In this clinical case, I explore the treatment of a 34-year-old male suffering from shingles-related nerve pain using Master Tung acupuncture. The patient sought help three weeks after the initial shingles outbreak, with lingering symptoms of burning, electric sensations along the left rib cage, even after antiviral treatment.
Chief Complaint
- Persistent nerve pain from shingles in the lower back and abdomen
- Described as “electricity, fire, or biting” feeling in the skin
- No more active blisters, but residual nerve irritation remained
Medical History & Secondary Complaints
- Gastrointestinal: Chronic reflux, stomach distention, and gas
- Cardiac: Occasional tachycardia, mitral valve prolapse in childhood, rare palpitations
- Sleep: Ongoing insomnia, using sleeping pills off and on for 2 years
- Fatigue: Severe tiredness during the first two weeks of illness
- Allergies: Runny nose triggered by seasonal change
- Appetite: Recently reduced, though stools remained normal
Diagnosis & Strategy
The patient’s body appeared thin with a weak voice. Pulse findings:
- Left pulse: slippery
- Right pulse: wiry
- Palm showed slight discoloration in the index and middle fingers.
- Diagnosis emphasized disharmony in the Heart and Liver, and Qi stagnation with underline deficiency.
Treatment Strategy:
- Regulate Qi, move blood, and clear lingering Wind-Heat
Point Prescriptions Used
For Shingles & GI complaints:
- R 88.17.18.19, 77.05.06.07, 77.17.18 + SP9
- L 88.01.02, 77.08.09.11
- L 22.04, 22.05
- R 33.04.05.06, 3308.09
- Yintang, Du22, Du20
For sleep disturbances (added later during the course of treatment):
- 11.17, Anmian B
- 88.12.13.14, 66.10.11.12
Special Techniques:
- 11.26 (Zhi Wu): bloodletting technique to clear lingering toxins and promote healing of chronic skin wounds
Clinical Outcomes
The patient reported significant reduction in pain intensity and improved sleep quality. GI symptoms also eased significantly with ongoing treatment.
Source of image: Shaun Goodman
