Ask Ayurveda

मुफ्त! आयुर्वेदिक डॉक्टरों से पूछें — 24/7
आयुर्वेदिक डॉक्टरों से 24/7 जुड़ें। कुछ भी पूछें, आज विशेषज्ञ सहायता प्राप्त करें।
500 डॉक्टर ऑनलाइन
#1 आयुर्वेद प्लेटफॉर्म
मुफ़्त में सवाल पूछें
00घ : 07मि : 14से
background-image
यहां क्लिक करें
background image
General Medicine
प्रश्न #18839
235 दिनों पहले
281

urticaria meaning - #18839

Caleb

I’ve been having recurring skin reactions lately, where I get red, raised, itchy welts on different parts of my body. These outbreaks seem to happen randomly, and I’m not sure what’s triggering them. After seeing a dermatologist, I was told that I’m experiencing urticaria, also known as hives. I’ve never had this problem before, so I wanted to learn more about urticaria meaning and how it might be related to my lifestyle or health. From what I understand, urticaria occurs when the body releases histamine, leading to the development of these itchy welts. But I’m still unsure about what causes this reaction. I’ve read that urticaria can be triggered by many different factors, such as certain foods, stress, medications, or even temperature changes. How can I figure out what’s triggering my outbreaks? Are there any common causes of urticaria that I should be aware of, and how can I prevent these reactions from happening in the future? I’ve noticed that my urticaria flares up after eating certain foods, like spicy dishes or chocolate. Is it possible that these foods are directly causing the welts, or could it be that I have food sensitivities or allergies? How can I determine whether specific foods are the cause of my urticaria, and is there a way to test for food allergies or intolerances? Since I’ve been experiencing urticaria quite frequently, I’m wondering if there’s a long-term solution to managing it. I’ve heard that antihistamines can be used to relieve the itching, but I’m unsure if they will prevent future outbreaks. Are there other treatments or lifestyle changes that could help reduce the frequency and severity of urticaria? How long should I expect to need treatment, and is there a chance that the condition could go away on its own? I’ve also been dealing with a lot of stress at work, and I’ve heard that stress can be a common trigger for urticaria. Could my anxiety and stress levels be contributing to my flare-ups, and how can I manage stress to prevent urticaria? Are there specific stress-reduction techniques that might help with the physical symptoms, or should I focus on other aspects of my health to reduce the impact of stress? Since I’ve had these skin reactions on and off for a while now, I’m also wondering if there could be an underlying health issue causing urticaria. Could urticaria be a symptom of something more serious, like an autoimmune condition or an infection? When should I be concerned that my urticaria might be part of a larger health issue, and what tests should I ask my doctor to run to rule out any underlying conditions? Lastly, I want to know if there are any long-term effects of urticaria. Will it leave scars or damage my skin over time, or is it just a temporary condition that will resolve once I manage the triggers? How do I prevent my skin from being affected by repeated outbreaks, and what can I do to keep my skin healthy and avoid scarring? If anyone has experienced urticaria or has advice on how to manage it, I’d appreciate hearing about your experiences and any tips you have for dealing with this condition.

मुफ़्त
प्रश्न बंद है

अभी हमारे स्टोर में खरीदें

मुफ्त! आयुर्वेदिक डॉक्टर से पूछें — 24/7, 100% गुमनाम
किसी भी समय विशेषज्ञ उत्तर प्राप्त करें, पूरी तरह से गोपनीय। साइन-अप की आवश्यकता नहीं।
background-image
background-image
background image
banner-image
banner-image

डॉक्टरों की प्रतिक्रियाएं

Urticaria, or hives, indeed stems from histamine release in response to various triggers, including allergens, stress, and environmental factors. To find out what may be triggering your outbreaks, I recommend keeping a detailed diary for two to four weeks. Document your daily food intake, emotional stress levels, activities, and any medications or supplements, noting when hives appear. This practice may highlight potential patterns or specific triggers in your diet, like spicy foods or chocolate, which could indicate food sensitivities or allergies. For proper testing of food allergies, consider consulting an allergist for skin prick tests or serum IgE testing.

