And there are two techniques widely discussed in Chinese clinical texts and hospital practice:
- Surround the Dragon (围龙刺 / Wei Long Ci) – for acute shingles lesions
- Plum Blossom / Fire Dragon / Ashi channel methods – used to reduce the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia
You may have heard it described as the “Singing Dragon”, but the traditional name is usually translated as “Surround the Dragon.” Some practitioners poetically call it “singing” because of the rhythmic placement of needles around the rash.
1. Surround the Dragon Technique (围龙刺)
The Classic Shingles Technique
In Chinese dermatology acupuncture, the shingles rash is viewed as the “dragon” travelling along the channel.
The treatment is to surround the dragon with needles, trapping and dispersing the pathogenic heat toxin.
How It Is Done
Very fine needles are inserted around the perimeter of the rash, not directly into vesicles.
Placement:
- Needles placed 1–2 cm outside the lesions
- Spaced roughly 1–2 cm apart
- Often 6–12 needles depending on lesion size
Needles are angled toward the centre of the rash.
Why It Works
From a TCM perspective it:
- Clears heat toxin
- Moves Qi and Blood stagnation
- Opens the blocked channel pathway
From a biomedical perspective it:
- Reduces neurogenic inflammation
- Improves local microcirculation
- Modulates nerve signalling
Many patients report rapid pain relief, sometimes during the first treatment.
Preventing Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
This is a huge focus in Chinese medicine.
Chinese research suggests that early acupuncture significantly reduces PHN risk.
Two methods are commonly used.
A. Plum Blossom Needle (Seven Star Needle)
Once vesicles begin drying, Chinese practitioners often use very gentle tapping along the dermatome.
Technique:
- Light tapping along the affected nerve pathway
- Done with very light stimulation
- Often after needles are removed
Purpose:
- Improves nerve regeneration
- Prevents nerve hypersensitivity
- Restores microcirculation
B. Ashi Points Along the Dermatome
Chinese clinicians will needle:
- tender points
- trigger points
- segmental nerve areas
Especially along the Jia Ji points corresponding to the dermatome.
Example:
Thoracic shingles → needle T5–T9 Jia Ji points.
These points regulate the segmental nerve root.
4. The Herb Often Added to Prevent Neuralgia
One herb Chinese hospitals frequently include internally is:
Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis)
Actions:
- Moves Qi and Blood
- Strong analgesic
- Calms nerve pain
It is often combined with:
Chuan Lian Zi
Together they form the classic pair:
Jin Ling Zi San
Very useful for nerve pain syndromes.
These treatments and herbs are available at the clinic and Herbal Apothecary.