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Information Wellness Blog

Detailed Reviews and Guides about energy and informational health and wellness

September 21, 2025|Editorial

Jill Blakeway – Energy Medicine – The Science and Mystery of Healing

Jill Blakeway is an award-winning Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, licensed acupuncturist, clinical herbalist and founder of Yinova Center in NYC renowned for her intuitive approach to Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has written three books including Make Babies Sex Again as well as Energy Medicine: The Science and Mystery of Healing.

What is Energy Medicine?

Energy healing is a form of complementary and alternative medicine based on the belief that vital energy flows throughout our bodies, used to reduce stress and anxiety, boost overall wellness, or lessen side effects from cancer treatment. Its purpose may range from relieving anxiety to strengthening immune systems or relieving side effects from cancer treatments.

Energy therapies believe that imbalances in the invisible biofield purported to exist within and around the body cause illness and disease. The biofield contains the electromagnetic radiation emitted by cells, and can be altered or enhanced using specific techniques.

Energy healing modalities have become an integral part of healthcare today, often targeting specific conditions or symptoms. Some popular examples are acupuncture, Reiki and acupressure.

Reiki involves placing their hands gently over or above a fully clothed patient while invoking healing intentions. Reiki is a spiritual, vibrational healing practice based on Eastern belief in an energy source which assists the body’s innate healing capabilities.

Acupuncture involves inserting needles at specific meridians or energy channels throughout the body. With acupressure, however, needles aren’t used – instead the technique entails pressing finger tips against various meridien points to release emotional energy and promote relaxation.

Energie Therapies such as Reiki, Acupressure and other energy modalities may help treat specific health conditions; however they should never replace conventional medical treatments. It is always wise to consult a healthcare provider prior to adding energy therapies into one’s treatment regimen, especially if a condition is serious or life-threatening. Energy healing also supports daily routines and self-care practices that help strengthen oneself – as an added bonus!

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that has been practiced for over two millennia to treat illness and increase overall well-being. A core therapy in integrative, whole-person health, it forms part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

According to acupuncture theory, the life force energy known as “qi” flows throughout channels known as meridians that connect all major organs of the body. If this qi becomes blocked due to stress, lifestyle behaviors or genetics then people experience disease; an acupuncturist uses stimulation along the meridians with needles at specific acupuncture points (called acupoints) to unblock it and make it flow normally again, restoring balance both physically and psychologically – patients may feel sensations such as numbness tingling or heavyness on any particular meridian which indicates that their acupoints are working correctly.

Modern scientific research indicates that needling acupoints triggers the nervous system to release chemicals into muscles, spinal cord and brain that change how you feel, increasing natural endorphins (the body’s painkillers) and altering how the brain processes pain which may reduce medication needs. Needling also has involuntary central nervous functions such as regulating blood pressure and body temperature.

Many of my patients ask, “Will acupuncture hurt?” Although acupuncture uses needles, they differ significantly from the hypodermic needles commonly used for shots or medication administration. Acupuncture needles are as thin as human hair and only cause minimal sensation akin to mosquito bites or pinches when placed by an experienced acupuncturist in certain spots on your body depending on your ailment. You lie on a padded table during treatment as your practitioner carefully places needles where necessary depending on the best course of treatment plan for optimal healing results.

What is Herbalism?

Herbalism is an age-old practice utilizing plants to maintain and restore balance within the body, dating back millennia. As one of the oldest healing traditions with unbroken practices that date back thousands of years, herbalism forms the basis for other modalities like homeopathy, naturopathy and flower essences; homeopaths, naturopaths and flower essence specialists all owe their roots in herbalism – including doctors, nurses, acupuncturists, dentists and surgeons all who owe their training as practitioners of herbalism.

Pharmaceutical drugs differ from herbal medicines by isolating single active ingredients from plants while herbalists utilize whole plants, creating synergy. This ensures safe and effective herbs for your particular body type while giving us insight into what each plant does for us individually.

