What is Shingles?

Shingles, caused by the varicella herpes zoster virus, is an infection of a nerve and the surrounding skin. The main shingles symptoms are a painful rash developing into itchy blisters. It usually only affects a specific area on one side of the body and while it is attributed to the same virus as chickenpox, orthodox medicine is not clear as to why this virus tends to be reactivated periodically, except to suggest that this is a result of lowered immunity. Even after the rash is gone pain can persist (called post-herpetic neuralgia). Mainstream shingles treatment is generally restricted to painkillers and anti-viral medications.

What Causes Shingles and Treatment for Shingles?

Shingles causes can often be seen to occur at times of increased stress. The production of stress hormones affects the body’s acid-alkali balance, so restoring this balance is an essential part of the Ayurvedic treatment for shingles, which it regards as being due to a Pitta imbalance. Stress management will also frequently form a part of the shingles treatment regime. Both external and internal medicines are utilized; Ayurveda has a huge range of medicines to draw upon, Manjistha and Smilax china being amongst the most useful in restoring the acid-alkali balance, as well as some specially prepared formulations of sulphur. Ayurvedic oils for the shingles rash can also be highly beneficial, but in every case, treatment is selected according to individual needs and the severity of the condition. As always, dietary advice will be given together with some useful tips on how to treat shingles at homes, such as the consumption of coconut water and the pulp from inside the coconut.

Contact for help with Shingles treatment in Australia:

In most cases, shingles will recur periodically if left untreated, so if you are affected in this way call us for help at the Yatan Holistic Health Care Healing Ayurvedic Centre on 1300 552 260.