Shingles, also known as Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN), is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. The rash usually appears on one side of the body, but it can also appear on the face or neck. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you have chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in your body. It can reactivate years later and cause shingles.
There is no cure for shingles, but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms. Acupuncture is one treatment that has been shown to be effective in relieving the pain and discomfort of shingles.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are called acupuncture points. When needles are inserted into these points, it is shown that they can help to eliminate pain.
There is some evidence that acupuncture can be effective in treating shingles. A 2018 study found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving function in people with shingles. The study also found that acupuncture was well-tolerated and did not have any serious side effects.
Another study, published in 2019, found that acupuncture combined with conventional shingles treatment was more effective than conventional treatment alone in reducing pain and improving function. The evidence suggests that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for shingles.
If you are interested in learning more about acupuncture for shingles, please visit our website or contact us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and schedule a consultation with our doctor.
