Finding Relief from Post-Herpetic Neuropathy with Acupuncture

I have seen my share of Post-herpetic neuropathy (PHN) patients.  PHN is a chronic, often debilitating condition that occurs as a complication of shingles (herpes zoster). Characterized by persistent nerve pain even after the shingles rash has healed, PHN can severely impact a person's quality of life. Conventional treatments include medications like anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and topical agents, but these approaches don't always provide sufficient relief and often come with unwanted side effects. Increasingly, patients are turning to acupuncture as a natural, effective alternative.

WHAT IS POST-HERPETIC NEUROPATHY?

PHN arises when the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles) damages peripheral nerves. This damage leads to abnormal pain signaling, causing sensations like burning, stabbing, or shooting pain in the affected area—often the torso or face. Pain may last for months or even years after the initial shingles outbreak has resolved.

HOW ACUPUNCTURE WORKS FOR PHN

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to restore energy flow (qi) and balance the body’s systems. For PHN, acupuncture is believed to modulate the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and enhance the body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms.

Several mechanisms explain how acupuncture may relieve neuropathic pain:

• Neuromodulation: Acupuncture influences the central and peripheral nervous systems, altering pain perception and reducing hyperactive nerve firing. In this photo I am doing electro-acupuncture on the nerve roots associated with the dermatomes of the affected skin area in the right ribcage where she has constant inflammation and pain.

• Endorphin Release: It stimulates the release of endogenous opioids (like endorphins), which are natural painkillers produced by the body. My patients often report feeling a calm and soothing effect after needles are inserted.

• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Acupuncture can reduce inflammatory markers that contribute to nerve damage and pain.

• Improved Microcirculation: By increasing blood flow to affected tissues, acupuncture supports nerve repair and reduces pain sensitivity.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SUPPORTING ACUPUNCTURE FOR PHN

A growing body of evidence supports acupuncture’s efficacy for neuropathic pain, including PHN:

• A 2019 meta-analysis published in Pain Physician found that acupuncture significantly reduced pain intensity in patients with post-herpetic neuralgia compared to conventional treatment alone.

• A randomized controlled trial in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2017) reported that patients receiving acupuncture showed a greater reduction in pain and improved quality of life than those on medication alone.

• Electroacupuncture, a technique that applies a mild electric current through acupuncture needles, has shown enhanced effects in reducing neuropathic pain and modulating abnormal nerve activity.

These findings indicate that acupuncture can be an effective complement—or even alternative—to pharmacological treatments, particularly for patients who are sensitive to medications or who prefer holistic care.

INTEGRATIVE CARE: COMBINING ACUPUNCTURE WITH CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE

For many patients, an integrative approach yields the best results. Acupuncture can be safely combined with medications and physical therapy to enhance pain relief, reduce drug dependency, and promote overall healing. Physicians and licensed acupuncturists often work together to create individualized treatment plans for PHN sufferers.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

A typical course of treatment for PHN might involve 1–2 sessions per week for several weeks. During the session, a licensed acupuncturist will carefully insert sterile, single-use needles into selected acupuncture points, often near the affected dermatomes (skin areas supplied by nerves). Patients often report a sense of relaxation and reduced pain even after the first few sessions. This patient you see in the photo gets immediate relief after her acupuncture session

Post-herpetic neuropathy can be a persistent and painful condition, but acupuncture offers a promising path to relief. Backed by both traditional knowledge and modern research, acupuncture helps reduce nerve pain, improve nerve function, and restore quality of life. As awareness of integrative medicine grows, acupuncture stands out as a valuable tool in the management of PHN and other neuropathic conditions.