In terms of managing urticaria long-term, antihistamines can help reduce symptoms but may not prevent future outbreaks. Lifestyle changes such as stress management techniques are vital. Incorporate practices like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or regular physical activity to alleviate stress. Establish a routine that promotes relaxation, such as spending time outdoors or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.

Addressing potential underlying health issues is crucial. While urticaria can indicate an autoimmune condition and other health problems, it often resolves on its own. However, be vigilant about any systemic symptoms like fever or joint pain. If these occur, or if your hives persist beyond six weeks without improvement, consult your healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions.

As for long-term effects, urticaria typically does not leave scars unless there is excessive scratching. Focus on keeping your skin moisturized and protecting it from irritation. Use gentle, fragrance-free products and avoid harsh soaps. Consistently follow your health and wellness routine, and monitor your body’s responses to changes in lifestyle or diet. This personalized approach will empower you to manage your condition effectively.

1742 उत्तरित प्रश्न
27% सर्वश्रेष्ठ उत्तर
स्वीकृत प्रतिक्रिया

0 उत्तर
Speech bubble
मुफ्त! आयुर्वेदिक डॉक्टर से पूछें — 24/7,
100% गुमनाम

600+ प्रमाणित आयुर्वेदिक विशेषज्ञ। साइन-अप की आवश्यकता नहीं।

हमारे डॉक्टरों के बारे में

हमारी सेवा पर केवल योग्य आयुर्वेदिक डॉक्टर ही परामर्श देते हैं, जिन्होंने चिकित्सा शिक्षा और अन्य चिकित्सा अभ्यास प्रमाणपत्रों की उपलब्धता की पुष्टि की है। आप डॉक्टर के प्रोफाइल में योग्यता की पुष्टि देख सकते हैं।


