Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can be a painful and debilitating condition. According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 3 Americans will have shingles at some point in their life. While traditional treatments like antivirals, pain relievers, and topical creams are often prescribed, many people are turning to acupuncture for additional relief.
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating shingles symptoms, like tingling, itching, and pain. Additionally, it’s been shown effective in treating and potentially preventing postherpetic neuralgia, one of the most common complications of shingles. This condition affects nerve fibers and skin causing burning pain that can last long after the shingles rash has cleared.
Many recent research studies indicate:
Acupuncture and electroacupuncture help relieve postherpetic neuralgia related pain
Acupuncture speeds the healing of shingles-related lesions and reduces the duration of symptoms
Acupuncture can improve overall quality of life
Acupuncture can alleviate anxiety associated with shingles
Patients receiving both traditional pharmacological treatment and acupuncture had superior patient outcomes in comparison to patients using only drug therapy
With acupuncture’s potential to alleviate pain, accelerate healing, and improve overall quality of life, it offers a holistic approach to managing both shingles and the associated symptoms. If you are experiencing an outbreak of shingles, or have questions about how acupuncture could benefit you in other ways, please reach out to us at 301.880.3232. It would be our pleasure to assist you with scheduling a consultation.
References:
Chen JS et al. Clinical Observation of Acupuncture Combined with Drugs Treatment of Acute Herpes Zoster and Prevention of Postherpetic Neuralgia [J]. Journal of Modern Hospital, 2013, 13(9):8–10
Liang X, Chen X, Li X, et al. Efficacy and safety of therapies related to acupuncture for acute herpes zoster: A PRISMA systematic review and network meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024;103(20):e38006. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000038006
Pei, W., Zeng, J., Lu, L., Lin, G., & Ruan, J. (2019). Is acupuncture an effective postherpetic neuralgia treatment? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of pain research, 12, 2155–2165.
Tyring, Stephen, Rick A. Barbarash, James E. Nahlik, Anthony Cunningham, John Marley, Madalene Heng, Terry Jones, Ted Rea, Ron Boon, and Robin Saltzman. "Famciclovir for the treatment of acute herpes zoster: Effects on acute disease and post-herpetic neuralgia"
Wang Y. Acupuncture Combined with Western Medication for the Treatment of Acute Herpes Zoster and for the Prevention of Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Clinical Study [J]. Tianjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Journal of China Prescription Drug, 2016, 14(9):96–97.
Wei JD, Chen JM & Wang LS. (2014). Clinical Observation of Surround Acupuncture and Simiaoyon’an Decoction on Herpes Zoster. Journal of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine. 16(2)acute disease and postherpetic neuralgia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial." Annals of Internal Medicine 123, no. 2 (1995): 89-96
Yi JK, Tang ZZ & Yang JL. (2015). Efficacy and Safety of TCM Combined with Acupuncture Treatment for Herpes Zoster Neuralgia. 31(8)
Yu J, Tu M, Shi Y, et al. Acupuncture therapy for treating postherpetic neuralgia: A protocol for an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020;99(47):e23283. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000023283