Herpes zoster, commonly known as “shēng shé” (生蛇) in Guangzhou, is a disease that many are familiar with.
Department of Acupuncture Rehabilitation
Director Liu Juan, Chief TCM Physician
What is Herpes Zoster
It is an acute herpes skin disease characterized by clustered vesicles and localized pain, caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The herpes typically follows the distribution of a peripheral nerve, arranged in a band-like pattern, appearing on one side of the body, commonly affecting the intercostal nerves, cervical nerves, trigeminal nerve, and lumbar nerve distribution areas. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as burning pain on the skin and loss of appetite, severely affecting the patient’s sleep.
TCM Fire Needle Treatment for Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster falls under the category of “shé chuàn chuāng” (蛇串疮) and “chán yāo dān” (缠腰丹) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM believes it is caused by the invasion of fire wind or damp toxin, related to emotional disturbances, dietary issues, and lifestyle imbalances. The fire needle technique involves heating a specially made metal needle until it is red hot and then quickly inserting it into specific points to treat diseases. The “Qian Jin Yi Fang” (千金翼方) by Sun Simiao from the Tang Dynasty records that “for external boils and abscesses, the needle must be extremely hot.” Fire needles have the effects of warming the meridians, dispersing cold, activating the channels, and promoting regeneration. Clinically, it is often used to treat conditions such as gastric ptosis, menstrual irregularities, flat warts, and rubella.
Principle of Fire Needle Treatment
The fire needle treatment for herpes zoster works by using the heated needle to introduce heat into the body through acupoints, directly stimulating the qi (气) and invigorating blood circulation, thereby achieving the effects of dispersing heat, opening up blockages, and promoting regeneration.
Editor: Jin Xiaoxin