vikriti (imbalance). Integrative: Safe alongside conventional treatment; we collaborate where appropriate. Structured programs: From simple lifestyle resets to full Panchakarma, with clear milestones. Quality & safety: Hygienic therapy suites, standardised oils and decoctions, trained therapists. Ayurveda at Atmabodh is designed to support well‑being. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment from your medical doctor. Who can benefit? Metabolic & lifestyle support: Energy balance, healthy digestion, routine building. Root‑cause, constitution‑based care guided by classical Ayurvedic principles, delivered safely by qualified doctors. At Atmabodh, Ayurveda is practised as a comprehensive health system that supports your body’s natural intelligence. We combine physician‑led assessment with personalised diet, lifestyle, and therapies, always gentle, realistic, and coordinated with your ongoing medical care when needed. Why choose Ayurveda at Atmabodh? Who can benefit? (system‑targeted bullets) Doctor‑led: Assessment and plan curated by our Ayurvedic physicians. Personalised: Tailored to your prakriti (constitution) and current vikriti (imbalance). Integrative: Safe alongside conventional treatment; we collaborate where appropriate. Structured programs: From simple lifestyle resets to full Panchakarma, with clear milestones. Quality & safety: Hygienic therapy suites, standardised oils and decoctions, trained therapists. Ayurveda at Atmabodh is designed to support well‑being. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment from your medical doctor. Metabolic & lifestyle support: Energy balance, healthy digestion, routine building. Musculoskeletal comfort: Joint stiffness, muscular tension, posture‑related strain. Stress & sleep: Nervous system down‑shift, rest quality, mental clarity. Skin & hair care: Scalp and skin nourishment routines. Women’s life stages: Menstrual comfort, perimenopause support, postnatal care. Respiratory ease: Seasonal sensitivity support and nasal hygiene. Timelines vary by individual and adherence; your doctor will set expectations transparently. What happens in an Ayurvedic consult? Case‑taking: Health history, digestion, sleep, stress, menstrual history (if applicable), medications. Examination: Pulse, tongue, skin, eyes, posture, and functional movement as relevant. Assessment: Constitutional mapping (prakriti) and current imbalance (vikriti). Plan: Diet guidance, daily routine (dinacharya), herbs/formulations if suitable, and therapy recommendations. Follow‑up: Review responses, titrate plan, and plan maintenance. Therapies you may receive Oleation & fomentation Abhyanga – warm medicated oil massage for nourishment and circulation. Pizhichil (Taila Dhara) – gentle pouring of warm oil with synchronized strokes. Swedana – steam/sudation post‑oleation for tissue softening and comfort. Head, neck & mind‑calming Shirodhara / Takradhara – steady stream over the forehead for deep relaxation. Shiroabhyanga – head, neck, and shoulder oiling. Karna Pūrana – warm oil ear therapy (as indicated). Localized therapeutic bastis Kati/Grīva/Jānu/Uro Basti – warm medicated oil pooling on low back/neck/knee/chest. Pichu – medicated oil‑soaked pad application. Cleansing & nasal care Nasya – nasal administration of medicated oils/decoctions, preceded by gentle face/neck prep. Skin & myofascial care Udvartana – herbal powder rub for lymphatic stimulation and skin vitality. Kizhi (Potli) – warm herbal bolus compress (dry/wet) for targeted areas. Lepam – herbal paste packs for local application. Netra Tarpana – eye‑area ghee pooling (specialist‑led only). Therapies are chosen and adapted by the physician based on safety, goals, and season. Panchakarma – the classical cleansing sequence Performed only after adequate preparation and medical clearance; not everyone requires all five. Vamana(therapeutic emesis) – indicated in select kapha conditions. Virechana(purgation) – guided elimination for pitta‑dominant states. Basti(medicated enemas) – kashaya, anuvasana, or matra varieties per case. Nasya(nasal therapy) – for head‑neck pathway care. Raktamokshana(blood‑letting) – rarely indicated; offered only where clinically justified and compliant. Phases: Purva‑karma (preparation/oleation), Pradhana‑karma (main procedure), Paschat‑karma (recovery, diet progression, lifestyle consolidation). Diet & lifestyle pillars (Dinacharya + Ahara) Meal rhythm: Regular timing; warm, freshly cooked, seasonal foods. Digestive care: Simple spices (as advised), mindful eating, adequate hydration. Sleep hygiene: Wind‑down routine, screen limits, consistent lights‑out. Movement: Gentle yoga/walking; avoid overexertion during intensive therapies. Self‑care: Oil application (abhyanga), nasal hygiene, tongue scraping—only as prescribed. Seasonal living (Ritucharya): Adjust routines, foods, and therapies to the climate. Safety & quality standards Physician review of contraindications: pregnancy, uncontrolled BP/diabetes, acute infections, recent surgery, severe anemia, active ulcers, etc. Informed consent; sterile/clean protocols; monitored vitals when needed. Herbal formulations are classical and doctor‑prescribed; we do not self‑dispense without assessment. We communicate with your treating physician upon request.