संबंधित प्रश्न

ऑनलाइन डॉक्टर

Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, born n brought up in Maharashtra—and honestly, for as long as I remember I’ve felt this pull towards Ayurveda. Not the fancy version ppl throw around, but the deep, real kind that actually helps ppl. I did my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College in Kharghar. That’s where I got my basics strong—like really studied the shastras, understood prakriti, doshas, the whole deal. Not just crammed theory but started to see how it shows up in real lives. After finishing BAMS, I got into this one-year certificate course at Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi—honestly a turning point. I was super lucky to learn Kerala Ayurveda from my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan. He’s got this way of seeing things... simple but deep. That time with him taught me more than any textbook ever could. It kinda reshaped how I look at health, healing n how precise Ayurveda can be when you respect its roots. Right now I’m doing my MD in Panchakarma from SDM Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This place is like a hub for serious Ayurveda work. The Panchakarma training here? Super intense. We go deep into detoxification & rasayana therapy—not just theory again, but hands-on. I’m learning to blend classical techniques with today’s clinical demands.. like how to make Vamana or Basti actually doable in modern patient setups. My current practice is really about merging tradition with logic. Whether it’s chronic skin issues, gut problems, stress burnout or hormone stuff—my goal is to get to the root, not just hush the symptoms. I use Panchakarma when needed, but also a lot of ahara-vihara tweaks, medhya herbs, sometimes just slowing ppl down a bit helps. I really believe Ayurveda’s power is in its simplicity when done right. I don’t try to fix ppl—I work *with* them. And honestly, every patient teaches me something back.
5
205 समीक्षाएँ
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
I am Dr Anurag Sharma, done with BAMS and also PGDHCM from IMS BHU, which honestly shaped a lot of how I approach things now in clinic. Working as a physician and also as an anorectal surgeon, I’ve got around 2 to 3 years of solid experience—tho like, every day still teaches me something new. I mainly focus on anorectal care (like piles, fissure, fistula stuff), plus I work with chronic pain cases too. Pain management is something I feel really invested in—seeing someone walk in barely managing and then leave with actual relief, that hits different. I’m not really the fancy talk type, but I try to keep my patients super informed, not just hand out meds n move on. Each case needs a bit of thinking—some need Ksharasutra or minor para surgical stuff, while others are just lifestyle tweaks and herbal meds. I like mixing the Ayurved principles with modern insights when I can, coz both sides got value really. It’s like—knowing when to go gentle and when to be precise. Right now I’m working hard on getting even better with surgical skills, but also want to help people get to me before surgery's the only option. Had few complicated cases where patience n consistency paid off—no shortcuts but yeah, worth it. The whole point for me is to actually listen first, like proper listen. People talk about symptoms but also say what they feel—and that helps in understanding more than any lab report sometimes. I just want to stay grounded in my work, and keep growing while doing what I can to make someone's pain bit less every day.
0 समीक्षाएँ
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
I am a Senior Ayurveda Physician with more than 28 years in this field — and trust me, it still surprises me how much there is to learn every single day. Over these years, I’ve had the chance to treat over 1 lakh patients (probably more by now honestly), both through in-person consults and online. Some come in with a mild cough, others with conditions no one’s been able to figure out for years. Each case brings its own rhythm, and that’s where real Ayurveda begins. I still rely deeply on classical tools — *Nadi Pariksha*, *Roga-Rogi Pariksha*, proper *prakriti-vikriti* mapping — not just ticking symptoms into a list. I don’t believe in ready-made cures or generic charts. Diagnosis needs attention. I look at how the disease behaves *inside* that specific person, which doshas are triggering what, and where the imbalance actually started (hint: it’s usually not where the pain is). Over the years I’ve worked with pretty much all age groups and all kinds of health challenges — from digestive upsets & fevers to chronic, autoimmune, hormonal, metabolic and degenerative disorders. Arthritis, diabetes, PCOD, asthma, thyroid... but also things like unexplained fatigue or joint swelling that comes and goes randomly. Many of my patients had already “tried everything else” before they walked into Ayurveda, and watching their systems respond slowly—but surely—is something I don’t take lightly. My line of treatment usually combines herbal formulations (classical ones, not trendy ones), Panchakarma detox when needed, and realistic dietary and lifestyle corrections. Long-term healing needs long-term clarity — not just short bursts of symptom relief. And honestly, I tell patients that too. I also believe patient education isn’t optional. I explain things. Why we’re doing virechana, why the oil changed mid-protocol, why we pause or shift the meds after a few weeks. I want people to feel involved, not confused. Ayurveda works best when the patient is part of the process, not just receiving instructions. Even now I keep learning — through texts, talks, patient follow-ups, sometimes even mistakes that taught me what not to do. And I’m still committed, still fully into it. Because for me, this isn’t just a job. It’s a lifelong responsibility — to restore balance, protect *ojas*, and help each person live in tune with themselves. That’s the real goal.
