Zoster (support for post-herpetic neuralgia / shingles)

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection that causes a painful skin rash, often accompanied by burning, stabbing, or throbbing nerve pain. After the rash clears, many people experience post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) — persistent nerve pain that can last for months or even years.

Understanding Shingles and Post-Herpetic Neuralgia in TCM

In TCM, shingles and PHN are linked to:

  • Liver and Gallbladder Heat attacking the skin and nerves
  • Damp-Heat accumulation exacerbating inflammation
  • Qi and Blood stagnation causing persistent pain
  • Yin deficiency leading to poor nerve nourishment

Treatment aims to clear Heat, move Qi and Blood, nourish Yin, and promote nerve repair.

How Acupuncture Supports Recovery from Shingles and PHN

Acupuncture promotes healing by:

  • Reducing nerve inflammation and easing pain
  • Stimulating blood circulation to damaged nerve areas
  • Calming the nervous system to lower pain sensitivity
  • Supporting the Liver and Spleen functions for tissue regeneration

Key acupuncture points along the Gallbladder, Liver, Spleen, and Bladder meridians are chosen based on the location of the nerve pain.

Research published in the Journal of Pain Management and Acupuncture (2022) shows that acupuncture significantly reduces post-herpetic neuralgia pain intensity, improves sleep, and enhances quality of life.

How Chinese Herbal Medicine Supports Nerve Healing

Chinese herbal therapy complements acupuncture by:

  • Clearing residual Damp-Heat and toxins
  • Moving stagnant Qi and Blood to alleviate pain
  • Nourishing Yin and Blood to support nerve regeneration
  • Strengthening the immune system to prevent recurrence

Commonly used herbs include:

  • Long Dan Cao (Gentian Root): Clears Liver and Gallbladder Heat
  • Dan Shen (Salvia Root): Moves Blood and alleviates pain
  • Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia Root): Cools Blood and nourishes Yin
  • Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus Stem): Nourishes Blood and relaxes sinews

Herbal formulas are personalised depending on whether the predominant pattern involves Heat, Dampness, stagnation, or deficiency.

Symptoms Addressed by TCM Treatment

Our approach helps relieve:

  • Persistent burning, stabbing, or shooting pain
  • Tingling, numbness, or sensitivity in affected areas
  • Emotional distress and anxiety caused by chronic pain
  • Fatigue and weakness associated with nerve recovery

Early intervention improves the chance of faster recovery and pain reduction.

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations for Nerve Healing

At Vital Duo, we recommend:

  • Eating anti-inflammatory, easy-to-digest foods such as cooked vegetables, soups, and congee
  • Avoiding spicy, greasy, and heavily processed foods that generate internal Heat
  • Staying hydrated with warm herbal teas
  • Managing emotional stress with meditation, Tai Chi, or breathing exercises
  • Keeping the affected skin area clean and moisturised
  • Getting adequate rest to support nerve regeneration

Consistency in healthy lifestyle choices helps speed up recovery and reduce nerve sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

Living with post-herpetic neuralgia can be challenging, but natural healing is possible. With the time-tested methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine, you can reduce pain, support nerve recovery, and regain your comfort and strength.

 

Best Chinese Acupuncture for Pain Relief In Bristol

Our therapists combine traditional Chinese knowledge from Rank No.1 University in China, modern needles techniques, and 1:1 root cause consultation — so every session moves our clients toward full-body healing and sustainable wellness.

Root-Cause Pain Relief In Bristol

This isn’t your average acupuncture session.

This is Real Classical Chinese Acupuncture — 2,000 years of medical wisdom, now used to target pain at the root.

In your 60-minute personalised session, you’ll get:

  • Classics acupuncture / Cupping provided from top ranked academy
  • Diagnosis based on ancient Chinese medical texts
  • Personalised guidance on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes
  • WhatsApp follow-up for questions and progress tracking

BONUS: First-time clients start with a Free Pain Relief Talk.

P.S: If we begin treatment and it doesn’t feel right, you get a FULL REFUND.

You’ve got nothing to lose — except the pain.

Book Me Now From £60 Per Session

Pain Relief Treatment At Vital Duo

  • Acupuncture

    Acupuncture is a cornerstone of TCM, involving the insertion of fine needles at specific points to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. This technique enhances blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and balances the flow of Qi (vital energy), effectively alleviating various types of pain, including:​

  • Herbal Tea

    Our custom-blended herbal teas are formulated based on ancient TCM texts and tailored to individual diagnoses. These blends work gently to reduce inflammation, nourish the organs, improve digestion, and calm the nervous system, supporting your recovery from within.

  • Herbal Supplements

    We offer personalised herbal supplements that strengthen the musculoskeletal system, ease nerve pain, and enhance resilience. Each formula is carefully matched to your condition and constitution to maximise healing potential.

  • Cupping

    Cupping therapy further boosts circulation, releases deep muscular tension, and supports lymphatic drainage. It is ideal for treating stubborn pain, inflammation, and stress-related tightness, helping you feel refreshed and renewed.

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Why Choose Vital Duo?

  • Free Pain Relief Talk with risk-free needle trial

    First-time patients enjoy a free consultation and a complimentary needle trial. If you decide to start treatment and it doesn’t feel right, you get a full refund. Our focus is your comfort, your results, and your trust.

  • Tailor Made Treatment

    At Vital Duo, every treatment plan is tailor-made. We diagnose based on ancient Chinese medical principles and provide personalised advice on diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

  • WhatsApp follow-up and progress tracking

    Our support continues beyond your session with WhatsApp follow-ups and progress tracking, so your healing journey is guided at every step.

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