Shingles

Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. This virus may stay dormant in the body for years, living in the nervous system, long after the chickenpox is gone and eventually manifesting as shingles. Shingles is also referred to as herpes zoster. This type of viral infection is characterised by a red skin rash that can cause pain and burning. In TICM, shingles is known as a latent pathogen. The toxic we are jabbed with, sits in our nervous system just like all the other external toxins that are put into us, waiting to erupt at any time. This is why TICM do not agree with external toxins being jabbed into our systems, they are a disaster waiting to happen and it will happen. They are not ethical, they are vile and are cause of conditions. Factors such as stress, aging, emotions, fatigue, injury, conditions such as cancer, including chemotherapy and radiation are triggers.

An episode of shingles can last anywhere from about 2 to 4 weeks, usually one will feel a tingling sensation in the affected area at first, followed by pain, and then a rash. Pain begins as a localised sensation to the area which tends to be continuous, dull, or of a burning sensation and its intensity can vary from mild to severe. The rash appears several days later which can begin as redness, then develop into blisters that are inflamed and itchy. The blisters eventually dry out after about a week. Sometimes, additional symptoms may be present such as fatigue, fever, headache, upset stomach, abdominal pains, and so on. Usually, these rashes appear as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body, typically on the torso, neck, or face and can even affect the eyes.

Shingles rarely occurs more than once in the same person, but approximately 1 in 3 people will have shingles at some point in their life and can occur at any age. I have found that those who have re-occurring shingles, tend to have low self esteem with a feeling of unworthiness that stems from childhood. They tend to feel slow, stupid and fearful holding onto anger and resentment from the past. They can be fussy, demanding and hypersensitive all at the same time. They can have a constant scrutiny of themselves as well as others and always returning to the same thoughts of they are not good enough so they simply just give up.

Treatment

Unless treated at the root cause, associated symptoms and complications can result, hence why TICM is such a great option for shingles, because it treats the individual as a whole. The weaker the constitution of the patient, the longer the duration of treatment needed.

What can TICM do?

Acupuncture and herbs prove effective for the treatment of shingles. Researchers from three independent studies conclude that acupuncture and herbal medicine significantly relieve rashes and pain associated with the herpes zoster virus (shingles). Importantly, acupuncture and herbal medicine outperformed antiviral and anti-inflammatory medications, indicating that usual care protocols are suboptimal without inclusion of acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Nutrition: avoid hot and spicy foods, fried foods and alcohol during a shingles outbreak as they further contribute to the formation of dampness and heat. Avoid sugar, excess cold beverages and raw foods as that creates dampness in the Stomach and Spleen. Eat consistent meals, not skipping breakfast or lunch and drink ginger powder tea.

Herbs: there are formula’s that drains toxins, dampness and heat, while also killing bacteria like candida and yeast which thrive in said environments and can very well cause rashes, Stomach pain and shingles. This formula has been used with efficacy in natural shingles treatment. Other formula’s helps the Liver, harmonises the body and will drain heat from affected channels.

Moxibustion: this therapy which consists of burning dried mugwort on particular points on the body can be done along with acupuncture. This especially treats inflammation, helps people suffering from weakness especially the elderly. Research done on moxa and shingles reports that it improves pain and the outcome affecting the skin in those dealing with shingles.

Immune boost: shingles is a sign of compromised immune response. Make sure to have adequate amounts of magnesium, zinc, vitamin C and D. Make sure to speak to your doctor about this. Use ginger powder tea to boost circulation and immunity daily. The potent dehydrated ginger not only invigorates the body's energy, but it kills pathogens and helps keep Yang (warm) energy which is responsible for digestion and strong immunity.

Manage emotions: the Liver and Gallbladder are usually the organs affected in those with shingles. Most rashes are found on the corresponding meridians which is very telling. Stress, unresolved emotions, anger are some ways emotions can lead to an outbreak because they weaken immunity. Make sure to manage stress and take time for yourself daily, no excuses. Acupuncture can greatly improve stress and emotional health.