★★★★★
I contracted herpes in my 30s about 18 years ago and have suffered from postherpetic neuralgia ever since. I found that meds - such a Lyrica or gabapentin - are a nightmare (the horrific side effects outweigh any benefits). I have reduced my pain (arms and legs), which was once severely acute and constant, to either nonexistent or occasional and mild simply by doing the following:
(1) I avoid foods that are high in arginine (nuts, seeds, chocolate, especially), which can lead to excruciating bouts for me. Dairy is helpful (high in lysine). I remain aware of lysine versus arginine ratios in my diet, tipping the scale toward more lysine. I eat lots of vegetables, leafy greens, and some meat (lamb is high in lysine) -I keep it organic/free range.
(2) The real miracle cure for me: I take spirulina every morning (1000 mg).
(3) I do as much yoga as I can (yin yoga is especially great during bouts - something about stretching and breathing). I get acupuncture (but never during a bout because that will make it more acute).
(4) Try not to get too stressed out. Avoid an abundance of sun. Avoid getting overtired or overexerted (e.g., pushing myself beyond an athletic limit - as in running too long).
It's taken me a long time to figure it all out, so I wanted to pass it along. :)
