SHINGLES AND CHINESE MEDICINE
SHINGLES AND CHINESE MEDICINE
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a painful, debilitating disease that afflicts over 500, 000 Americans each year. The illness is caused by the same virus which causes chicken pox in children and adults. It begins as a hypersensitive area of the skin, with itching and/or burning. One side of the torso is most commonly affected, although other areas include the neck, shoulder, upper back and even the face or eyes. Soon after there is an outbreak of small, very painful blisters usually in a cluster around the sensitive area. The pain can be moderate to extremely severe depending on the individual and the state of their immune system. Some cannot even wear clothing or allow the area to be touched.
The duration of the disease, untreated, can be from 3 to 5 weeks or longer. In some cases “post-herpetic neuralgia” can develop wherein the patient continues to have mild to severe pain even after the blisters have disappeared. Unfortunately this can go on for years afterwards. The longer the condition goes untreated, the poorer the prognosis.
Oriental Medicine does not actually refute the Western viral etiology. Instead it deals more directly with the patient’s bodily condition or “internal environment”, rather than focusing on and attempting to eradicate or suppress a “virus” within the patient. The Oriental diagnosis of “dampness and heat” actually relates to the condition of the patient’s system which allows the virus to replicate and create the outbreak. This diagnosis also allows the practitioner to provide the patient with practical, simple guidelines to help speed their recovery through such means as dietary advice and restrictions.
Western antivirals also certainly help but unless the underlying condition is successfully dealt with, the possibility of relapse or prolongation of the disease is very high.
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are VERY effective in treating shingles especially when caught within the first 48 hours of an outbreak. It is even possible to prevent the outbreak if treatment is sought at the first sign of tenderness. Still, even after the rash outbreak, early treatment can be highly effective in diminishing the pain, resolving the blisters, and allowing the patient to carry on in a more normal fashion. Likewise, post-herpetic neuralgia – though a very stubborn and painful problem – can be helped with acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies.
Do not hesitate to try Chinese acupuncture and herbal medicine for shingles! An office visit to a Doctor of Oriental Medicine is less expensive than a visit to a MD, and easier to obtain. And the course of treatment is much less expensive than pharmaceuticals. Treatment may even be covered by insurance. Whatever the cost, Chinese Medicine benefits the whole system, not just one symptom.
By Dr. Dennis Kinnane OMD, Lac 310-373-9739
4015 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite 104, Torrance, California, 90505
http://www.drkinnane.com/