Natural Solutions for Chronic Cold Sores

Tokyo Woman Hiding A Cold Sore

Common Reasons To Visit The Chiropractor

Many people visit the chiropractor for low back pain, headaches, neck pain, bad posture, etc. Lots of musculoskeletal complaints. But as people start working with their chiropractor, they start to see the interconnectedness of many symptoms in their bodies.

For example, a back pain complaint may be connected to a virus like shingles or neck pain with meningitis. Not all neck and back pain complaints are this severe, but it's important to know that symptoms that feel like they're in a muscle or bone may be connected via the nervous system to other organ issues.

One common example is cold sores or herpes simplex virus. This virus lives in the nervous system and can have recurring symptoms. Many people want natural solutions or natural support for such symptoms. A few factors to consider in managing recurrent cold sores are nervous system health; nutrition; and stress.

A Tokyo Chiropractor's Guide To Managing Cold Sores

Here are some natural ways to support your body if you are concerned about recurrent symptoms:

1. Herpes simplex virus resides in the nervous system, so making sure you're taking care of your nervous system is key. Chiropractors work with the nervous system ensuring that good communication between brain and body remains intact. Get checked by a chiropractor to find out about your baseline spine and nervous system health.

2. If you feel an outbreak coming on or if you have damaged skin, L-lysine can help skin remain strong. Mega doses of L-lysine have been shown to help when taken before an outbreak starts. 4000 mg per day has been studied as an appropriate mega-dose.

3. Essential nutrients can support nervous system health. Many B vitamins help nerve cells function properly. Foods naturally high in B vitamins include liver (popular at yakitori restaurants), beef, pork, and seafood like mussels, clams, and mackerel. Leafy green vegetables, chickpeas, and tofu are good plant sources of various B vitamins.

4. Stress is a trigger of cold sore outbreaks, so keeping stress in check is key. Physical stressors like damage to the skin from sun exposure or dryness can be avoided with good hydration and regular, safe sun exposure to build a strong melanin store in the skin for protection. Chemical stressors like alcohol and sugar weaken the immune and nervous systems, so avoiding those triggers is key. Emotional stressors from work or relationships can be managed through community; talking to someone about your struggles; and relaxation techniques like walking in nature and breath work.

For education only. Always speak to a licensed healthcare provider before treating your own symptoms. For more detail about how to implement these strategies safely, talk to your licensed chiropractor.

How To Find An English-Speaking Chiropractor In Tokyo

At Electra Chiropractic, we help expats and English-speaking locals in Tokyo restore proper movement, nervous system balance, and long term resilience holistically. Get back to doing what you love naturally, without medication or surgery. Dr. Ariel Thorpe, DC is an expat American chiropractor practicing in Tokyo. She is licensed and registered to practice chiropractic in the US, Hong Kong, and Japan.

Book your initial consultation today and take the first step toward a stronger, more stable, and more confident body.