montrial looks like you might have the same thing as me. My TCM said it was becuase i have high damp heat from my spleen. Besides the acupuncture and the herbs she said to do exsersis to get rid of the heat. Thats problebly whey its working for you. Also to eat NOOO spices only salt and no Sugar or sour things like O.J. In TCM swollen chapped lips come from the spleen and it my case i also have high eat from my liver. Go to a TCM and get yourself evaluated! Go to one that studied in china.