our expertise

What is Shingles / Post-Herpetic Neuralgia?

Gina’s Advice

At Acupuncture of Columbia, our passion is helping you rediscover the joys of a life free from chronic pain or illness. With our expert practitioners and individualized treatment plans, we’re dedicated to guiding you on your journey towards holistic healing. If you’re ready to take the first step in addressing your pain or chronic condition, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us. Experience the transformative power of acupuncture and let us help you reclaim your health and wellbeing. Together, we can chart a course towards a pain-free, healthier life.

UNDERSTANDING Shingles / Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body, but it can reactivate later in life and cause shingles. Shingles typically presents as a painful rash that develops in a specific area of the body, often on one side of the torso or face. The rash is accompanied by fluid-filled blisters that eventually scab over.

One of the most significant complications of shingles is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which can occur when the pain associated with the rash persists long after the rash has healed. PHN is caused by nerve damage from the shingles virus, leading to chronic pain that can be severe and debilitating. The pain may be burning, sharp, or throbbing and can last for weeks, months, or even years.

SYMPTOMS of Shingles / Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

If you are experiencing shingles or post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), you may encounter one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Rash: Shingles typically presents as a painful rash that develops in a specific area of the body, commonly on one side of the torso or face. The rash is characterized by clusters of fluid-filled blisters that eventually form scabs as they heal.
  • Pain: The pain associated with shingles can range from mild to severe and is often described as burning, sharp, or shooting. The pain may be localized to the area where the rash is present and can persist even after the rash has healed, resulting in post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).
  • Sensitivity: The affected area may become highly sensitive to touch, making even light pressure or clothing uncomfortable and painful.
  • Itching: Some individuals may experience itching in the affected area before the rash appears or as it heals.
  • Numbness or Tingling: Nerve involvement in shingles can lead to sensations of numbness or tingling in the affected area.

ACUPUNCTURE for Shingles / Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

Acupuncture can be a beneficial complementary therapy for managing shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). By targeting specific acupuncture points, it aims to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s natural healing processes. Benefits of acupuncture for shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia include:

Acupuncture has been shown to effectively reduce pain associated with shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. By stimulating specific points along the body’s meridians, acupuncture can help block pain signals, promote the release of endorphins (natural pain-relieving substances), and improve overall pain management.

Acupuncture sessions can help reduce inflammation in the affected areas, which can contribute to pain and discomfort. By modulating the body’s immune response, acupuncture promotes healing and supports the resolution of inflammation associated with shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia.

Acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to alleviate nerve-related symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and hypersensitivity. By regulating the flow of Qi (energy) in the body, acupuncture can restore balance and harmony to the affected nerves, promoting better nerve function.

Acupuncture promotes blood circulation to the affected areas, supporting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients necessary for tissue repair and healing. It can also help improve immune function, boosting the body’s ability to fight off the viral infection and reduce the risk of complications.

microcurrent therapy for Shingles / Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

Microcurrent therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that can be beneficial in managing the symptoms of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) caused by shingles. While it may not cure the underlying viral infection, it can help alleviate pain and provide relief. Some potential benefits of microcurrent therapy for PHN include:

Microcurrent therapy has been shown to reduce pain and discomfort associated with PHN, providing a non-pharmacological approach to pain management.

Microcurrent therapy can help decrease inflammation in the affected nerves, contributing to the alleviation of pain and swelling.

Microcurrent therapy may help improve nerve conduction and function, potentially reducing hypersensitivity and restoring normal sensation.

Microcurrent therapy has a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety and stress associated with PHN.

Microcurrent therapy can support tissue repair and regeneration, aiding in the healing of damaged nerves and reducing symptoms.