Bell’s Palsy

Acupuncture for Neuropathy: A Natural Approach to Pain Relief

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Neuropathy can be caused by a number of things, including diabetes, chemotherapy, alcohol abuse, and certain medications.

How Can Acupuncture Help with Neuropathy?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It is believed that acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing process and can help to relieve pain and inflammation.

A growing body of research suggests that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for neuropathy. One study found that acupuncture was more effective than sham acupuncture at reducing pain and improving nerve function in people with diabetic neuropathy. Another study found that acupuncture was effective at reducing pain and improving quality of life in people with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

How Does Acupuncture Work for Neuropathy?

Acupuncture is thought to work for neuropathy in a number of ways. It may help to:

Reduce pain and inflammation
Improve nerve function
Promote blood flow to the nerves
Stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Treatment

During an acupuncture treatment, you will lie on a comfortable table. The acupuncturist will then insert thin needles into specific points on your body. The needles are usually inserted very shallowly and should not cause much pain.

Once the needles are in place, you will relax for 20-30 minutes. The acupuncturist may gently manipulate the needles during this time. After the treatment, the needles will be removed.

How Many Acupuncture Treatments Do I Need?

The number of acupuncture treatments you need will vary depending on the severity of your neuropathy and your individual response to treatment. Most people start with 2-3 treatments per week and then reduce the frequency of treatments as their symptoms improve.

If you are considering acupuncture for neuropathy, be sure to start with a consultation.

Additional Tips for Managing Neuropathy

In addition to acupuncture, there are a number of other things you can do to manage neuropathy symptoms, such as:

Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can put additional pressure on the nerves.
Exercise regularly. Exercise can help to improve nerve function and blood flow.
Eat a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet can help to provide the nutrients your nerves need to function properly.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage the nerves.
Manage any underlying medical conditions. If your neuropathy is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, it is important to manage that condition carefully.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for neuropathy. It can help to reduce pain, improve nerve function, and promote blood flow to the nerves. If you are considering acupuncture for neuropathy, be sure to begin with a consult.

Can Acupuncture Help with Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves in the hands, feet, arms, and legs. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness. There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy, but there are treatments that can help to relieve symptoms.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It is thought to work by stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities.

There is some evidence that acupuncture can be effective in relieving the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. A study published in the journal Pain Medicine found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving function in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Another study, published in the journal Neurology, found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving sleep quality in people with HIV-associated peripheral neuropathy.

If you are considering acupuncture for peripheral neuropathy, it is important to talk to your doctor first. Acupuncture is not a cure for peripheral neuropathy, but it may be able to help to relieve your symptoms.

How Does Acupuncture Work for Peripheral Neuropathy?

The exact mechanism by which acupuncture works for peripheral neuropathy is not fully understood. However, it is thought that acupuncture may help to reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and stimulate the release of pain-relieving chemicals in the body.

Acupuncture is also thought to help to improve the function of the nervous system. This may be due to the fact that acupuncture can help to restore the balance of yin and yang, which are two opposing forces that are thought to govern the body in traditional Chinese medicine.

Is Acupuncture Safe for Peripheral Neuropathy?

Acupuncture is generally considered to be a safe treatment for peripheral neuropathy. However, there are some risks associated with acupuncture, such as bleeding, bruising, and infection. It is important to see a qualified acupuncturist who is experienced in treating peripheral neuropathy.

If you are considering acupuncture for peripheral neuropathy, here are some things to keep in mind:

Make sure to see a qualified acupuncturist who is experienced in treating peripheral neuropathy.
Be aware of the risks associated with acupuncture.
Be patient. It may take several treatments before you see improvement in your symptoms.

If you are looking for a natural way to relieve the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, acupuncture may be a good option for you. Call today to begin with a consultation to find out if you’re a good candidate for treatment.

Acupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of cancer treatment that can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet. It can also make it difficult to walk, dress, and perform other daily activities.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that has been shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms of CIPN. It works by stimulating specific points on the body with needles. This can help to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote nerve regeneration.

A study published in the journal “Pain” found that acupuncture was effective in reducing the pain and numbness associated with CIPN. The study participants who received acupuncture also reported improved sleep quality and quality of life.

