Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chicken pox. The disease can strike anyone at any age, but it is most common in people in their sixties. Immunosuppressed people and the elderly are more vulnerable to the disease.

The varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the bodies of chickenpox victims for a very long time. Symptoms appear when the virus reactivates and travels from the dorsal root ganglion to the sensory and peripheral nerves. The trigeminal nerve’s ophthalmic division and the thoracic dermatomes are typically affected by the illness.

Clinical features.

1. The initial symptom of the disease is a sharp, burning pain, usually present in the affected dermatome.
2. After 48 to 72 hours, lesions start to develop in the affected dermatomes.
3. The lesions will be few in number, painful, and itchy, and they will continue to form for a period of 3 to 5 days.
4. If the trigeminal nerve is involved, the lesion and ulcers will appear in the face, mouth, eye, and tongue.
5. Inability to eat.
6. Enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck.
7. The disease lasts for 7 to 10 days.

Complications

1.  Corneal ulceration.
2. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is characterized by facial palsy, loss of taste in the anterior   2/3rd of the tongue, and pain and rashes in the external auditory canal.
3. Postherpetic neuralgia.
4. Myelitis.
5. Acute neuritis.
6. Changes in the sensation of the affected dermatome.

Shingles in Ayurveda

Vataja and Pittaja Visarpa is the traditional reference for shingles. It is one of the skin disorder, in which rakta dhatu is getting vitiated. The affected individual presents with symptoms such as

1. Body pain (angamard).
2. Discolouration (vivarna).
3. Pain (shoola).
4. Loss of taste (arochaka).
5. Itching.
6. Reddish-colored patches on the skin.

Management of Shingles in Ayurveda

Ayurveda classics have advised both Sodhana (purificatory) therapy and Samana (pacifying) therapy for the management of shingles.

The purificatory therapies include:

1. Medicated enema (Vamana).
2. Medicated purgation (virechanam).
3. Bloodletting therapy (raktamosham) using leeches is the best treatment for shingles in Ayurveda.
4. Lepa- application of medicated powder mixed with water. The commonly used medicated powders are Nyagrodadi ganam, Patmolpaladi ganam, Satadhouta ghritam, and Varunadi gana.
5. Sekam – pouring lukewarm decoction made using medicated powders.

The pacifying therapy includes the oral administration of various medicinal supplements also.

Do’s and Don’t’s in Shingles.

Do’s.

1. Take a proper rest.
2. Take the vaccination against the varicella-zoster virus.
3. Include barley, wheat, and rakta shali (rice) in the diet.
4. Instead of heavy foods, consume gruel or light food items.

Don’t’s.

1. Avoid travel and exposure to sunlight.
2. Avoid consuming pungent and spicy foods.
3. Avoid daytime sleep and excessive exercise.
4. Avoid food items that are unwholesome and difficult to digest.

 Conclusion

The best natural management for shingles can be achieved through the best ayurvedic treatments which work by improving the strength of the immune cells. Patients diagnosed with shingles may seek Ayurveda medicines in Melbourne to manage their symptoms in a natural, safe and effective manner. Our ayurvedic treatment is aimed at preventing the complications of this infection. Patients are also advised to take essential diets which are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B and iron to protect their body against severe complications like anaemia, vision loss etc.

Our doctors also recommend Panchakarma therapy to detoxify the body and thereby stimulate the elimination of harmful toxins from the blood thus restoring health.

If you wish to know more information on how Ayurveda can offer support with Shingles, you may book an online ayurvedic consultation and talk with our specialists.

For more details, Call us: +61 3 9078 2940