5
955 समीक्षाएँ
Dr. Anjali Sehrawat
I am Dr. Anjali Sehrawat. Graduated BAMS from National College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Barwala (Hisar) in 2023—and right now I'm doing my residency, learning a lot everyday under senior clinicians who’ve been in the field way longer than me. It’s kind of intense but also really grounding. Like, it makes you pause before assuming anything about a patient. During my UG and clinical rotations, I got good hands-on exposure... not just in diagnosing through Ayurvedic nidan but also understanding where and when Allopathic tools (like lab reports or acute interventions) help fill the gap. I really believe that if you *actually* want to heal someone, you gotta see the whole picture—Ayurveda gives you that depth, but you also need to know when modern input is useful, right? I’m more interested in chronic & lifestyle disorders—stuff like metabolic imbalances, stress-linked issues, digestive problems that linger and slowly pull energy down. I don’t rush into giving churnas or kashayams just bcz the texts say so... I try to see what fits the patient’s prakriti, daily habits, emotional pattern etc. It’s not textbook-perfect every time, but that’s where the real skill grows I guess. I do a lot of thinking abt cause vs symptom—sometimes it's not the problem you see that actually needs solving first. What I care about most is making sure the treatment is safe, ethical, practical, and honest. No overpromising, no pushing meds that don’t fit. And I’m always reading or discussing sth—old Samhitas or recent journals, depends what the case demands. My goal really is to build a practice where people feel seen & understood, not just “managed.” That's where healing actually begins, right?
5
261 समीक्षाएँ
Dr. M.Sushma
I am Dr. Sushma M and yeah, I’ve been in Ayurveda for over 20 yrs now—honestly still learning from it every day. I mostly work with preventive care, diet logic, and prakriti-based guidance. I mean, why wait for full-blown disease when your body’s been whispering for years, right? I’m kinda obsessed with that early correction part—spotting vata-pitta-kapha imbalances before they spiral into something deeper. Most ppl don’t realize how much power food timing, digestion rhythm, & basic routine actually have… until they shift it. Alongside all that classical Ayurveda, I also use energy medicine & color therapy—those subtle layers matter too, esp when someone’s dealing with long-term fatigue or emotional heaviness. These things help reconnect not just the body, but the inner self too. Some ppl are skeptical at first—but when you treat *beyond* the doshas, they feel it. And I don’t force anything… I just kinda match what fits their nature. I usually take time understanding a person’s prakriti—not just from pulse or skin or tongue—but how they react to stress, sleep patterns, their relationship with food. That whole package tells the story. I don’t do textbook treatment lines—I build a plan that adjusts *with* the person, not on top of them. Over the years, watching patients slowly return to their baseline harmony—that's what keeps me in it. I’ve seen folks come in feeling lost in symptoms no one explained… and then walk out weeks later understanding their body better than they ever did. That, to me, is healing. Not chasing symptoms, but restoring rhythm. I believe true care doesn’t look rushed, or mechanical. It listens, observes, tweaks gently. That's the kind of Ayurveda I try to practice—not loud, but deeply rooted.
5
337 समीक्षाएँ
Dr. Prasad Pentakota
I am Dr. P. Prasad, and I’ve been in this field for 20+ years now, working kinda across the board—General Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology—you name it. Didn’t start out thinking I’d end up spanning that wide, but over time, each area sort of pulled me in deeper. And honestly, I like that mix. It lets me look at a patient not just through one lens but a whole system-wide view... makes more sense when treating something that won’t fit neatly in one category. I’ve handled everything from day-to-day stuff like hypertension, diabetes, or skin infections to more serious neuro and cardiac problems. Some cases are quick—diagnose, treat, done. Others take time, repeated check-ins, figuring out what’s really going on beneath those usual symptoms. And that’s where the detail matters. I’m pretty big on thorough diagnosis and patient education—because half the problem is ppl just not knowing what’s happening inside their own body. What’s changed for me over years isn’t just knowledge, it’s how much I lean on listening. If you miss what someone didn’t say, you might also miss their actual illness. And idk, after seeing it play out so many times, I do believe combining updated medical practice with basic empathy really shifts outcomes. Doesn’t have to be complicated... it just has to be consistent. I keep up with research too—new drugs, diagnostics, cross-specialty updates etc., not because it’s trendy, but cuz it’s necessary. Patients come in better read now than ever. You can’t afford to fall behind. The end goal’s the same tho—help them heal right, not just fast. Ethical practice, evidence-based, and sometimes just being there to explain what’s going on. That’s what I stick to.
5
637 समीक्षाएँ
Dr. Bhavana S Gaitonde
