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Herpes zoster is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which can languish in the body for years before becoming active. The main symptom of herpes zoster is a painful skin rash, which can last for weeks (or months) before resolving. A study published in Medical Acupuncture suggests that a protocol employing acupuncture and a variety of other forms of traditional Chinese medicine is effective in reducing the pain associated with herpes infection, even in patients who have had the disease for a considerable length of time.

In the study, 189 patients with herpes zoster infection were treated with a protocol consisting of acupuncture, moxibustion, auriculotherapy, cupping, bloodletting, and electroacupuncture, with variations of the protocol used depending on whether the herpes infection was acute, subacute or chronic. Patients received one treatment every week for the first four treatments, then once every two weeks, up to a maximum of 10 treatments from the first session.

The protocol resulted in a clinical resolution of symptoms (no pain and no skin lesions at the end of treatment) in over 80 percent of the patients, often in fewer than six treatment sessions. Another 17 patients experienced a "simple improvement," which was characterized as an improvement in pain levels compared to before the acupuncture protocol, but with residual pain at the end of treatment. Only five patients in the study group experienced no improvement in pain or herpes symptoms.

"Treatment of pain associated with herpes zoster infection with acupuncture and related therapies seemed to have good clinical results in diminishing pain, even in long-lasting disease," the authors wrote. "We believe that acupuncture for this disease warrants consideration and should be tested with vigorous research designs, such as randomized controlled trials, to reach solid conclusions."

Reference

Martin M, Guerra de Hoyos JA, Bassas y Baena de Leon E, et al. Acupuncture and moxibustion for pain associated with herpes zoster infection: a series of 189 cases. Medical Acupuncture January 2005;16(2):28-31.

Houttuynia is a perennial plant native to east Asia. Considered a weed by some, it is nevertheless an essential component of many herbal remedies. In traditional Chinese medicine, houttuynia has pungent and slightly cold properties, and is associated with the Lung meridian. Its main functions are to clear heat and release toxins. It is used to treat lung abscesses and heat in the lungs, which usually manifest as a cough, with thick sputum. Houttuynia also treats boils on the skin and swelling caused by toxic heat.

The typical dose of houttuynia ranges between 15 and 30 grams. It is usually decocted for drinking, but can also be applied externally to the skin. Because houttuynia contains a volatile oil, it cannot be decocted for long periods of time. Dried, whole houttuynia is available at many herbal shops, as are houttuynia pills and powders.

As of this writing, there are no known side-effects associated with houttuynia, nor are there no any known drug interactions. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking houttuynia or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

References

Hao XY, Li L, et al. Analysis of essential oil from houttuynia cordata in Guizhou. Acta Botanica Yunnanica 1995;17(3):350-352.
2. Hayashi K, Kamiya M, et al. Virucidal effects of the steam distillate from houttuynia cordata and its components on HSV-1, influenza virus, and HIV. Planta Medica 1995;61(3):237-241.
3. Tsui WY, Brown GD. Chemical study of the aerial parts of houttuynia cordata. Fitoterapia 1996;67(5):479.

Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

The "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum provides a place for interested parties to ask questions about acupuncture and Oriental medicine and have them answered by a licensed acupuncturist. This month's questions:

Question #1: Does acupuncture work on migraines at all? And if it does, how well does it reportedly work?

Answer: TCM/acupuncture has a great track record with the treatment of migraines. I personally have successfully treated a number of folks that have little or no success with Western medicine. It is classified in various ways in TCM, so you'll need to see someone who practices TCM acupuncture before any kind of prognosis can be given. Let me say again, however, that you can not only have the pain controlled, but in many cases get permanent relief -- so please pursue this.

Question #2: What would an appropriate knee rehabilitation acupuncture strategy/treatment involve for ACL reconstruction and subsequent patellofemoral damage and ongoing pain?

Answer: It is a little difficult to say without an examination and evaluation, because these conditions are individually assessed. In general, acupuncture and physical therapy such as acupressure or manual traction would be used over a course of 10 to 15 treatments for an initial treatment plan.

Have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit AcupunctureToday.com's "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask.

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