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Shingles

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus can lie dormant for many years before recurring as shingles. Shingles causes inflammation of the spine and infection along the connecting nerves, leading to rash and blisters on the skin.

Shingles can be triggered by:

Trauma  


Immune-suppressing diseases

Steroid use  


Prolonged stress

Aging

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A large number of shingles patients experience extremely intense, burning pain that Western pharmaceuticals aren't able to relieve. Acupuncture has been used to successfully treat the pain and inflammation associated with shingles without the negative side effects of drugs.

Acupuncture for Shingles

Acupuncture accelerates the healing process by releasing endorphins, which reduce stress levels in the body. The endorphin release helps restore the immune system's function, which works to deactivate and control the virus. Acupuncture points along the infected nerves work as an anti-inflammatory and help in the recovery and regeneration of the damaged nerves.

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In studies, acupuncture had a 94% success rate at treating shingles pain. While nerve pain medication had less success rate and had withdrawal effects including insomnia, anxiety, and nausea.

Chinese Herbal Medicine for Shingles

Herbal medicine works for activiting the body to release enkephalins (our body’s natural pain killers), stimulate a faster healing response, in order to decrease inflammation, neutralize virus and alleviate pain. The combination of herbal formulas can also be used to a speed healing, smooth the nerve ends, repair damaged nerves and prevent the pain recurrences.

If you have a shingles flare-up, don't suffer through the side effects and withdrawals of less effective painkillers! Call us at 020 8780 0955 or click here to schedule an appointment today.

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