Itching

An irritation relieved, at least temporarily, by scratching. Itching over extensive areas of the body is a sign of wind or blood diseases. If it refuses heat and is accompanied by general heat signs, it is attributable to blood heat, which generally occurs in young people. If it is more pronounced in the autumn and winter and is accompanied by a lusterless complexion, heart palpitation, insomnia, dizziness or flowery vision, it is a sign of blood vacuity, which is more common among the elderly. If scratching gives rises to vesicles that emit a watery discharge, the pattern is one of wind-damp. Itching on the face, chest, neck, and hands, that refuses cold and likes warmth, and accompanied by a tight or moderate floating pulse is a sign of wind-cold.