Can Acupuncture Help Manage Shingles Symptoms and Promote Healing?

Acupuncture for Shingles: Effective Pain Relief and Faster Healing

Can Acupuncture Help Manage Shingles Symptoms and Promote Healing?

Shingles is a viral infection that causes painful rashes and nerve inflammation, often affecting individuals who have had chickenpox in the past.

 

While traditional treatments such as antiviral medications and pain relievers are commonly prescribed, acupuncture has emerged as a promising complementary therapy to manage shingles symptoms, promote faster healing, and alleviate pain.

 

At the Saint George Clinic and Research Institute, we specialize in acupuncture techniques that address both the physical and emotional challenges of shingles, helping our patients experience pain relief and healing of lesions an average of 3 times faster than with conventional treatments when they undergo a series of regular acupuncture sessions.

 

What Is Acupuncture and How Does It Work for Shingles?

 

 

Acupuncture is a holistic treatment that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to regulate the flow of energy, improve blood circulation, and stimulate the nervous system.

 

For shingles, acupuncture focuses on alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting the body’s natural healing process.

 

At the Saint George Clinic and Research Institute, we use targeted acupuncture therapies to manage shingles-related symptoms and enhance recovery.

needling the shoulder of a patient with an acupuncture needle

How Acupuncture Benefits Shingles Patients

Acupuncture can offer a range of benefits to those suffering from shingles, helping manage both the acute pain and longer-term recovery.

 

  1. Reducing Pain and Nerve Sensitivity:  One of the hallmark symptoms of shingles is intense nerve pain, often described as a burning or tingling sensation. Acupuncture has been shown to effectively reduce this pain. A study published in The Journal of Pain found that acupuncture significantly alleviated pain and reduced the intensity of postherpetic neuralgia, a common complication of shingles. (Source)
  1. Promoting Healing and Reducing Inflammation:  Acupuncture has anti-inflammatory effects that may accelerate the healing process. A study in Acupuncture in Medicine showed that acupuncture reduced skin inflammation and pain caused by herpes zoster (shingles). It also helped in speeding up the resolution of the rash. (Source)
  1. Strengthening the Immune System:  The virus that causes shingles, the varicella-zoster virus, remains dormant in the body and can become reactivated when the immune system is weakened. Acupuncture has been found to strengthen the immune response. Research published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine suggested that acupuncture may help increase the activity of immune cells, potentially reducing the likelihood of shingles recurrence. (Source)
  1. Managing Emotional Stress and Anxiety:  Shingles can cause significant emotional distress, particularly due to the pain and appearance of the rash. Acupuncture has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate physical symptoms. A study in Neurotherapeutics showed that acupuncture reduced the physiological effects of stress and could improve patients’ overall emotional well-being. (Source)
  1. Reducing the Risk of Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN):  Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a persistent nerve pain that can last for months or even years after the rash heals. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce the incidence of PHN. A study published in Acupuncture in Medicine found that acupuncture significantly reduced the occurrence of PHN in patients recovering from shingles. (Sourc

Scientific Backing for Acupuncture and Shingles Treatment

Acupuncture has gained recognition as an effective treatment for shingles, supported by clinical research:

  • In a 2017 study published in The Journal of Pain, acupuncture was shown to reduce the intensity of pain in shingles patients, with many participants experiencing sustained relief after treatment. (Read the study)
  • A review article in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews confirmed that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life for individuals suffering from shingles-related nerve pain. (Read the review)
  • Research conducted by The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the role of acupuncture in improving immune function and alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by shingles. (WHO Research)

Why Choose Saint George Clinic and Research Institute for Shingles Treatment?

Detailed view of acupuncture needles applied to a shoulder for therapeutic treatment.

The Saint George Clinic and Research Institute offers specialized acupuncture therapies for shingles and other conditions. Here’s why patients trust us:

 

  • Experienced Practitioners: Our licensed acupuncturists have decades of experience in treating shingles with personalized, evidence-based acupuncture.
  • Research-Backed Approach: As a research-focused institute, we are dedicated to using the latest clinical evidence to inform our treatments.
  • Comprehensive Care: We offer holistic care that addresses both physical and emotional aspects of shingles recovery.
  • Compassionate Environment: We understand the impact shingles can have on your life, and we are committed to supporting you throughout your healing journey.

Get Relief from Shingles Today

If you’re struggling with shingles or postherpetic neuralgia, acupuncture at the Saint George Clinic and Research Institute could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Our acupuncture therapies aim to reduce pain, accelerate healing, and enhance your overall well-being.

 

 

Before contacting an acupuncturist make sure that they are licensed and in good standing.

 

Most licensed acupuncturists have completed a minimum of 3-4 years training at a graduate school, have passed National Board Exams administered by NCCAOM 5 and attained a State Board License, before they are allowed to practice.

 

Dr. Solos highest degree is a PhD in Chinese and Western Integrative Medicine. He belongs to an exclusive group of merely a handful of western practitioners to have had their full medical and clinical education in China.

Dr Solos performing Acupuncture

Contact us today to learn more about how acupuncture can help you recover from shingles:

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Have any questions? We are always open to talk about your health.