Itchiness, also known as pruritus, is an uncomfortable sensation that triggers the urge to scratch. It may affect a small area or the whole body, and can be temporary or long-lasting. While scratching may bring temporary relief, excessive scratching can damage the skin and make the itching worse.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), itchiness is often associated with internal disharmonies involving wind, heat, dampness, dryness, or deficiencies of qi, blood, or yin. These factors can affect the skin’s normal nourishment and protection, leading to itching.

Although itchiness is not a disease itself, persistent or recurring itching may signal an underlying skin problem or internal imbalance. Therefore, the cause should be identified and treated appropriately. Treatment may include proper skincare, dietary adjustments, medications, or TCM therapies such as herbal medicine and acupuncture.

This chapter explains how TCM understands the causes of itchiness and introduces ways to relieve both generalized and localized itching.

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