Herpes

Definition:

Herpes - a family of viruses that infect humans: herpes simplex causes lip and genital sores; herpes zoster causes shingles.

Dr Brian Kaplan on Herpes:

There are two main types of Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

• HSV I: oral herpes
• HSV II: genital herpes

Both types of HSV can be troublesome and decrease quality of life. The virus lies dormant in nerve tissue where most of the time the patient is symptom free. Then when the patient is stressed, sleep-deprived or for no apparent reason at all there is in outbreak on the lips, genitals or buttocks. The average amount of attacks is 6 a year.

HSV I can be painful and appearing on the lips and face, be embarrassing and socially inconvenient as the condition is infectious and can be transmitted by kissing.

HSV II can also be painful as well as embarrassing as it can be transmitted sexually. This can lead to the awkward situation of considering when to tell a potential partner about the condition.

Orthodox treatment: Acyclovir is an anti-Herpes drug that can be effective as a cream. In severe cases it can be taken by mouth in tablet form. It is usually taken to treat outbreaks of both forms of Herpes.

Holistic Approach:

Autogenic Therapy: The mainstay of the holistic approach to Herpes is Stress Management. A course in Autogenic Therapy is certainly worthwhile in all cases of Herpes. I am convinced that patients with Herpes, who practise Autogenic Therapy, suffer from much less attacks than those who do not use deep relaxation techniques.

Homeopathy: A constitutional homeopathic remedy will be prescribed to all patients. The idea is that by giving the body an holistic stimulus in the form of an homeopathic remedy that suits the whole person, the immune system will be enhanced giving it a better chance to keep the Herpes virus at bay.

Diet, Exercise and Sleep: These are also important issues that can affect the number of outbreaks and therefore should be discussed durin the consultation.

Overall this is a condition that is well worth having treated with an holistic approach. The orthodox drug, acyclovir, can be used as a back up approach as well and patients willing to consider an integrated holistic approach to this condition often find that they can dramatically reduce the number of outbreaks so that the condition is reduced to becoming a very occasional nuisance.