When Postherpetic Neuralgia is Severe

Ah, postherpetic neuralgia! This is truly a notorious condition that causes much talk and trouble. In fact, quite a number of people who visit my clinic suffer from it. It's like an uninvited guest, suddenly appearing and disrupting daily life.

What Exactly Is Shingles?

When people hear "shingles," many might think, "Ah, that's a disease adults get, right?" Yes, shingles primarily appears in adults with weakened immunity. The cause is the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox. After having chickenpox in childhood, this virus lies dormant in the body and reactivates when immunity drops. The symptoms that appear at this time are what we call shingles.

So What Is Postherpetic Neuralgia?

While shingles itself is quite distressing, the bigger problem is actually the after-effect that remains after shingles has passed, which is 'postherpetic neuralgia.' Even after shingles is treated and the blisters disappear, pain sometimes persists; this is postherpetic neuralgia. It's like a lingering aftermath of shingles, continuing to cause a burning sensation in its wake.

Why Does Such Pain Persist?

The reasons are various, but the biggest is that the virus has damaged the nervous system. The shingles virus spreads along the nerves, causing inflammation in nerve tissue, and this leads to nerve damage, resulting in pain. Furthermore, this pain is influenced not only by simple physical damage but also by the complex interplay of our body's psycho-neuro-immune system.

How Does Traditional Korean Medicine View This Problem?

In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), shingles and postherpetic neuralgia are viewed as 'Damp-Heat' and 'Qi and Blood circulation disorder.' Damp-Heat refers to problems arising from excessive dampness and heat in the body, while Qi and Blood circulation disorder signifies issues caused by the impaired circulation of 'Qi' (life energy) and blood. TKM interprets the inflammation of the nervous system caused by the shingles virus as a problem resulting from blocked flow of Qi and Blood.

So How Is It Treated?

Traditional Korean Medicine employs various methods to address these issues. Acupuncture and herbal medicine prescriptions are representative treatments, both focusing on aiding the circulation of Qi and Blood, eliminating Damp-Heat, and restoring the body's balance. Acupuncture, in particular, is effective in unblocking the flow of Qi and assisting in the recovery of damaged nerve tissue.

Is It Actually Effective?

Yes, many patients report that acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments have been significantly helpful in alleviating pain. While individual responses vary slightly, in many cases, Traditional Korean Medicine treatments have helped reduce the pain of postherpetic neuralgia, allowing patients to return to their daily lives.

Are There Other Important Considerations Besides TKM Treatment?

The most important thing is managing stress. Stress significantly affects the immune system, and when immunity weakens, the risk of the shingles virus reactivating increases. Therefore, maintaining a regular lifestyle, getting enough rest, and having healthy eating habits are very important.

#IncheonShingles