Neuropathy

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 Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: How It Can Help

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that affects the nerves in the hands and feet. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that has been shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It works by stimulating specific points on the body with needles. This helps to improve blood flow to the nerves and reduce inflammation.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving function in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The study participants received 20 acupuncture treatments over a period of 10 weeks.

Another study, published in the journal Diabetes Care, found that acupuncture was effective in improving nerve conduction velocity in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Nerve conduction velocity is a measure of how quickly electrical signals travel along the nerves.

If you are living with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, acupuncture may be a helpful treatment option for you. Talk to your doctor to see if acupuncture is right for you.

Here are some of the benefits of using acupuncture for diabetic peripheral neuropathy:

It can help to reduce pain and improve function.
It can help to improve nerve conduction velocity.
It can help to reduce inflammation.
It is a safe and natural treatment.
It has few side effects.

If you are considering acupuncture for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, call today to set up a consultation to see if you are 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 and Peripheral Neuropathy Relief

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 20 million people in the United States suffer from peripheral neuropathy. The NIH also notes that it is particularly common among those suffering from diabetes. So, what is peripheral neuropathy and can acupuncture help to relieve its symptoms? continue reading »