Are there any natural/holistic remedies for the pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia? i would prefer to stay away from opiates and pharmaceuticals.

Yes, better options: While drugs can relieve discomfort they won't cure this, whereas natural therapies can actually cure you. Homeopathy is often quite successful for this but you need to see a homeopath. Frequency specific microcurrent can help: http://bit.Ly/onq32s herbs can reduce pain ; stimulate healing. Medical marijuana can also help; high-cbd strains relieve pain ; inflammation with few psychoactive effects.

In additions to : Dr baker's excellent recommendations - consider acupuncture.

Yes!: Much of treatment for pain and inflammation is non pharmaceutical ( stretching, positive thinking, exercise, relaxation, heat, massage, etc). And don't forget the placebo effect! But beware of snake oils sold by practitioners who personally profit. Check the website : http://nccih.nih.org to see what really works and what is bogus.