Anyone who's had chickenpox as a child is at risk of developing shingles because the virus never goes away once it has penetrated the body. It just lies dormant in a cluster of nerve tissues located in the root of the spinal cord, and then it reawakens in a different form when you're older and your immune system's T cells have weakened.
The good news is that once the symptoms have set in, you don't have to suffer in silence or rely on medicines that provide temporary relief. Acupuncture is an ideal complementary therapy as it addresses the root of the problem. Just like with other stress-related diseases, acupuncture doesn't only reduce the pain associated with shingles faster, but it prevents the disease from making its way to you in the first place.
What is Shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the very same virus that causes chickenpox. It manifests as a band of blistering rash on one side of the torso, but it can also appear on the face, neck, back and limbs. The skin rash causes severe pain and can last for weeks, months or even a year. Even adults who've never had chickenpox may get shingles, especially those over the age of 60, through direct contact with the fluid-filled blisters in an infected individual.
What Causes Shingles?
Shingles is a contagious disease that can be acquired through aerosol transmission or by coming in direct contact with a person who has it. People who have acquired the chickenpox virus are at risk of developing the disease at an older age. Contrary to popular belief that once you have had chickenpox in childhood you can never be infected again, the varicella-zoster virus actually hibernates in the dorsal root ganglion of the spinal nerve following a chickenpox infection, and then it waits patiently until you're weak enough before attacking once again.
Stress is believed to be a major trigger as it weakens the immune system's T cells which are responsible for fighting infections. Older people tend to have a weaker immune system, hence the reason they are more at risk of getting infected.
What are the Symptoms of Shingles?
Shingles gradually makes its way to your system and sees to it that you feel its arrival. A person with shingles experiences the following symptoms:
- Numbness
- Burning or tingling sensation on the skin
- Pain
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Chills
- Itching
- Muscle aches
- Painful rash or skin lesions
When left untreated, shingles rash can lead to a variety of health complications such as vision impairment, bacterial infection, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, or even compromise your brain health.
What are Common Treatments for Shingles
In addition to life pressures, a poor diet can lead to stress and a weakened immune system that is unable to fight infections such as shingles. Eating foods that are rich in vitamins A, B, C and E will help speed up healing and recovery.
A shingles vaccine is recommended to immunosuppressed people to protect them from the disease and any complications of shingles that may potentially arise such as postherpetic neuralgia, which causes excruciating nerve pain. Doctors would advise people aged 50 or older to get the zoster vaccine, while they recommend the varicella vaccine to parents of babies between one and two years old for the prevention of chickenpox. Common medical treatments for easing the painful skin rash include topical creams, antiviral medicines and pain relievers.
However, be wary of the adverse effects of a conventional antiviral treatment, which include dizziness, fatigue, headache, depression, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting and skin rash among others.
If you're more inclined to natural remedies, try applying a baking soda and cornstarch paste to relieve the itch and dry out the blisters. Taking warm colloidal oatmeal baths is also recommended to reduce itch and for quick pain relief. Another natural remedy for shingles is body acupuncture. Combined with a herbal remedy tailored to your body's needs, the efficacy and safety of acupuncture will not only eliminate shingles pain but also improve your overall health as it works on specific acupuncture points to address your energy imbalance that allowed the varicella-zoster virus entry to your body.
What is the Principle Behind Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that employs fine, sterile needles to stimulate different acupuncture points on the body to balance the flow of energy and activate the body's natural healing abilities.
Stagnation of energy or any obstruction in its path can lead to a host of diseases, including shingles. Improving the flow of energy within the body keeps illnesses at bay.
How Can It Help People With Shingles?
In an acupuncture treatment for shingles, the acupuncturist employs different techniques, including fire needling. This method involves the use of specialised needles that are heat resistant. Following the principles of TCM, the acupuncturist works on different acupoints on the body which correspond to the affected meridians, which may include those in the large bowel, thyroid, spleen and kidneys, just to name a few.
Clinical studies show that combining acupuncture with conventional medications for shingles produces greater pain reduction, allowing the person suffering from shingles to function normally again.
There may be no specific drug that can completely stop herpes zoster infection, but maintaining a balanced flow of energy within your body's meridians or energy pathways might just turn out to be your personal cure for shingles. To find a qualified acupuncturist in your local area who can help you with your condition, check out the Natural Therapy Pages' complete listing of natural healthcare professionals.
Originally published on Sep 03, 2020
