Why Do You Itch After Acupuncture? Is It "Wind" Acting Up?

Many people experience itchy skin after acupuncture, leading some to worry if "wind evil" has entered their body or if there's an unusual reaction. In reality, post-acupuncture itching is usually a normal sign of active Qi and Blood circulation.

It can also be related to body constitution, the expulsion of damp-heat, or skin sensitivity. Today, let's explore this phenomenon from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective!

🔍 Why Does Itching Occur After Acupuncture?

✅ Active Qi and Blood, Stimulating Nerve Endings: 

The core function of acupuncture is to clear meridians and promote the flow of Qi and Blood. When Qi and Blood circulation accelerates, the skin's capillaries expand, local blood flow increases, and nerve endings receive mild stimulation, which can cause a temporary itching sensation.

✅ Influence of Wind Evil and Damp-Heat:

🔹 Wind Evil (风邪): 

In TCM, "wind is the chief of all diseases." When wind evil invades the body, it can lead to skin itching, migratory pain, and other symptoms. When acupuncture enhances Qi and Blood circulation and wind evil is being expelled, it might cause localized itching.

🔹 Damp-Heat (湿热): 

If there's significant damp-heat in the body, acupuncture can help expel it. As damp-heat disperses outwards and skin pores open, some individuals might experience localized itching, or even slight redness.

✅ Skin Sensitivity or Individual Differences: 

Some people naturally have more sensitive skin, or their constitution is more prone to Yang deficiency or Qi and Blood deficiency. They might have a stronger reaction to external stimuli, experiencing itching, numbness, or a slight tingling sensation after acupuncture. This condition typically doesn't last too long.

✅ One of Acupuncture's "De Qi" Sensations: 

In TCM acupuncture theory, sensations like soreness, numbness, distension, heaviness, and itching are all signs of "De Qi" (得气), indicating that the meridians have been activated and the treatment is taking effect. If the itching is mild and brief, it's considered a normal phenomenon.

🛠 How to Relieve Post-Acupuncture Itching?

🌿 Gentle Massage: 

You can gently rub the acupuncture site to help Qi and Blood circulate better, reducing local discomfort.

🚿Avoid Hot Water: 

The skin is often more sensitive after acupuncture. It's best to avoid rinsing the acupuncture site with hot water to prevent irritation.

🥗 Condition Damp-Heat Constitution: 

You can drink moderate amounts of Coix seed water or lotus leaf tea, and reduce intake of spicy and greasy foods to minimize damp-heat accumulation.

🖐 Avoid Scratching: 

If the itching is noticeable, you can lightly pat the area or apply a mild moisturizing cream, but avoid vigorous scratching to prevent skin inflammation.

⚠ Situations Requiring Attention

❗ If itching persists for more than 24 hours, or is accompanied by a noticeable rash or swelling, consult a doctor promptly.

❗ If you experience widespread itching, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, it could be an allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical attention.

❗ If the acupuncture site shows abnormal swelling or discharge, it needs to be checked for potential infection risk.

Most cases of itching after acupuncture are normal reactions of Qi and Blood circulation. They can also be signs of wind evil being expelled or damp-heat dissipating, so there's no need to worry excessively.

If the itching is mild and brief, it means your body is adapting to the treatment; if it's severe or prolonged, it's advisable to consult a professional practitioner for adjustments.

Next time you feel itchy after acupuncture, consider whether it's your Qi and Blood "moving," or if it's "wind-dampness" making an exit! 😉

Written by: Jesiie, TCM Practitioner