Introduction
Herpes zoster is clinically marked by clusters of blisters in the form of a belt in the areas distributing with peripheral nerves or certain part of skin and local burning pain. It usually appears on one side of the chest, face, eye, abdomen and thigh. TCM holds that it is caused by exogenous virulent wind, dampness and heat; or by stagnant liver and gallbladder fire that fumigates meridians and skin with damp-heat in the spleen meridian. Prolonged stagnation of pathogenic factors in the meridians, unsmooth circulation of qi and blood and retention of blood stasis in the meridians may lead to lingering local pain.

Syndrome Differentiation
In the early period there is pricking pain in the affected part and redness of local skin, then followed by clusters of macules, sudden appearance of blisters in the form of belt and severe pain. It may be accompanied by mild fever, general discomfort and anorexia. After 2 – 3 weeks, scab is gradually formed and exfoliates without any scar. In a few cases pain may linger for a longer time.

Treatment
1. Body Acupuncture
Prescription:
For local area of pathological changes, Hegu (LI 4), Quchi (LI 11), Xuehai (SP 10), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Zusanli (ST 36) and Taichong (LR 3) are selected.

Modification:
For fever, Dazhui (GV 14) is added; for herpes zoster on the chest and hypochondria, Zhigou (TE 6), Qimen (LR 14), Geshu (BL 17) and Ganshu (BL 18) are added.
Performance: More needles can be used to perform surrounded needling in the local area of pathological changes. Moxibustion can also be used. Reducing needling technique is required to apply.

2. Ear Acupuncture
Prescription:
Reaction points, Ear Shenmen (TF4), Liver (CO12), Lung (CO14) and Subcortex (AT4).

Performance:
Each time 2 - 4 acupoints are selected, strong stimulation is required and the needles are retained for 20 - 30 minutes.