14 Dec Acupuncture for Shinlges
Shingles is a viral infection resulting from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus or commonly known as Chickenpox. Shingles has become so common that it is estimated that 1-3 people will develop shingles! So, if you are reading this article because you have shingles, you are not alone!
Shingles is not a curable illness per say; it’s more a reactivation of an old infection that has run its course. Medical treatment of antiviral medication is recommended in the first few days where possible to reduce the rash and less the time, and intensity.In uncomplicated cases the rash clears quickly, however for some people the virus actually creates irritation and damage to the nerve in the affected area. Even after the shingles rash heals, the nerves may stay damaged and keep sending pain signals — this is postherpetic neuralgia. This occurs in 10-18% of those who have shingles.
Why does it happen?
- Shingles infects a nerve and the skin it supplies.
- The nerve becomes inflamed and injured.
- Damaged nerves send incorrect signals to the brain, causing chronic pain.
What does the pain feel like?
People often describe PHN pain as:
- burning or scalding
- sharp, stabbing, or electric-shock–like
- deep aching
- extreme sensitivity to touch (even clothing can hurt)
- itching or numbness
Pain usually occurs in the same area where the shingles rash was (often the chest, back, or face).
Can acupuncture help PHN?
Acupuncture is well-known for its pain-relieving effects, and growing evidence supports its benefits for shingles-related pain. A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis found that acupuncture may reduce pain intensity, alleviate anxiety, and improve quality of life in individuals experiencing shingles pain (1).
In additional studies it is has been suggested that acupuncture may also shorten the time phrase of shingles in three key phases;
- The pain before the blisters appeared
- The time it took for the blisters to scab over
- The time it took for blisters to stop forming (2).
Ways which acupuncture may help if you have shingles:
- Reduces Nerve Pain
Acupuncture can modulate the nervous system and reduce the pain signals being sent to the brain. Many patients report a significant decrease in burning or stabbing pain within a few sessions.
- Decreases Inflammation
Shingles creates inflammation along affected nerves and the surrounding skin. Acupuncture helps reduce swelling and irritation, which can lessen both acute rash discomfort and long-term nerve sensitivity.
- Calms the Stress Response
Shingles often flares during stress or weakened immunity. Acupuncture supports relaxation, reduces anxiety, and can help rebalance the body’s stress response.
- Supports Faster Healing
Improved blood circulation and immune regulation may help the skin and nerves recover more efficiently.
Shingles can be an incredibly painful and draining experience, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Acupuncture offers a natural, evidence-supported option to ease pain, support healing, and improve quality of life—both during the active rash phase and long afterward.
Reference links;
- https://www.dovepress.com/is-acupuncture-an-effective-postherpetic-neuralgia-treatment-a-systema-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JPR
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/dth.12468
About the Author
Dr Lauren Surridge (TCM) is the Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist and owner of Balanced Life Health Care.
To find out more about Lauren click here and to make an appointment to see Lauren at her clinic in Ferntree Gully click here
