Herpes zoster (HZ), caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV), may be followed by postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a persistent neuropathic pain condition. Animal models are essential for investigating pain mechanisms and the effects of acupuncture, but no available model reproduces the full course of VZV latency and reactivation, skin lesion evolution, and prolonged PHN in humans. This review compares VZV- and herpes simplex virus type 1-related pain models, nerve-injury models used as surrogates, and inflammatory or chemical stimulation models. It also summarizes evidence that acupuncture may affect neuroinflammation, pain sensitization, oxidative stress, immune regulation, and autophagy, and examines clinical evidence, safety considerations, and reporting standards. Model selection should be guided by the research question. However, this evidence is insufficient to establish causal mechanisms or clinical efficacy. Future studies should better align model characteristics, acupuncture parameters, behavioral outcomes, and clinical endpoints, and should follow appropriate reporting standards for animal experiments and clinical studies.