An Exploration of the Etiology, Pathogenesis, and Therapeutic Principles of Herpes Zoster Based on the Theory of “Eliminating the Prolonged Stagnation”

Dermatological Health

3083-47752981-8206

Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.

10.26689/dh.v4i1.14401

Article

An Exploration of the Etiology, Pathogenesis, and Therapeutic Principles of Herpes Zoster Based on the Theory of “Eliminating the Prolonged Stagnation”https://artdesignp.com/journal/DH/4/1/10.26689/dh.v4i1.14401DengYuanyuan,HuangBiqiu,WeiXiaochun,ZhangYuming,ZhangWenjie

2026

2026-04-03

This paper explores the etiology, pathogenesis, and acupuncture treatment principles of herpes zoster based on the academic perspective of “eliminating the prolonged stagnation” from Ling Shu: Nine Needles and Twelve Source Points. The core pathogenesis of herpes zoster is “deficiency” and “stasis,” with blood stasis being the primary pathological product. The blood stasis obstructs the meridians, triggering neuralgia. The therapeutic principle focuses on promoting blood circulation to resolve stasis and regulating qi to alleviate pain. Guided by “eliminating the prolonged stagnation,” the acupuncture therapy [e.g., He’s Santong needling method: Weitong (normal needling), Wentong (fire needling), and Qiangtong (bloodletting)] acts directly on the stasis areas through techniques like filiform needling, fire needling, and pricking and cupping, thereby effectively alleviating neuralgia caused by herpes zoster. Clinical case studies are used to illustrate the significant advantages of acupuncture therapy under the guidance of the theory of “removing the prolonged stagnation” in treating neuralgia associated with herpes zoster.

Chen J, Liang FR, Ren YL, et al., 2012, A Comparative Study of Ancient and Modern Literatures on Acupuncture Techniques and Acupoint Selection Related to the Principle of “Eliminating the Prolonged Stagnation.” Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 39(03): 433–435.

Yu SY, Zhang LX, Yang J, et al., 2014, An Exploration of the Theory and Clinical Application of the Principle “Eliminating the Prolonged Stagnation.” Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 41(09): 1870–1872.

Cao GM, Zhang DH, 1987, Analysis of “Eliminating the Prolonged Stagnation” from Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, (04): 68.

Lin ZM, Yang Y, Li RY, 2010, Herpes Zoster and Postherpetic Neuralgia. Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 39(06): 393–395.

Liu GH, Yang HT, Bai L, et al., 2023, Data Mining-Based Analysis on Medication Rules of Chinese Herbal Medicine Treating Headache with Blood Stasis Syndrome. Heliyon, 9(4): e14996.

Li Z, Wu J, Huang S, et al., 2023, Screening of Key Part in IFN Pathway for Herpes Zoster: Evidence from Bioinformatics Analysis. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen, 26(4): 719–727.

Chen YF, Liu QQ, Ji Y, et al., 2025, Integrative Application of Bloodletting and Cupping for Refractory Herpes Zoster in an Immunocompromised Patient with Ovarian Cancer. Explore (NY), 21(4): 103202.

Li WY, Wu J, 2023, An Exploration of the Application of Pricking and Cupping Therapy in the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia Based on the Principle of “Eliminating the Prolonged Stagnation.” Journal of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 46(02): 8–11.

Yang Y, Li J, 2013, Research Progress in the Treatment of Herpes Zoster with Traditional Chinese Medicine. Global Traditional Chinese Medicine, 6(02): 155–158.

Wang HX, Luo XL, Gao H, 2020, Research Progress in the Treatment of Herpes Zoster with Traditional Chinese Medicine. China Medicine and Pharmacy, 10(13): 39–42 + 47.

Zhou DM, Chen WW, 2015, Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Snake-Like Sore with Traditional Chinese Medicine (2014 Revised Edition). Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 56(13): 1163–1168.

Yang Y, Xu W, Li M, et al., 2024, Collateral-Pricking and Bloodletting Cupping Combined with Electroacupuncture for Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Meta-Analysis. Altern Ther Health Med, 30(11): 290–296.

Xiumei G, Chenyan W, Yong N, et al., 2023, Clinical Effect of Acupuncture Along Fascia, Meridians, and Nerves Combined with Ultrasound-Guided Paravertebral Nerve Block in the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Randomized Parallel-Controlled Study. J Tradit Chin Med, 43(2): 359–364.

Kui W, Xie L, Li Y, et al., 2023, Efficacy and Safety of Bloodletting Puncture and Cupping in Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis. Biomed Rep, 20(2): 30.

Cheng HY, 2012, He Puren’s Academic Thought and Experience Inheritance. Beijing Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 31(04): 243–245.

Tran DP, Nguyen TV, 2025, Effectiveness of Filiform Needle Acupuncture and Long Needle Acupuncture in Managing Periarthritis of the Shoulder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pharmacopuncture, 28(2): 100–107.

Wang J, Wang X, Xia H, et al., 2021, An Update of Fire Needle Acupuncture for Acute Herpes Zoster and Prevention of Postherpetic Neuralgia in Adults: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicine (Baltimore), 100(1): e24180.

Zeng JC, Zhang RL, Wei XJ, et al., 2022, Acupuncture for Improving a Case of Widespread Herpes Zoster After Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Chemotherapy. Explore (NY), 18(5): 608–611.

Lan HB, Xu PP, Zhou DM, 2015, Clinical Efficacy Evaluation of He’s Santong Needling Method in the Treatment of Snake-Like Sore with Pattern of Heat Stagnation in Liver Channel. Chinese Journal of Dermatovenerology of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, 14(03): 180–182.

Xia YF, Sun RH, Li SM, et al., 2025, Different Acupuncture Therapies for Postherpetic Neuralgia: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis. Chin J Integr Med, 31(1): 55–67.

Wu D, Jiang Y, Wu Q, et al., 2025, Efficacy and Safety of Bloodletting Therapy for Acute Herpes Zoster: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Neurol, 16: 1674245.