Healing From Shingles Naturally

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) is the eruption of painful blisters on the skin caused by the varicella zoster virus. These eruptions can appear on any area of the body, though they commonly occur on the torso or face. The virus affects the nerves and typically produces lesions along dermatomes (or nerve pathways) in the body. The lesions can cause pain, itching, burning and even have a nervy or tingly sensation to them due to the effect on the nerves themselves.

While recurrence is not especially common (around 5% chance of recurrence), the lasting effects of an initial outbreak can be long lasting especially when left untreated. Lingering nerve pain (post-herpetic neuralgia) and scarring are the most common long term effects and can be quite painful for some. When Shingles affects the face it can have even more severe complications including vision loss, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, and infection.

The good news is that Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are exceptional at treating shingles in the acute and chronic phases! Acupuncture during an outbreak can decrease pain immediately and herbal medicine works to fight the virus directly and can also help speed the healing of the lesions, shortening the duration of the outbreak.

Acupuncture is recommended as soon as you feel or see symptoms of an outbreak of shingles and frequent treatment every day for the first 7-10 days produces the best results. Internal herbal medicine will also be prescribed through the duration of an outbreak and will greatly speed your recovery time. If you are in the post-outbreak phase and continue to experience post-herpetic neuralgia acupuncture is a very effective form of treatment to eliminate any residual nerve pain.

If you’re having symptoms, don’t wait to seek treatment! We will assess your condition and begin treatment immediately. If you are not local to our office we can mail herbal prescriptions directly to you. Dealing with shingles and need support? Schedule a Free Consultation today!