Acupuncture for Cold Sores

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small, fluid-filled, painful blisters caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). They are caused more often by HSV-type 1 than HSV-type 2. These blisters or sores appear on the lips, nose or around the mouth. The skin around the blisters is sore, swollen and red. This disease is highly contagious. HSV infection is spread from person to person by kissing or other close contact. The infected saliva can also be a means of transmission of this disease. Fever, changes in the immune system, stress, hormonal changes such as menstruation, skin trauma and even exposure to sun are the triggering factors for this infection. The primary symptoms of cold sores are pain around the mouth and lips, sore throat, fever and swollen glands in the neck. There is an appearance of small, fluid-filled blisters typically around the mouth, which is known as gingivostomatitis. The initial tingling or pain, which is referred to as prodrome generally lasts for about 7-10 days. Cold sores mostly appear on the lips and occasionally on the chin, nostrils or fingers. These blisters break open and leak clear fluid. The sores cure completely within 2-6 weeks. In some people, cold sores can cause painful skin lumps on legs, which is called erythema nodosum.

Treatment for Cold Sores

Generally, cold sores heal within 7-10 days without any treatment. However, topical symptomatic treatments such as benzyl alcohol or topical lidocaine are recommended to relieve the symptoms. Use of antiviral medications prevents cold sores or shortens the duration of cold sores. Cold sores can be treated with medications, dietary supplements, home remedies, homeopathic treatments and acupuncture.

Acupuncture for Cold Sores

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, effective treatment options. It can be used to treat a variety of health conditions. The acupuncture technique involves an insertion of hair-thin needles through the skin at strategic points. There are about 2,000 acupuncture points in the human body and each point is associated with different healing attributes. The acupuncture technique is used as an alternative treatment for a wide range of diseases such as depression, insomnia, drug abuse, weight loss and cold sores.

Acupuncture works as a natural alternative treatment option for cold sores. When acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on the skin, it stimulates to release endorphin hormone, which has relaxing and calming effect. It enables you to deal with frustration, stress and anxiety, which are the triggering factors for the cold sores. Due to increased stress, pH level of the body decreases and this acidic condition is perfect to make the virus active. Acupuncture reduces stress and anxiety and thus prevents herpes infection. Acupuncture also enhances functioning of body's immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells. Acupuncture therapy also increases Alpha, Beta and Gamma globulins, which prevent infection by producing immune antibodies. In this way, acupuncture reduces the duration of herpes outbreak and minimizes chances of recurring cold sores.

Acupuncture is also helpful in improving mental health by reducing stress and offering relaxing and calming effects. Acupuncture for cold sores is an effective and safe method to get rid of dangerous symptoms of this viral infection.