Treating shingles with acupuncture

Anyone who has ever had shingles will report that it is one of the most painful and maddening conditions they have had to deal with. With an estimated 1 out of 3 people in the US experiencing shingles at some point in their life it is a common condition, with the likelihood of an outbreak going up as we age.  

Shingles are caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus, which is part of the herpes virus family and the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After an individual has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body’s nerve cells and can reactivate as shingles later in life. When this happens it causes a painful, blistering rash that appears along a specific nerve pathway, usually on one side of the body.

Factors that contribute to the dormant virus becoming reactivated include stress, illness, or a weakened immune system. Because acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine excel at reducing stress and strengthening immunity, they offer powerful treatment options for a shingles outbreak and reducing the likelihood of recurrence.  

What Chinese Medicine has to offer for shingles

Before treatment your acupuncturist will assess the underlying imbalances that contributed to an outbreak. This is often related to excess "heat" and "toxins" in the body, especially in the liver and kidney systems. The treatment approach will include three strategies: to clear heat and resolve toxins; to strengthen the immune system to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks; and to alleviate the pain and discomfort of the rash by promoting the smooth flow of Qi and blood.

Adding Chinese herbal medicine will support acupuncture session and speed up the healing process. The primary strategy for selecting herbs will be similar to that of acupuncture and will focus on formulas that clear heat and toxins from the body and prevent the virus from reactivating. These formulas are known to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties, and we might also look at individual herbs like Licorice root, Reishi mushroom, and Lian Qiao to strengthen the body’s immune system.

It is important for individuals with shingles to work with both their primary care provider and a qualified acupuncturist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offers a holistic approach to managing shingles. Not only will it address the symptoms of an outbreak but will also strengthen the body's immune system, reducing stress, and maintaining overall health. And the good news is that regular acupuncture can bolster the body's defenses and improve overall health significantly enough to prevent (or minimize) future flare-ups.

While I hope you never have to experience shingles yourself, I hope this provides a helpful resource to turn to should you ever have an outbreak.