Dr Maggie Ju Acupuncture London Chelsea, North Kensington, Notting Hill, and Richmond

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox, shingles can be a discomforting and sometimes debilitating condition. Understanding its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention is crucial in managing this ailment. Causes and Symptoms After recovering from chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in nerve tissues near your spinal cord and brain. Years later, particularly when the immune system weakens due to age, stress, illness, or medications, the virus can reactivate and travel along the nerves to the skin’s surface, causing shingles. The hallmark symptom of shingles is a painful rash, often accompanied by itching, burning, or tingling sensations. This rash typically appears as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around one side of the torso but can also affect the face, eyes, or other parts of the body. Other symptoms may include fever, headach...

In the microscopic realm, there exists an enigmatic entity that has profoundly influenced the course of life on our planet—the virus. These minuscule particles, often measured in nanometers, wield an incredible power that extends far beyond their size. Viruses, while simple in structure, possess a remarkable ability to both challenge and shape the intricate web of life. The Nature of Viruses Viruses exist in a peculiar realm between the living and non-living. Lacking the machinery for independent life, they are essentially genetic material—either DNA or RNA—encased in a protein coat. Unlike cells, viruses cannot carry out the fundamental processes of life on their own. They lack the necessary cellular machinery for metabolism, growth, or reproduction. Instead, viruses are masters of subversion. They infiltrate the cells of other organisms, hijack their cellular machinery, and redirect it to produce copies of themselves. This parasitic behavior is their modus operandi for survival and p...

As the frosty embrace of winter sets in, so does the annual surge of respiratory ailments and the looming specter of pneumonia. The cold season has long been associated with an uptick in various respiratory illnesses, posing a significant threat to public health worldwide. Among these ailments, pneumonia stands as a formidable adversary, particularly during these colder months. Winter and Respiratory Diseases Winter's arrival often heralds a spike in respiratory infections, a trend attributed to various factors. The drop in temperature drives people indoors, increasing close contact and facilitating the transmission of viruses and bacteria. Moreover, the cold, dry air can compromise the body's defense mechanisms, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Common respiratory diseases that flourish in winter include influenza (the flu), the common cold, bronchitis, and various forms of viral and bacterial infections affecting the upper respiratory tract. These ailments, c...