Shingles and Acupuncture – Weekly Wellness Tip

Mon, Jun 12, 2017

Enjoy our weekly wellness tip from Licensed Acupuncturist, Michael Savalli.

Shingles is the manifestation of a viral infection called the herpes varicella-zoster virus.  It occurs along patches of skin, that leaves the area red, itchy, and painful.  The virus is usually acquired as chicken pox.  Shingles and chicken pox come from the same virus, however, the way they manifest is different.  In shingles, he virus lays dormant, until stress, or other environmental factors trigger an outbreak.  It often shows in those aged 50 and above.  If someone with the virus has their immune system weakened for any number of reasons, the shingles rash may develop.  Usually the first sign is a tingling sensation, along patches of skin, along the persons back or abdomen.  The area will then get painful, and develop a rash, possibly with blisters.  This lasts 2-4 weeks.  However, the virus never goes completely away.  It merely returns to a dormant phase, that can be triggered once again in the same way.  The infection can also lead to other complications, such as post-herpetic neuralgia, where there is constant pain in the area, even once the rash subsides.

TCM treatments can help with shingles outbreak in several ways.  Firstly, acupuncture is very relaxing for the body.  As we mentioned, stress or lowered immunity can trigger an outbreak. 

Acupuncture is proven to reduce the physiological effects of stress, and improve healthy immunity.  In this way it can reduce, or prevent a shingles outbreak.  If caught early, before an outbreak, acupuncture can reduce the chances of fully developing the rash. 

Also, TCM offers specific dietary advice that can help reduce the severity of shingles.  If shingles is something you, or someone you know is coping with; try acupuncture and TCM as a treatment option.  It can make things a whole lot better.

If you’d like to learn more about how Acupuncture can help heal you or a family member, call 631-601-6491 for a FREE Consultation.

Meet Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

Michael is a board certified NY State Licensed Acupuncturist, who received his Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine from New York College of Health Professions.  While in this program, he also specialized in Chinese Herbal Medicine. If you or anyone you know is interested in staying healthy this season, schedule your appointment and learn how Acupuncture and herbs can boost your immunity. 

631-601-6491

Click to learn more about Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

Caring For Cancer

Come join us in this beautiful support group and connect with others who have been or are going through treatment. We will be providing a group meditation and mini acupuncture sessions. This event is free and open to the public. Caring for Cancer meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7pm.  Please call to reserve a seat as spaces are limited. 

631-601-6491

In good health,

Elizabeth M. Martin, MSOM, L.Ac, LMT and the Staff at Hands on Acupuncture and Massage Therapy, P.C.