Herbs may work quickly or slowly depending on your circumstances; sometimes days or even weeks. That is due to being a holistic approach which addresses both symptoms and root causes for imbalance, unlike just treating symptoms alone. A good herbalist will understand the best treatments tailored specifically for each person they treat and can prescribe remedies specifically tailored to fit.

Herbalists can include native healers, naturopaths, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, holistic medical doctors, researchers, writers and herb farmers. Herbalists may cultivate their own medicinal plants or work with herb growers and wild crafters to harvest them from nature. Herbalists can be part of your healthcare team as they help you make more informed choices regarding food, beverages and supplements you consume.

Herbalism can be an effective complement to other healing modalities, and you can perform the practice on your own through self-care and herbal recipes available online or in books. Herbalists can teach you this practice as well as recommend specific herbs that support acupuncture treatments.

What is Qigong?

Qigong is an ancient Chinese form of self-healing, meditation, and physical exercise rooted in Chinese philosophy and medicine that incorporates coordinated body posture and movement, deep rhythmic breathing, mental focus, deep rhythmic breathing patterns, and focused mental concentration. Dating back thousands of years, its practice can be found everywhere from martial arts training or spirituality programs to health practices such as qigong. While research on its effects is limited at present, studies suggest it could potentially reduce blood pressure while improving balance, strength and flexibility.

Prior to beginning any intentional movement practice – including qigong or yoga – it’s wise to consult your healthcare team. “It’s essential to recognize when enough is enough and your individual limitations,” according to integrative medicine specialist Yufang Lin, MD. For instance, those suffering from arthritis, injuries or illness that limit mobility may benefit from chair-based qigong exercises as alternatives with reduced impact levels.

Some forms of qigong focus on providing relief for specific issues, like chronic pain or anxiety. Practices can help soothe your mind, boost mood and bolster immunity; in addition to this they may improve proprioception – or body awareness in space – for smoother movements.

There are hundreds of qigong practices, from simple relaxation exercises to more intricate martial art forms. Qigong practices can be divided into two general categories: medical and spiritual. Medical qigong uses energy pathways called meridians to carry Qi through your body and can treat conditions like back pain, fibromyalgia, depression anxiety high blood pressure insomnia among many others. Furthermore it offers great stress relief while rejuvenating both mind and body and can be practiced by people of all ages and fitness levels alike.

What is Meditation?

Meditation encompasses an expansive set of practices from numerous traditions and cultures worldwide. According to modern psychological research, meditation can be defined as an attempt to detach from reflexive, discursive thinking and nonjudgmental reflection in order to reach a deeper or more devout state. Three main criteria are often listed as essential ingredients of successful meditation: using a defined technique; logic relaxation techniques; and self-induced states/modes.

Jill Blakeway is an established practitioner of Chinese medicine, acupuncture and energy healing who founded Yinova clinics in New York City. Additionally, she’s written Energy Medicine: The Science and Mystery of Healing which uses cutting edge research to explain this fast-growing modality.

She shared an incredible anecdote about a patient undergoing spinal surgery for infection who ended up curing themselves just by making sound. Jill used this example as evidence that energy healing works by transmitting information through frequencies which then have profound healing properties on our bodies.

She goes into detail regarding meditation’s research-backed benefits as well as some effective home techniques you can try at home. Furthermore, she details how she created her own meditation practice and why incorporating this practice into daily life is vital for overall wellness. Furthermore, she shows how she uses energy healing practices to assist her clients overcome challenges such as anxiety, insomnia and depression – this episode should not be missed!

September 21, 2025|Editorial

Hulda Regehr Clark Zapper

Hulda Regehr Clark (1928-209) was a biophysicist and naturopath who believed chronic illness to be caused by parasites or toxins, creating the Zapper to neutralize these organisms.

The Zapper is a low-voltage electronic device with copper handles that is held by its user and features a simple circuit made up of a 555 timer IC and other components.

What is a Zapper?

