Editor's Note: This article was excerpted from Mr. Gaeddert's book, Healing Skin Disorders, published by North Atlantic Books.
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus can remain dormant in nerve cells for many years after the onset of chickenpox. The first symptom of a herpes zoster attack is usually pain or tingling over the area to be affected. A few days later, a red rash appears. The red bumps soon turn to virus-filled blisters which then dry, crust, and turn yellow. Eruptions usually occur on only one side of the body, either over the ribs, on one half of the face, or as a strip on one half of the neck and adjoining arm; or on the lower body.
Typically shingles strikes the elderly and those with suppressed immune systems. Postherpetic neuralgia is pain due to nerve damage. It may be serious and persist for many months. A herpes zoster attack accompanied by eye pain should be reported to a physician immediately, as ophthalmic herpes zoster may have serious complications. Standard biomedical treatments for herpes zoster include analgesics for pain, soothing lotions, wet compresses and steroids. Acyclovir taken at the first sign of an outbreak may lessen the severity of the attack.
Self-Treatments
Professional Treatments
Chinese herbal therapy includes the administration of tonic herbs to strengthen the immune system, herbal antivirals, and specific pain-relieving herbs used topically and internally.
Case Studies
Case # 1
Larry, a retired 79-year-old, had shingles with burning pain affecting the left side of his face and scalp. Because the pain was severe, he was being treated with Ativan, Darvocet and valproic acid. Larry was referred to our clinic by an acupuncturist who was able to control the pain for only short periods of time. Larry's pulse was irregular, and his tongue was reddish-purple and dry.
We recommended the heat formula (two tablets four times a day) to reduce toxic heat. We also suggested he take the dragon's blood formula internally (one-half dropperful four times a day), and that it be applied topically twice daily after washing his face with soap and water. After one week, Larry reported slightly less pain, but indicated he had developed diarrhea, which he believed was caused by the herbs. When we probed Larry, he admitted that the diarrhea could have been caused by some spoiled food he ate from a deli. Nevertheless, we added the isatis formula (two tablets four times a day) to his protocol, as it contains strengthening herbs that would counter the cooling nature of the heat formula in case it was the real cause of the diarrhea.
After three weeks, Larry came in unhappy about the number of pills he was taking and about the taste of the dragon's blood formula; however, he reported being able to cut back on the Darvocet, which helped him feel less drowsy. Over the next couple of months, as his pain and heat signs diminished, the heat formula was stopped. He remained on the dragon's blood formula another two months, and on the isatis formula for six months. When we followed up with him at this point, Larry indicated that his pain was much improved.
Case # 2
Harold, 80, suffered from shingles following chemotherapy treatments for colon cancer. His pulse was sinking and rapid, and his tongue was scarlet.
We recommended the isatis formula (three tablets four times a day), and that he apply the dragon's blood formula topically to the affected parts of his body by massaging it into the area twice per day. He was also asked to take the dragon's blood formula internally (one-half dropperful four times a day). Within three weeks, Harold obtained substantial pain relief. He continued on the dragon's blood formula another two weeks before discontinuing it, and continued on the isatis formula for another six months. Harold reported no further outbreaks of shingles.
Structured water (H3O2) can be considered a fourth state of water between liquid and solid. It has the hexagonal structure of ice; however, missing a critical bond, it behaves more like a gel than a solid, but retains some of its crystalline structure.
In the past five years of my clinical practice, I have seen an astonishing upsurge in the chronic use of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) medications for the gastrointestinal issue diagnosed by allopathic medicine as GERD. It is not uncommon to encounter patients taking these prescriptions for five-plus years.
Working with chronically ill patients entails acknowledging the reality that not all patients will survive their diagnosis. Chinese medicine and acupuncture play a crucial role in palliative and end-of-life care, addressing medication and disease side effects, alleviating pain associated with death, reducing anxiety and stress, and helping patients find peace during the dying process.