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Naturopathy
Drug‑sparing, lifestyle‑centered care that helps your body’s innate healing—gentle, practical, and doctor‑supervised. Naturopathy at Atmabodh focuses on restoring balance through non‑invasive methods: therapeutic diet, water and heat applications, mud therapy, movement, rest, and routine. Plans are personalised to your constitution, goals, and current health status, and coordinated with your medical care when required. Naturopathy supports well‑being and lifestyle change. It does not replace medical diagnosis or emergency care. Please continue prescribed medicines and consult your physician for illnesses. Why choose Naturopathy at Atmabodh? Doctor‑informed, therapist‑delivered protocols with clear goals and safety checks. Personalised sequencing of diet, hydrotherapy, mud, rest, and gentle activity. Integrative options with Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Acupuncture as needed. Measured & gentle—we prioritise comfort, pacing, and sustainable habits. Clear take‑home guidance so your results continue beyond the center. Who can benefit? Digestive balance: bloating, sluggish bowels, acidity tendency (non‑acute). Metabolic support: sustainable weight management habits and energy stability. Stress & sleep: overdrive, poor sleep quality, fatigue. Skin comfort: dryness/irritation support with routine, hydration, and diet simplicity. Musculoskeletal ease: stiffness, posture‑related aches (alongside physio/yoga as indicated). Cardio‑metabolic lifestyle care: BP/sugar rhythm support (doctor‑coordinated). Women’s health: menstrual comfort, perimenopause routines (timing‑aware). Suitability is individual; certain conditions are contraindicated (see Safety). What happens in your consult? Case‑taking: digestion/sleep/stress, appetite/bowels, work routine, medical history and labs. Assessment: hydration, temperature tolerance, skin and tissue feel, posture/movement basics. Plan design: diet framework, hydro/mud applications, rest schedule, gentle movement, breathwork. Education: why each element matters, pacing, and what to expect. Follow‑ups: refine frequency/intensity based on response. Therapies you may receive Hydrotherapy (water & temperature applications) Sitz bath (cool/warm/contrast) for pelvic/abdominal circulation. Spinal bath / spinal spray to soothe back and nervous system. Foot/arm baths for local circulation and calming. Jet/whirlpool (as available) for myofascial relaxation. Fomentation (hot packs/steam) and contrast applications for tissue ease. Packs & compresses Abdominal/chest/throat packs (warm or cool) for comfort and rhythm. Wet sheet/partial wraps for systemic calming (used selectively). Mud therapy Local mud packs (abdomen/eyes/joints) to cool, soothe, and draw heat. Full/partial mud application (as indicated) followed by gentle wash. Dietary & routine care Sattvik diet templates, hydration rhythms, meal timing, mindful eating. Rest & sleep hygiene, sunlight exposure (heliotherapy as suited). Movement & mind‑body Yoga Therapy (gentle mobility, breathwork), walking, relaxation practices. All therapies are customised to comfort, season, and safety. Not every modality suits every person. Daily flow (typical) Morning check‑in → vitals & plan review. Light movement/breath‑led warm‑up. Scheduled hydro/mud applications. Simple, warm meals at fixed times. Afternoon rest; short walk; relaxation. Early, light dinner; evening wind‑down. Diet & lifestyle pillars Regular meals: warm, fresh, minimally processed foods. Hydration: warm water/herbal infusions; avoid extremes. Gentle movement daily; avoid overexertion during intensive days. Screen & stimulant limits in the evening. Sunlight & fresh air exposure as suited. Safety & contraindications Physician‑reviewed contraindications may include: pregnancy (certain applications), uncontrolled BP/diabetes, acute infections/fever, severe anemia, recent surgery, active ulcers, frailty, significant cardiac/renal/hepatic disease. Temperature extremes and long fasting are not used without medical clearance. Medications are not changed by therapists; coordinate with your doctor. Hygiene, consent, and comfort checks are standard; vitals monitored when indicated. What you may notice over time Lighter digestion and steadier appetite cues. Improved sleep onset and morning freshness. Reduced soft‑tissue tension and easier movement. Calmer mood and better stress tolerance. A practical routine you can continue at home. Timelines vary. Many guests observe change within 3–7 days when plans are followed.