The Zapper is an effective device designed to rid the body of parasites and harmful organisms. It consists of a box housing a circuit board equipped with two copper handles or electrodes which the user holds between their hands or places on various parts of their body, then produces low voltage pulses using a 555 timer IC, an NPN transistor, resistors and capacitors to generate pulses that cleanse parasites away.

Hulda Regehr Clark was an alternative health practitioner who made headlines with claims that her zapper device could cure numerous diseases by killing parasites and organisms in the body – however there was limited scientific support to back this claim up.

How does a Zapper work?

Hulda Regehr Clark, an alternative health practitioner with controversial claims about its efficacy, created the Zapper. It’s composed of a 9-volt battery, pulse generator circuit (usually 555 timer IC), two copper electrode handles (called electrodes ), and housing made out of plastic or electrically grounded metal that may resemble lantern, cylinder, or cube shape – all connected by cables to form one unit.

September 21, 2025|Editorial

Wave Genetics Debunk

Wave genetics has unlocked all aspects of DNA functionality, even those once considered “junk”. This powerful and exciting technology has numerous applications such as in vivo organ regeneration without costly and risky surgery procedures.

Unfortunately, however, this research has been attacked and suppressed by an influential faction within the Russian Academy of Science. Why has this happened?

Pseudo-science

Many are attracted to pseudoscience despite its easy debunking; this is likely because pseudoscience taps into people’s gut feelings, offering answers that seem scientific. On the other hand, scientists rely on evidence and reason when making statements; unfortunately this can sometimes be misinterpreted and used to support political decisions that people disagree with, leading to distrust between scientists and the public – eventually leading to pseudoscience becoming widespread as a response.

There is no clear line dividing real from fake science; however, one can discern between it and pseudoscience by looking at how scientists use new ideas. If an innovative thought generates interest among working scientists and is integrated into research programs or publications or new lines of inquiry then it likely fits within science. Furthermore, its pragmatic usefulness should also be assessed against existing hypotheses, theories, models, paradigms or paradigms before passing judgment on such ideas as scientific.

Misleading pseudoscience can be difficult to spot, as it often appears in places that appear similar to science, such as popular psychology and religion. Furthermore, its appeal makes it easy to be taken in by its claims; unfortunately many don’t take the time to study science at school so their intuition often guides their beliefs when choosing what to believe.

Demystifying pseudoscience requires understanding why people are drawn to it. Some reasons could include an appealing mix of black-and-white solutions, the difficulty of science studies and conspiracy theories as well as people’s fascination with UFOlogy or ancient aliens over biology or chemistry studies. But perhaps the biggest reason of all is likely entertainment value of pseudoscience over real one; people prefer stories involving UFOlogy over biology or chemistry studies for instance.

Excessive claims

Wave genetics studies often exaggerate its power. Such claims include those regarding error catastrophe – in which mutation accumulation leads to fitness decline – or exponential mutational increases. Unfortunately, neither one of these claims have ever been successfully demonstrated experimentally and no examples of error catastrophe have ever been seen in nature.

Marine heatwaves have long been thought to cause significant declines in genetic diversity within seaweed forests, with expected heterozygosity and mean likelihood of homozygosity both declining at Marmion while inbreeding increased at Geraldton as inbreeding increased there – however diversity metrics elsewhere within the heatwave footprint remained relatively stable, such as Jurien Bay and Hamelin which experienced decreased coverage during the heatwave but experienced growth afterwards.

A bivariate Cholesky model that only includes additive genetic and unshared environmental covariation components of covariation best fits the data, showing that most cross-wave correlation is attributable to longitudinal heritability while only minor proportions of variance is shared between waves by common environmental factors.

Suppression of scientific research

People living in societies that support free speech should have the freedom to conduct and share any research that interests them, yet researchers often face restrictions from exploring important questions due to potential public outrage or conflict with existing ideologies. Such censorship erodes credibility of science while diminishing our knowledge about our world – this makes government or industry attempts at controlling scientific research all the more dangerous.

