Shingles and Acupuncture

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. It often occurs in older adults, but young adults can also be affected. It almost exclusively affects one side of the body. It can cause extreme pain and/or itching along with skin lesions. Shingles itself is not contagious, but can cause chicken pox in someone who has not had chicken pox before.

Conventional medicine has little to offer outside of some antivirals and pain medication, both of which can have significant side effects. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can offer significant relief from pain and may prevent post herpetic neuralgia.

If you or someone you love has shingles, make sure they start treatment as soon as possible. The longer before beginning acupuncture and herbal medicine, the longer and more difficult it can be to treat.