[Author] Haruka INOKUMA, Noriko MARUYAMA, Masaki YAMADA, Takamasa TSURUSAKI ,Mitsunori SEINO

[Abstract] 

Our clinic has been operating for over 30 years. 

The outcomes of many of our treatments have demonstrated that acupuncture and moxibustion can prevent the development of the diseases.

For herpes zoster, acupuncture and moxibustion treatments can dramatically reduce eczema and pain if treatment begins right after the onset of symptoms.

 The following case study is an example of the effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion for treating herpes zoster and related pain.

[Patient]

34 years old, female 

[Chief complaint]

Eczema, pain and itchiness on her face as well as difficulty opening the right eye.

[Medical diagnosis by dermatologist]

Trigeminal nerve l-branch region herpes zoster 

[Current medical history]

The herpes zoster symptoms appeared on September 10th.

She came to the clinic on September 13 and began her treatment course.

[Method of treatment] 

Acupuncture and moxibustion treatments on the back, lower limbs, upper limbs, abdomen and head. Cupping was also applied to the abdomen and back to treat stagnation of blood.

[Progress]

Acupuncture and moxibustion treatments were applied to the back, limbs, abdomen and head. Point selection was based on various diagnostic methods including abdominal and pulse diagnosis. She was given cupping a total of five times. 

By the sixth visit (two weeks after the initial visit) her pain was gone and the eczema was mostly cleared.  

The dermatologist saw her again and said that the herpes zoster was healing.

[Discussion and Conclusion]

This case study demonstrates that acupuncture and moxibustion are effective treatments for pain and eczema resulting from acute herpes zoster. This case also demonstrates that acupuncture and moxibustion can be effective treatments in emergency acute situations.

Acupuncture and moxibustion treatments can be of benefit in emergency situations if the proper tools and techniques are selected. Emergency medical care is an important benefit that acupuncture can provide in Japan.

[Key words] acute, early stages, herpes zoster, eczema, pain