Recently, for example, it was reported on Facebook, Reddit and other sites that US President Trump asked scientists to submit their research for approval prior to sharing them with his administration (archived). Snopes could find no evidence for such a request, although many readers sent emails inquireing about this claim.

Early career researchers can be especially vulnerable to funding restrictions. Although publishing their work is essential for career advancement, early career researchers may be asked not to publish results that don’t conform with what’s favored by their sponsors if that publication could tarnish their corporate sponsors’ interests – for example a researcher was told she couldn’t publish results that found generic thyroid drugs were as effective as brand versions even after her funder threatened legal action against both herself and her university.

Science research is an invaluable public good, and should be freely accessible to everyone. Unfortunately, however, this isn’t always the case in practice, making it important for universities and researchers to defend their work against attacks it might face – one way is ensuring its quality by using all standard tests before publishing anything.

History shows us that major nations have suppressed scientific research for ideological purposes, which has severely limited modern science’s development, leaving us without enough knowledge about our environment and ourselves. Therefore, it’s critical that we support and protect scientists who risk their lives to speak out on scientific integrity; including standing up for those subject to abuse or intimidation.

Misrepresentation

Empirical and spiritual teachers have known for years that our DNA can be programmed with words, thoughts and vibrations; now science has proven this. Frequencies associated with thoughts can influence DNA sequences of organisms; but in order for this method to work it must have the appropriate vibration frequency to activate health-promoting genes while decreasing disease-causing ones.

Rosie Redfield may be famous as an expert at disproving arsenic life claims, but wave genetics is more difficult to disprove. A strong grasp of quantum mechanics will be required in order to disprove claims that wave genetics is founded upon similar concepts as quantum gravity or quantum entanglement.

Ford Doolittle and others made headlines with their research disproving arsenic-based life in Mono Lake. Although this data may have been interesting, its findings were misrepresented and hyped up by uncritical media outlets; thus exposing not the actual data itself, but how it was presented and sold to the public.

As part of any comprehensive effort to understand and communicate scientific discoveries effectively, gender and sexuality perspectives must be included in genomics research. Failing to do so would waste resources supporting restrictive policies or social norms and prevent scientific communities from reaching their full potential. A recent study by Jean Brechman and colleagues revealed how scientific knowledge may become altered as it travels from its source into press releases or news articles for interpretation by reporters – often leading to serious misrepresentations of its original source research.

September 20, 2025|Editorial

Can You Reverse Aging With Exercise?

People age differently. Some can remain healthy well into their 90s while others develop age-related diseases much sooner.

Researchers are studying what causes these differences between older people and young people, with one group led by Dr Janet Kumita identifying protein clumps found in older brains associated with dementia.

1. Exercise

Studies have long touted exercise as a key strategy for healthy aging by adding extra years disease-free to life. A new study suggests that consistent aerobic exercise could not only slow, but even reverse some effects of aging. A Cell Metabolism study discovered that high intensity interval training, resistance training and combined training could all reduce age-related deterioration of muscle function and mitochondrial density as well as improve metabolic flexibility, lean body mass and insulin sensitivity – thus contributing to greater longevity.

This study was especially intriguing because it focused on older adults with longstanding exercise routines. All the participants were over the age of 65 and many had been exercising regularly throughout their lives – all were exercisers – the results were astounding! In particular, their immune systems appeared similar to that of much younger individuals while at the same time experiencing similar cellular aging processes and adaptive responses than non-exercising controls.

Researchers explained this was due to the antiaging properties of regular exercise. Exercising caused changes to genes which regulate how cells work and respond to stress; this effect was consistent across all forms of physical activity, but researchers identified one particular molecular pathway and signaling node called AMPK that bridged together individual effects of physical exercise.

No, exercise won’t keep your reading glasses at arm’s length or prevent cataracts from forming in your eyes – but it will extend your lifespan and ensure you enjoy each golden year with grace and vitality.

