Shingles is considered a fire toxin in Chinese medicine. Associated with the liver and gallbladder, we also treat it as damp heat in these channels. As a version of the herpes virus, we treat it with the same herbs we use for oral and genital herpes as well. Chrysanthemum tea can be helpful for those who use a lot of western herbs or have easy access to a western herbal apothecary. Otherwise, the formula Long Dan Xie Gan Tang is what we prescribe.
Long means dragon, Dan means liver/gallbladder, Xie means drain, and tang means decoction. So we are draining the dragon from the liver/gallbladder.
This protocol below is called "surround the dragon."
Where can this firey shingles dragon go when it is surrounded by needles? It will have to fly away and stop burning my patient!
Due to its highly contagious nature, I wear gloves when I treat shingles. I advise patients to stay away from greasy or spicy foods, as well as sugar and alcohol. The spice can inflame the heat, and the others are all dampening. Gluten can be dampening as well. Greens and other veggies are good when you're dealing with shingles. For anyone who struggles with herpes, getting on a daily dose of lion's mane for at least a year is really helpful. I also suggest that shingles patients take a high dose of Lyseine. I have seen dramatic relief within 1-2 days of treatment with herbs and acupuncture.
