Axillary odor, also known as hu chòu (胡臭), hú chòu (狐臭), or yě qì (腋气), is characterized by a pungent smell from the armpits due to sweat, resembling the odor of scallions or foxes. It is classified as a type of Qi disorder in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), corresponding to the modern medical condition known as osmidrosis.
Indications:
This condition is often related to congenital factors and is primarily caused by disharmony of Qi and blood, with damp-heat accumulating internally and manifesting on the skin of the armpits. Fire needle therapy can directly target the affected area, demonstrating a high cure rate.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
1. Main Symptoms: The sweat from the armpits has a distinctive foul odor, and the skin may exhibit brownish pores. The sweat is yellow, and during summer, due to excessive sweating, it does not evaporate easily, resulting in an unpleasant smell. In severe cases, odor may also emanate from the groin, genital area, areola, and navel. Generally, the condition improves in winter when sweating decreases, and most cases diminish after menopause as the apocrine glands gradually atrophy, leading to a reduction in odor. Some patients may also have soft cerumen in the external auditory canal.
2. Treatment Principle: Eliminate dampness and clear heat, harmonize Qi and blood.
3. Acupuncture Points: Local Ah Shi points (1 inch away from the openings of the apocrine glands).
4. Needling Technique: The patient lies supine with the affected arm extended to fully expose the armpit. First, carefully locate the apocrine glands, which typically have brownish pores or dark openings with yellow sweat. Using a medium-sized fire needle, heat it until red hot, then directly puncture the pore of the apocrine gland, reaching its base. The depth should be approximately 1.5 to 2 inches, with quick insertion and no retention of the needle. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, reinsert. Afterward, select 2 to 4 additional points around the apocrine gland, 1 inch away, and insert the fire needle at an angle towards the base of the gland. After needling, apply pressure with a dry cotton ball and perform routine skin disinfection. Keep the area dry post-treatment and avoid bathing. A follow-up treatment can be done after 3 days.
Remarks:
Axillary odor is one of the more challenging clinical conditions, often occurring in adolescent females, causing significant distress. Modern medical treatments such as surgery, cryotherapy, and electrocautery are complex and require specialized equipment. Fire needle therapy directly targets the condition, and the key to success lies in accurately damaging the apocrine glands through precise needling, which must be mastered through clinical practice. Care must also be taken to avoid injuring major blood vessels and nerves during needling. Therefore, this method should be promoted in clinical practice.
Note: The various herbal formulas and prescriptions mentioned in this article are for reference and educational purposes for professional TCM practitioners only. They should not be used as prescriptions, and we do not assume any responsibility for any consequences arising from blind use of these remedies!
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