2. Diet

Research has demonstrated that certain diets may actually slow the aging process. Calorie restriction (CR), for instance, has been shown to increase longevity among both animals and humans alike. Furthermore, diets featuring plant foods like cruciferous vegetables and whole grains, rich in nutrients and phytochemicals that promote anti-ageing can also provide benefits that directly relate to improving biomarkers associated with ageing.

Reducing oxidative stress is one of the key strategies for slowing aging. Free radicals generated during normal metabolic processes such as cellular respiration can damage biological molecules including proteins, nucleic acids and lipids; but antioxidants such as Vitamin C, carotenoids and flavonoids can neutralize these free radicals to minimize any damage they cause.

Not only can eating healthily reduce oxidative stress, it can also prevent muscle atrophy due to age (sarcopenia), reduce cholesterol levels that contribute to heart disease and promote brain health. A diet rich in proteins while being low in carbohydrates and sugars is especially helpful.

Recent findings of a small clinical study suggested that it may be possible to reverse an individual’s biological age through epigenetic manipulation, according to recent reports from nine healthy volunteers and without control groups, however this development should be explored further as further study could allow for the reversal of many age-related diseases.

3. Sleep

Sleep is essential to our overall health and well-being as we age, particularly as our immune systems diminish with age. Sleep benefits our immunity, cardiovascular health, weight management, cognitive functions and emotional regulation – it even protects skin from UV rays! According to studies, those who get enough restful sleep live five years longer.

Human bodies are highly complex machines, and while you may appear to be physically resting while sleeping, your brain remains highly active. Sleep cycles consist of periods of wakefulness and non-wakefulness as your brain shifts between these phases throughout the night. At each cycle point, different areas of the brain focus on different tasks so your sleep quality may be altered depending on daily habits and activities.

Establish a consistent bedtime routine. Your body recognizes this routine, so it knows it’s time for restful slumber. In addition, avoid caffeine and alcohol which may impede sleep by interfering with its ability to fall and remain asleep throughout the night.

Studies on the role of sleep in aging are limited, yet numerous findings point to a correlation between poor sleep and biological aging processes such as increased damage accumulation, accelerated cell senescence, shortening telomere length reduction and altered chromatin structure and function – such as increased damage accumulation. Additional investigation of causal pathways must take place to validate these results; consequently researchers have initiated an emerging field called Geroscience to explore this subject matter further and preserve healthspan; it’s estimated this new discipline will become multibillion dollar industry by 2050.

4. Skin Care

Skin care is an integral component of anti-ageing and should include cleansing, moisturizing and protecting from sun damage. Targeted treatments such as serums, masks and eye cream may also be included as targeted solutions. Many products also include ingredients like retinoids and peptides proven to improve wrinkles, dark spots and skin elasticity.

Diet is also an essential aspect of skincare. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids can contribute to vibrant complexion, while limiting foods high in sugar or processed fat may prevent excess oil build-up on the skin.

As skin ages, its natural cell turnover slows, leading to dryness, wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. Wearing sunscreen daily can slow the aging process by protecting against UV-induced damage and increasing collagen production naturally in your body. Other important steps include avoiding tanning beds as well as using moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or glycerin to keep skin hydrated.

Exfoliants should also be used with caution. While exfoliation is necessary to maintaining healthy skin, too much exfoliation may leave skin raw and sensitive. Exfoliate once or twice every week as directed on your product of choice and follow any additional directions provided with its usage.

5. Mental Health

Mental health encompasses emotional well-being, social adjustment, and the capacity to adapt to life’s challenges. It’s affected by individual, community and societal factors – these may be beneficial or detrimental, such as genetics, environment or lifestyle choices – including economic downturns, disease outbreaks, humanitarian emergencies and climate change – but ultimately dictated by nature itself.

Studies demonstrate the significance of mental health to long, healthy lives; yet mental illness often remains hidden behind a stigma-filled facade and many don’t seek assistance, partly because many health services do not cater specifically for individuals living with mental illnesses and their unique needs. This phenomenon is particularly evident in low and middle income nations where stigmatization and prioritizing physical concerns over mental illness have caused shortages in easily accessible, quality healthcare solutions for mental illness.

