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Genital Herpes
This
sexually transmitted disease is caused by infection with the herpes
simplex virus. The virus is virulent
and can be transmitted by an infected sexual partner even when they are
not experiencing an acute attack of herpes. Once you are infected with herpes simplex the virus
remains dormant in your body, and flares as an acute herpes outbreak
episodically.
Symptoms
It is
possible to be infected with genital herpes without any symptoms to alert
you to the fact. Sometimes a person may carry for the virus for several
years before experiencing their first outbreak of
herpes.
Common
symptoms during an acute attack
include:
*Tingling or burning feeling in the
genital area
*One or more fluid filled white
blisters which then burst to become sores which last for up to 10
days.
*Flu like symptoms with fever and
swollen glands
Treatment
TCM does not have a germ theory of disease, but
understands pathogens such as viruses and bacterial infections, as
environmental factors such as cold, heat, wind, dampness etc. Genital herpes most frequently is
the result of the pathogenic factors “damp and heat”. The primary meridians affected by damp
and heat are the liver and gallbladder, and often there is a weakness of
kidney yin energy underlying. Long term emotional suppression and
feelings of anger and frustration can predispose to acute episodes of
damp heat. Overconsumption
of coffee, chocolate and hot spicy foods also precipitates damp
heat.
Acupuncture during an acute episode of genital
herpes can greatly reduce the severity of symptoms and healing
time. Between episodes, the
emphasis is on treating the root or underlying energy imbalances, to
reduce ongoing frequency of outbreaks.
Accompanying herbal medicine may include TCM
herbs to clear damp heat; western herbs with antiviral properties;
nutritional medicine to boost immune function; dietary modification and
relaxation programs.
Links
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