I am Dr. Bhavana S. Gaitonde, and my core training is in Dravyaguna Vignana, which I studied postgrad from Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research in Bengaluru. That phase was intense but grounding... learning the actual behavior of herbs, their rasa, virya, vipaka, and how they shift when processed differently—it completely changed how I looked at treatment. This field—Ayurvedic pharmacology—isn’t just about matching herb to disease. It’s about tuning the medicine to the patient’s prakriti, current doshic state, and where they are in their healing curve. I’m mostly drawn to chronic cases where long-term plant-based support can make a real difference—people dealing with inflammation, gut issues, immunity lows, skin conditions, even mental fog—stuff that often goes ignored or masked with quick fixes. I try to make my plans gentle but effective, working with both classical formulations and raw herbs if needed. But I always check whether it aligns with patient’s agni, season, and life context. That matters more than the textbook. My education was grounded in theory but also lot of clinical exposure—we actually handled raw herbs in class and discussed latest plant research in real time. That mix helped me feel confident not only in traditional texts but also in how those herbs behave in today's world, with modern diseases and lifestyles. One part I enjoy (maybe even more than expected?) is explaining herbs to patients. Like, not just “take this powder,” but here’s why it’s helpful. I believe healing’s stronger when ppl understand what they’re taking into their body. I also guide on pathya–apathya (diet & lifestyle rules), daily routine tweaks, and sometimes subtle things like how to time their medicines with meals or sleep. I'm always learning—going through new journals, staying active in forums, sometimes even just observing patient responses and making notes for next time. The goal for me isn’t just to fix disease, but to help ppl see herbs and routines as tools they can trust, not fear or ignore. Ayurveda has huge depth, and I just try to make it usable without losing the core.
0 समीक्षाएँ
Dr. Ayush Varma
I am an Ayurvedic physician with an MD from AIIMS—yeah, the 2008 batch. That time kinda shaped everything for me... learning at that level really forces you to think deeper, not just follow protocol. Now, with 15+ years in this field, I mostly work with chronic stuff—autoimmune issues, gut-related problems, metabolic syndrome... those complex cases where symptoms overlap n patients usually end up confused after years of going in circles. I don’t rush to treat symptoms—I try to dig into what’s actually causing the system to go off-track. I guess that’s where my training really helps, especially when blending classical Ayurveda with updated diagnostics. I did get certified in Panchakarma & Rasayana therapy, which I use quite a lot—especially in cases where tissue-level nourishment or deep detox is needed. Rasayana has this underrated role in post-illness recovery n immune stabilization, which most people miss. I’m pretty active in clinical research too—not a full-time academic or anything, but I’ve contributed to studies on how Ayurveda helps manage diabetes, immunity burnout, stress dysregulation, things like that. It’s been important for me to keep a foot in that evidence-based space—not just because of credibility but because it keeps me from becoming too rigid in practice. I also get invited to speak at wellness events n some integrative health conferences—sharing ideas around patient-centered treatment models or chronic care via Ayurvedic frameworks. I practice full-time at a wellness centre that’s serious about Ayurveda—not just the spa kind—but real, protocol-driven, yet personalised medicine. Most of my patients come to me after trying a lot of other options, which makes trust-building a huge part of what I do every single day.
4.95
20 समीक्षाएँ
Dr. Manjusha Vikrant Pate
I am practicing Ayurveda since 18+ years now, and honestly... it still surprises me how much I keep learning especially when it comes to skin and hair. My focus—if I had to sum it up—is deeply rooted in Panchakarma, but more specifically in *Upakarma* therapies. These smaller, supportive steps within the Panchakarma frame can be powerful if you adjust them exactly right to a person’s *prakriti*. That’s actually where my attention goes first—understanding their natural constitution. Because once that’s clear, everything else sort of falls in place. I work a lot with chronic and tricky skin issues like pigmentation, hair fall, premature ageing, even stubborn acne that just doesn’t respond to regular creams and pills. And no—I don’t use shortcuts. I rely on traditional protocols, yes, but also create my own Ayurvedic blends—like facemasks, oils, even hair packs. These aren’t random—they're planned, adjusted, dosha-specific, and meant to *actually* support the skin's natural cycle. I’ve spent years refining these formulations, keeping them close to classical wisdom but tweaking them slightly when needed for a person’s lifestyle or condition. Ayurvedic facials in my clinic aren't just glow-up routines. They’re built to go deep—cleanse the layers, calm pitta excess or vata dryness, stimulate sluggish kapha skin... whatever’s needed. And I find that when these treatments are given at the right time, in the right sequence—results show up clearly, not just externally but also in the way ppl feel about themselves. There's a calmness, a reset almost. I don’t push chemical-based stuff, even when patients ask for it. Instead, I educate—like how proper *abhyanga* or a dosha-correct oil can do far more than a synthetic serum. My aim is to blend the core of Ayurveda with practical, everyday guidance. I don't just want patients to come for sessions—I want them to *understand* what's going on in their skin or hair and how to maintain it naturally. Things don’t always go perfect, sometimes I still need to rethink protocols mid-way, but I guess that’s what makes the process human... and real.
