Oh, the Pain! 6 Alternative Ways to Ease Agony of Shingles

Nontraditional Treatments

Every year, nearly 1 million Americans get shingles (herpes zoster), a reactivation of the chicken pox virus that causes a painful rash. A vaccine can halve your risk, but if you do get shingles, see your doctor immediately for prescription meds. And check out these nontraditional ways to further ease the pain.

Acupuncture

Chinese studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce the pain of shingles and speed the time it takes for sores to begin healing. Ask a licensed acupuncturist about electroacupuncture, surround needling and the addition of moxibustion, a process that warms the acupuncture points by burning certain herbs near the skin.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

This noninvasive pain treatment uses a small device to deliver low-voltage electrical current to electrodes that are attached to the skin. Mel Borins, M.D., author of A Doctor’s Guide to Alternative Medicine: What Works, What Doesn’t and Why, says the most important shingles advice is to seek immediate treatment with antiviral drugs. TENS therapy can also be helpful, Borins adds.

Stress Reduction Therapy

Stress can contribute to the likelihood of a shingles outbreak, and continued stress can make that outbreak more painful. Treatments such as hypnosis and mindfulness-based therapy can help reduce stress. Ask your doctor about practitioners in your area.

Cupping

This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves applying heated cups to the skin to create energy flow. A journal review of several studies on the effectiveness of cupping showed that the practice has potential in treating the shingles rash. To find a licensed cupping practitioner in your area, visit cuppingtherapy.org

Manuka Honey and Clover Honey

Both have been shown to have significant antiviral properties that fight against the zoster virus. A 2012 study has suggested that these honeys, when applied topically to the shingles rash, can be used as a remedy — especially in developing countries where antiviral drugs are expensive or unavailable.

Capsaicin

This ingredient, found in hot peppers, is used in a topical treatment that provides temporary relief from postherpetic neuralgia, the lingering pain that can follow a shingles outbreak and can last for weeks or months. It comes in a variety of over-the-counter products, including creams and extended-release patches.

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