Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infection from Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine Viewpoints

Abstract

The authors have previously followed traditional Chinese acupuncture methods in the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex infection and have had moderately good results. However, following the successful treatment of a very severely affected patient who had suffered more than 15 recurrences per year, an alternative regime was instituted. This involved body acupuncture to immunomodulating points, direct irradiation of the herpetic lesions with He-Ne laser, daily application of aloe vera extract, and specific dietary restrictions. Using this regime they report complete recovery, with no herpetic recurrence for more than a year, in up to 83% of their patients. They also measured immunological parameters before and after treatment, finding that: serum IgG, C3 complement fraction, and the protease inhibitors α1-antitripsin and α2-macroglobulin all increase, while secretory IgA and C3 complement fraction in urine normalise. These preliminary results have encouraged continuation of the clinical trials of this method.