PHN and TCM

The pic from the website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/postherpetic-neuralgia

Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) is a type of long-lasting nerve pain that can happen after someone has shingles (herpes zoster). It develops when the nerves are damaged after the shingles virus (VZV) becomes active again. People with PHN often feel burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain. Some also notice tingling, itching, numbness, or sensitivity in the same area where the shingles rash once appeared.

PHN is more common in older adults, especially after age 50. A weaker immune system makes it harder for the body to recover, which increases the risk. Doctors often prescribe medicines such as gabapentin or topical treatments like lidocaine patches to reduce the pain, but these usually bring only temporary relief.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), PHN is understood a little differently. It can be caused by stress that affects the Liver, poor diet that weakens the Spleen, or outside factors like “damp-heat” or “heat toxins” getting into the body. For older adults, PHN often happens because the body doesn’t have enough blood and energy to nourish the nerves, while blocked circulation (Qi and Blood stagnation) makes the pain linger.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can both help ease PHN. When used together, they not only reduce pain but also work to restore balance in the body, helping treat both the symptoms and the root cause.