No one should think that lifestyle changes cannot improve mental health; changing diet, engaging in regular exercise and quitting smoking all play an integral part in improving one’s mental wellbeing. Furthermore, keeping active social life can prevent depression while developing emotional resilience.

Access to affordable, high-quality mental health services is of utmost importance, and WHO is working towards giving all individuals access to these services at an affordable cost. In doing so, they provide countries and communities with strategic leadership, evidence, tools and technical support they require for strengthening collective responses to mental health and global transformation towards improved mental wellbeing for all – this requires action across sectors and at all levels, from education and labour law enforcement through transport infrastructure, housing provision and welfare administration services as key stakeholders – not only health sector actors must take part in efforts like education but action should also take place within education, labour law enforcement sectors for example if mental wellbeing for all is to become reality.

September 20, 2025|Editorial

Alternative Therapy For Shingles

People living with herpes zoster may take several natural measures to ease symptoms and lower the risk of postherpetic neuralgia – an uncomfortable side effect of herpes zoster. These remedies may also complement medical treatments.

Shingles are caused by reactivating the herpes zoster virus (which also causes chickenpox) and typically manifest themselves with symptoms like tingling, itching and pain in a specific location.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice which utilizes needle insertion at specific body points in order to encourage natural healing processes and alleviate pain associated with various health conditions, including pain associated with shingles. A few studies have demonstrated how acupuncture may ease its symptoms while shortening duration; more research needs to be conducted in this regard in order to ascertain its efficacy.

Patients suffering from shingles should seek professional medical treatment immediately in order to improve their quality of life and speed recovery. Treating the pain promptly is crucial in order to avoid complications and enable a speedy healing process, and avoid scratching blisters as this could cause scarring that extends the healing timeframe.

Conventional treatment of shingles usually entails taking an antiviral drug and pain reliever together, although these drugs will alleviate symptoms but cannot fully eliminate postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Beyond antivirals drugs, other modalities for managing postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), including functional medicine approaches, stress management strategies, and acupuncture could potentially provide effective relief.

Vaccination is one of the best ways to avoid shingles. It can significantly decrease one’s risk of an outbreak and painful nerve damage; however, it should not be used by individuals taking immunosuppressant medication or with weak immune systems.

Acupuncture can help ease both the pain of shingles and its side effects such as fatigue and depression, while improving sleep and energy levels for patients. Furthermore, acupuncture can boost immunity while alleviating nausea and vomiting symptoms.

Acupuncture can be an effective and natural method for treating shingles, and can work well when combined with other modalities. However, for optimal results it’s best to consult a certified acupuncturist in an interdisciplinary setting such as primary care office, physical therapy clinic or integrative medicine practice. Furthermore, smoking reduces immunity making one more susceptible to infections, while adequate rest and diet play an essential part in relieving pain related to shingles.

Chiropractic care

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who focus on the body’s natural ability to self-heal. Their core belief is that spinal alignment has an effect on how well the entire body functions; as such, manual manipulation of the spine to improve alignment and promote healing may also be used alongside exercise and nutrition counseling services. Although chiropractors don’t hold medical doctor degrees themselves, they have extensive training in biomechanics of human bodies.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same strain responsible for chickenpox, becomes dormant in our bodies after this infection and later reappears as shingles. While physicians can prescribe antiviral medication to shorten illness duration and postherpetic neuralgia may occur in areas where there was once a rash – often leading to severe nerve pain in that area and potentially lasting permanent damage if left untreated. Natural strategies aim at soothing nervous systems and skin by prioritizing restful recovery processes by prioritizing restful and gradual recuperation through over-the-counter pain relievers or topical treatments while considering changes to diet as well as supplements dietary changes are all important aspects.

An impaired immune system is one of the primary risk factors for shingles outbreak. A vaccine against it is available, and taking one could lower your chances of contracting the virus – making it particularly vital for adults over 50 who have had chickenpox or are at increased risk for shingles outbreak.

