Herpes Zoster, also known as shingles, is a painful skin condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the underlying cause is damp heat stagnating in the body. Additionally, toxic heat from the outside, in this case, the Zoster pathogen, is involved. Due to a weak transport and transformation function of the spleen (which is responsible for good digestion, disturbed by cold and damp foods), moisture develops and accumulates in the skin and muscles, leading to the formation of blisters. Internal heat develops from Qi stagnation in the heart and liver. The stagnated heat can transform into fire and combine with the external toxic heat (Herpes Zoster virus). After someone has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells. Years later, it can reactivate and lead to shingles, often triggered by a weakened immune system due to stress or illness. In classical texts, this is referred to as “fireballs spreading around the waist.”

The symptoms of herpes zoster typically begin with a burning, itching sensation and pain on one side of the body, followed by a rash that typically appears as a stripe or band on one side of the body. This rash consists of red blisters that later crust over. The pain can be intense and may last for weeks to months, even after the rash has healed.

After the acute phase of a herpes zoster infection, pain often persists. The pain is aggravated by stress, movement, or even touch. It is described as stabbing, sharp nerve pain. Painkillers are often ineffective. This is referred to as post-zoster neuralgia. These pains occur due to nerve damage caused by inflammation during the shingles outbreak. Post-zoster neuralgia often presents as stabbing, burning, or electric shock-like pain and, in severe cases, can lead to chronic discomfort that significantly impacts quality of life. The exact causes of the condition are not fully understood, but it is believed that inflammation of the nerves during shingles leads to permanent changes. Older individuals and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing post-zoster neuralgia.

TCM views these persistent pains as stagnation of blood and Qi. Acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine are used to release blockages and sustainably reduce pain.

We would be happy to advise you on your individual symptoms and the possible therapies.