I treated one of my regular clients this morning who has recently broken out in shingles. In Western medicine, shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus. Anyone who has ever had chickenpox, has this virus sitting dormant in their system. With some people, it “awakens” and they have episodes of shingles. Others never experience a shingles outbreak. It is usually awaken by a weakened immune system or recent injury. Whatever causes it, the biggest question I get from my clients with is “what can they do to stop it and the pain?”
Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be used in the treatment of shingles by helping to speed up the recovery time. It can also help in reducing the pain associated with it. In oriental medicine, it is diagnosed as Liver/Gallbladder fire overacting on the Lungs. It is also viewed by alternative medicine as repressed anger. The body will house the anger but it still needs to come out somehow, which sometimes equates to a shingles outbreak. Majority of my clients later admit that they were very upset about something but were not able to express their true view on the matter.
My treatment for shingles starts by using a diabetic lancet to lightly bleed points located in the upper back. I stay far away from the lesions as that area is already inflamed. The lancet draws about a drop of blood. This small amount of blood is the quickest way to help release the fire from the skin. After bleeding, needles are inserted at various points to help clear the fire and calm the Liver/Gallbladder. An herbal medication is also prescribed to help remove the fire from within.
For topical treatments of the lesions, I advise my clients to apply a high grade lavender oil directly on the lesions. Lavender will help clean the area, relieve pain and help dry the lesions. Chamomile is also another oil to apply to the skin. Taking baths with either or both of these oils is another method. There are also some great homeopathic remedies for shingles, but selecting the correct one requires seeing the type of lesions to properly prescribe. (Talk with someone knowledgeable about homeopathic remedies before selecting.) I also encourage clients to add lysine to the daily herbal protocol. (Follow directions on the bottle purchased.) Lysine has proven results in helping with recovery and prevention of viral outbreaks. Even after the lesions are gone, continue to take lysine daily to help boost the immune system.
If you do have an outbreak, find your local NCCAOM board certified acupuncturist to help you.
FANTASTIC!