Alternative treatments for shingles include acupuncture and chiropractic care, which may help alleviate its pain while relieving its itching. Daily cleaning of blisters may help decrease infection. Patients can also use cool bath or showerwater to soothe their skin and ease any itchiness, while in certain instances a chiropractor may recommend nutritional supplements to support an outbreak.

Functional medicine practitioners can assess your immune function, with particular focus on cytotoxic T lymphocytes as an indicator of healthy immunity. Furthermore, they will look into your diet, chronic illness management plan, medications and stressors to see if any are suppressing it further. Dietary changes that increase lysine intake can also enhance immunity – this amino acid promotes healing in cases of shingles.

Natural remedies

Natural remedies for shingles may help relieve pain and speed healing, though they will not eradicate the condition entirely. At-home treatments might include therapeutic baths, cool compresses and cornstarch or baking soda paste to soothe pain. Some essential oils and herbs, like eucalyptus and tea tree oil have anti-inflammatory properties as well. A warm bath containing colloidal oatmeal or baking soda could be soothing and alleviate itching too.

Varicella-zoster virus, the same one responsible for chickenpox, can reactivate in adults to cause shingles. PHN appears as a stripe on either the face or body and typically accompanied by pain, itching, and tingling sensations. Antiviral medication may shorten its duration but pain may linger even months after healing has taken place.

Scratching a shingles rash can increase pain, scarring and blister length. Instead of scratching, apply a cool wet compress on the affected area to ease itching and apply witch hazel to reduce inflammation and itching. A soothing cream containing zinc oxide may also provide comfort; but beware using an ice pack as this could increase skin sensitivity and worsen pain levels further.

Addition of specific nutrients can ease the symptoms of shingles and hasten its healing. Vitamin C, for instance, plays an essential role in immune function as well as producing natural painkillers such as endorphins. You could also take vitamin D supplements for nerve pain relief; and herbs like chamomile or lavender contain anti-inflammatory properties which could soothe an irritating rash.

Conventional treatments for shingles include antivirals and pain medications; however, the best way to prevent shingles is through maintaining a strong immune system and eating healthily. Lifestyle changes such as stress management, exercise and adequate rest can also help lower risk. It may also be wise to get a vaccination against this condition in order to minimize risk; but if symptoms don’t improve quickly enough it’s important to seek medical help immediately.

Lifestyle changes

The varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox may reactivate later as shingles and cause an intensely painful rash. While anyone who has had chickenpox may become infected with it, adults tend to be most affected. While pain from shingles is intense and typically lasts several weeks, natural approaches like stress management, topical treatments, and acupuncture may reduce its duration significantly.

Strengthening one’s immune system is the best way to avoid shingles, and can be accomplished through diet, regular exercise and adequate rest. Supplementing with vitamins and minerals containing Vitamin C and Zinc has proven particularly helpful. You can find them at most health food stores.

A compromised immune system exacerbates symptoms of shingles. Therefore, it’s vital that individuals avoid processed and junk foods that contain preservatives, artificial sweeteners and saturated fats that can aggravate inflammation and hinder immunity function. Nuts and seeds with high concentrations of arginine could facilitate replication of the virus as well.

Consume more foods rich in vitamins A and C to strengthen the immune system and hasten healing. Foods like spinach, kale, oranges, strawberries and carrots are excellent examples. Fish is another good source of omega-3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation while supporting a strong immune system.

As well as making dietary adjustments, alternative therapies like acupuncture and natural remedies such as tea tree oil may also help relieve nerve-scraping pain caused by shingles. Furthermore, daily pain-ratings will provide insight into which activities increase or decrease pain levels.

An outbreak of shingles can be extremely uncomfortable, but there are steps you can take to alleviate its pain. Over-the-counter pain relief medications or consulting a doctor for prescription medicines that will speed up recovery may provide temporary relief from pain. Furthermore, vaccines exist which may reduce your chances of flare-ups significantly.

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