Another study, published in the journal “Neurology”, found that acupuncture was effective in improving walking ability in people with CIPN. The study participants who received acupuncture were able to walk farther and with less pain than those who did not receive acupuncture.

If you are experiencing CIPN, acupuncture may be a helpful treatment option for you. Talk to your doctor about whether acupuncture is right for you.

What to Expect During Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture treatments typically last for 30-60 minutes. The acupuncturist will first assess your condition and then insert needles into specific points on your body. The needles may be left in place for a few minutes or up to 30 minutes.

You may feel some discomfort when the needles are inserted, but this should go away quickly. Some people experience a feeling of warmth or tingling at the acupuncture points.

You can usually resume your normal activities after acupuncture treatment. However, you may experience some mild side effects, such as bruising or soreness at the acupuncture points.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for CIPN. It can help to reduce pain, numbness, and improve walking ability. If you are experiencing CIPN, call today to set up a consultation.

Acupuncture for Neuropathy: How Can It Help?

Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including diabetes, injury, and certain medications.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that has been shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms of neuropathy. It works by stimulating specific points on the body with needles. This helps to improve blood flow and nerve function, which can reduce pain and improve overall well-being.

There are a number of studies that have shown the effectiveness of acupuncture for neuropathy. For example, a study published in the journal Pain found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving function in people with diabetic neuropathy.

Another study, published in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine, found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving sleep quality in people with HIV-related neuropathy.

If you are suffering from neuropathy, acupuncture may be a safe and effective treatment option for you. Talk to your doctor about whether acupuncture is right for you.

How Can Acupuncture Help with Neuropathy?

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body with needles. These points are believed to be linked to the body’s energy system, or meridians. When the needles are inserted, they release chemicals that help to improve blood flow and nerve function. This can help to reduce pain, improve sleep quality, and reduce inflammation.

What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture for Neuropathy?

The benefits of acupuncture for neuropathy include:

Reduced pain
Improved sleep quality
Reduced inflammation
Improved nerve function
Increased energy levels
Improved mood
Improved nerve function

How Many Acupuncture Sessions Are Needed for Neuropathy?

The number of acupuncture sessions needed for neuropathy will vary depending on the individual. However, most people see improvement after a short time. Each patient is examined for sensory loss at their initial consultation to determine how many treatments are needed for their success.

Is Acupuncture Safe for Neuropathy?

Acupuncture is generally safe for people with neuropathy.

How Can I Find a Qualified Acupuncture Provider for Neuropathy?

Acupuncturists in the state of Maryland attend an accredited graduate school program for 3-5 years before becoming eligible to attain licensure for acupuncture. Not all acupuncturists are trained in how to treat neuropathy, however. Neuropathy is a complex condition that requires extensive additional training, which Dr. Parks has mastered over the last 4 years, with over an 85% success rate in treating neuropathy.

The Best Way to Find the Best Acupuncture Clinic for You

Whether you’re suffering from low back pain, or neuropathy, infertility or headaches, you’ll want to find the best acupuncture clinic that suits your needs the best.

The very best way is to call and speak with the receptionist of your clinic of interest and ask them if they have experience in or specialize in your primary condition you are seeking care for. While most acupuncturists have trained extensively for 3-5 years in graduate level study acupuncture programs, and receive a Master’s degree or a Doctorate (also known as a Acupuncture Physician), it’s still best to work with an acupuncturist or clinic that has experienced success in treating your condition.

Some questions you can ask when you phone a prospective acupuncture clinic:

Has the acupuncturist treated my type of condition before?

What is the success rate of treating my condition at this clinic?

How many years of experience does the acupuncturist have?

Do you offer any additional therapies beyond acupuncture to help address my condition?

What can I expect during my first visit? (Is it just a consultation, or will I receive treatment that day?)

Most of our patients are referred by word of mouth, from former patients who have also experienced success. Our acupuncturist Dr. Laura Parks does specialize in chronic, complex conditions and has been practicing for over 13 years. She received her acupuncture doctorate from Five Branches University, and acupuncture masters from Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly Tai Sophia). Dr. Parks has been treating Fertility patients for over 13 years and specializing in neuropathy for over 4 years, with over a 85% success rate.