Postherpetic Neuralgia in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different postherpetic neuralgia patterns according to TCM theory
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Postherpetic neuralgia is a nerve pain condition that persists after a shingles infection has subsided. It is recognized by lingering pain in the areas of the skin where the shingles outbreak occurred. This condition can be particularly distressing because the pain is often severe and unresponsive to standard pain-relief medications.
The pain of postherpetic neuralgia is typically described as a sharp, stabbing, or burning sensation and may be accompanied by sensitivity to touch or temperature changes.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets postherpetic neuralgia as a blockage of Qi and Blood, leading to an imbalance in the body's natural energy flow. Such blockages can be caused by the lingering pathogenic influence of a viral infection — in this case, the herpes zoster virus.
TCM prioritizes understanding the unique pattern of disharmony in each patient, which is essential for providing targeted treatment. By identifying the underlying imbalances, TCM practitioners can formulate a treatment plan that addresses both the symptoms and the root cause.
Herbal Formulas for Postherpetic Neuralgia
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address postherpetic neuralgia