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Yoga Therapy
Gentle, evidence‑informed practices tailored to your body, breath, and life. Yoga Therapy at Atmabodh blends classical yogic wisdom with modern therapeutic insights. Each session is personalised focusing on breath, mindful movement, and relaxation to help you manage symptoms, build resilience, and restore ease. Why choose Yoga Therapy? Personalised: One‑to‑one care plans based on your goals, abilities, and health history. Whole‑person approach: Works on body, breath, mind, emotions, and daily routines. Safe & gradual: Gentle progressions with options for pain, fatigue, or limited mobility. Integrative: Complements medical treatment and physiotherapy; we coordinate when needed. Practical: Short home practices you can realistically maintain. Yoga Therapy supports your healing journey but does not replace medical care. Please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment. Who can benefit? Musculoskeletal: Back/neck pain, knee/shoulder issues, postural strain, arthritis. Stress & sleep: Anxiety, burnout, insomnia, overwhelm. Respiratory: Asthma, breathlessness, long‑COVID recovery (post‑medical clearance). Women’s health: Menstrual discomfort, perimenopause symptoms, prenatal/postnatal support. Digestive & metabolic: Indigestion, IBS, lifestyle support for diabetes and hypertension. Neurological & nervous system: Tension headaches, migraine, high reactivity/sensitivity. What happens in a session? Brief check‑in: Current symptoms, energy, mood, medications, red flags. Breath‑led movement: Gentle, pain‑free ranges to mobilise joints and release tension. Stability work: Core and postural support using slow, mindful strengthening. Nervous system down‑shift: Breathwork, guided relaxation, or Yoga Nidra. Mindfulness: Simple focus practices to build present‑moment awareness. Home plan: 10–20 minute routine with clear steps (video/handout provided). Typical session length: 60 minutes (first visit 75–90 minutes for assessment). How it works (in simple steps) Initial assessment – health history, movement screen, breathing patterns, goals. Personalised plan – curated postures, breath ratios, relaxation, daily habits.
View Treatment →FAQs
Q: What is Urticaria?
Urticaria, or hives, is a skin condition causing red, itchy welts that may appear anywhere on the body.
Q: What are the types of Urticaria?
It can be acute (less than 6 weeks), chronic (more than 6 weeks), or triggered by physical factors like heat, cold, or pressure.
Q: What causes Urticaria?
Triggers include infections, certain foods, medications, insect stings, stress, and environmental factors.
Q: Is Urticaria common?
Yes, about 20% of people experience it in their lifetime. Chronic urticaria is more common in women.
Q: What is Urticaria in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, it is called Sheetapitta, caused by imbalanced Vata-Kapha doshas and toxin buildup (Ama).
Q: How does Ayurveda treat Urticaria?
Treatment focuses on detoxification, balancing doshas, dietary changes, herbal remedies, and boosting immunity.
Q: Can Urticaria be cured?
Acute cases often resolve quickly. Chronic cases need proper treatment and lifestyle management to control recurrence.