5
16 समीक्षाएँ
Dr. Vinayak Kamble
I am about 1 year into my practice journey n honestly that feels both small n big at the same time. When I first started, I wasn’t sure how quickly I could adjust from academic space into real clinical care, but gradually with each patient I learnt something more. My main focus is on pain management—conditions like knee joint pain, sciatica, lumbar back ache, spondylitis, tennis elbow, golfer elbow, frozen shoulder, heel pain etc. I try to combine careful diagnosis with treatments rooted in Ayurveda yet explained in practical way so patients don’t feel lost. Sometimes progress is slow, sometimes quick, but always there is learning in it. During this year I also kept my dedication toward research and evidence-based approach. I worked on presenting ideas and papers in academic forums whenever I got chance, and even managed to publish in journals that value Ayurveda in modern context. That gave me confidence that my small contributions can add to bigger discussions in medical field. In my postgraduate study I had finished Medicine with top score in my batch, which felt rewarding but also left me with responsibility to keep proving that I deserve that position. Honestly, academic achievements are good but real test is when someone walks in pain and goes back with relief, even if just partial at first. Sometimes patients expect instant cure, n that is where I try to keep balance—explaining how pain relief in conditions like frozen shoulder or spondylitis may take staged approach, while also keeping them hopeful. Ayurveda gives a framework but patient trust makes the treatment effective. One year is not a long time but it has been enough to show me the value of consistency, clarity and listening more than talking. My aim is not just treating pain but helping people understand their body better, manage lifestyle triggers, and feel supported in the journey of healing!!
5
81 समीक्षाएँ
Dr. Ravi Chandra Rushi
I am working right now as a Consultant Ayurvedic Ano-Rectal Surgeon at Bhrigu Maharishi Ayurvedic Hospital in Nalgonda—and yeah, that name’s quite something, but what really keeps me here is the kind of cases we get. My main focus is managing ano-rectal disorders like piles (Arsha), fistula-in-ano (Bhagandara), fissure-in-ano (Parikartika), pilonidal sinus, and rectal polyps. These are often more complex than they look at first, and they get misdiagnosed or overtreated in a lotta places. That’s where our classical tools come in—Ksharasutra therapy, Agnikarma, and a few other para-surgical techniques we follow from the Samhitas...they’ve been lifesavers honestly. My work here pushes me to keep refining surgical precision while also sticking to the Ayurvedic core. I do rely on modern diagnostics when needed, but I won’t replace the value of a well-done Nadi Pariksha or assessing dosha-vikruti in depth. Most of my patients come with pain, fear, and usually after a couple of rounds of either incomplete surgeries or just being fed painkillers n antibiotics. And I totally get that frustration. That’s why I combine surgery with a whole support plan—Ayurvedic meds, diet changes, lifestyle tweaks that actually match their prakriti. Not generic stuff off a handout. Over time, I’ve seen that when people follow the whole protocol, not just the procedure part, the recurrence drops a lot. I’m quite particular about follow-up and wound care too, ‘cause we’re dealing with delicate areas here and ignoring post-op can ruin outcomes. Oh and yeah—I care a lot about educating folks too. I talk to patients in OPD, sometimes give community talks, just to tell people they do have safer options than cutting everything out under GA! I still study Shalya Tantra like it’s a living document. I try to stay updated with whatever credible advancements are happening in Ayurvedic surgery, but I filter what’s fluff and what’s actually useful. At the end of the day, my aim is to offer respectful, outcome-based care that lets patients walk out without shame or fear. That’s really what keeps me grounded in this field.
5
130 समीक्षाएँ

नवीनतम समीक्षाएँ

Hailey
13 घंटे पहले
Thanks a bunch for the detailed advice! The Ayurvedic suggestions sound really promising. Definitely feels like a hopeful path now!
Thanks a bunch for the detailed advice! The Ayurvedic suggestions sound really promising. Definitely feels like a hopeful path now!
Luke
13 घंटे पहले
Thanks a ton for this detailed response! Gave me a lot of clarity and finally something I can try beyond surgery. Appreciate the help!
Thanks a ton for this detailed response! Gave me a lot of clarity and finally something I can try beyond surgery. Appreciate the help!
Elijah
13 घंटे पहले
Thanks so much for the detailed advice! It really helped me understand what’s going on and how Ayurveda can tackle it. Grateful for the clear guidance!
Thanks so much for the detailed advice! It really helped me understand what’s going on and how Ayurveda can tackle it. Grateful for the clear guidance!
Ella
13 घंटे पहले
Thanks a ton for the detailed suggestions! Never heard of all these before, but I'll give it a shot. Appreciate the clear guidance!
Thanks a ton for the detailed suggestions! Never heard of all these before, but I'll give it a shot. Appreciate the clear guidance!