Skilled Relaxation Treatment for Hives

This article discusses what hives are, the causes and the skilled relaxation methods used to treat hives.

What Are Hives?

Hives, medically known as urticaria, is a skin condition that appears as raised, itchy red patches that can occur anywhere on the body. It is estimated that 15 percent of people will contract hives.

What Causes Hives

Hives appear when the body produces histamines that leak onto the skin, causing red, swollen rash-like patches. Some hives are caused by food allergies and insect bites, but the majority of cases (80 percent) have no known cause. Other associated causes include: extreme temperatures, physical exercise, viral infection and stress.

Can Skilled Relaxation be Used to Treat Hives?

For those with stress-induced hives, skilled relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga and meditation may ease or suppress symptoms. Oftentimes stress manifests itself as physical conditions such as hives.

Managing Hives with Deep Breathing

Concentrating on deep breathing helps to relieve stress and agitation when done slowly and deeply. Deep breathing is effective in relieving tension because it slows the heart, sending messages to the body to calm down.

Managing Hives with Yoga

Many people incorporate yoga into their exercise routine because of its stress-relieving qualities, requiring both physical and mental ability. Yoga is also known to have several health benefits including lowering heart rate and reducing muscle tension.

Managing Hives with Meditation

Hives sufferers can use meditation to control hive outbreaks by honing their energy and concentrating on one particular thought or image. This image or thought should be calming to quiet the mind and body.

Resources

• Alternative Medicine
• ABC News
• The Benefits of Yoga for Stress Management
• Stress Management--Breathing Exercises for Relaxation