How is herpes zoster treated in traditional Chinese medicine?

The methods of treating herpes zoster in traditional Chinese medicine mainly include: 1. Internal administration of Chinese herbs: Different herbal decoctions are prescribed according to the patient's specific syndrome differentiation, such as damp-heat descending, damp-heat toxin, or qi stagnation with blood stasis. These formulas aim to regulate the internal environment of the body to achieve effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, resolving dampness and detoxifying, and promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis. 2. External application of Chinese herbs: Medicinal materials with functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving pain and reducing swelling are formulated into ointments or powders and applied externally to affected areas. Additionally, methods such as applying indigo naturalis powder or Phellodendron (Huang Bai) wet compresses may be used to promote local blood circulation, accelerate virus elimination, and alleviate pain and rash progression. 3. Acupuncture therapy: Micro-puncture or body needle insertion, as well as fire needle therapy, are performed locally at the affected skin areas. This treatment helps regulate the balance of qi and blood in the body, enhance immunity, and assist in fighting herpes zoster. Acupuncture also has a calming effect on neuropathic pain. 4. Cupping therapy: Based on the principle of negative pressure adsorption, cupping creates localized areas of congestion at specific sites to promote lymph circulation, improve microcirculation, and provide a certain anti-itch effect. 5. Acupoint application and moxibustion: Prepared medications are applied to selected acupoints, or specific acupoints are treated with moxibustion. Through the conduction of meridians and the effects of the medications, this method aims to regulate the functions of internal organs to achieve therapeutic effects.