Why You Should Look into Acupuncture for Neuropathy

acupuncture

Nov 18

Dealing with neuropathy can be very frustrating. Whether it’s from diabetes, an injury, or another underlying condition, the pain, numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation can significantly impact your quality of life. Traditional treatments, like medications or surgeries, don’t always offer lasting relief, and many people are turning to acupuncture for neuropathy as a natural, effective solution.

In this article, we’ll explain what neuropathy is, the different types of neuropathy, and how acupuncture can offer relief from nerve pain. By the end, you’ll better comprehend how acupuncture could help manage your neuropathy and improve your day-to-day life.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction in the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system transmits messages from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. When these nerves become damaged, they may not send signals correctly, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness. Neuropathy can cause other problems, such as muscle atrophy or balance problems.

Common Causes of Neuropathy

Some of the most common causes of neuropathy include:

Diabetes: Chronic high blood sugar levels can damage nerves over time (diabetic neuropathy).
Injury: Accidents or repetitive strain can result in nerve damage.
Infections: Certain infections, like shingles or Lyme disease, can cause neuropathy.
Chemotherapy: Some cancer treatments can damage nerves, leading to neuropathy.
Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to inflammation that damages the nerves.

While there are treatments available to handle neuropathy, many individuals find that traditional methods (such as medication) often only offer momentary relief. This is where acupuncture for neuropathy has emerged as a probable solution.

Doctor with gloves performing acupuncture for neuropathy on patient.

The Four Common Types of Neuropathy

There are several types of neuropathy, each affecting different body parts and presenting its unique challenges. Understanding which kind of neuropathy you have is important when exploring treatment options.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is the most standard form of neuropathy. It impacts the nerves in the hands, feet, legs, and arms. Individuals with peripheral neuropathy may encounter symptoms such as:

Numbness and tingling (especially in the feet and hands)
Burning sensations
Pain or cramping
Muscle weakness or loss of coordination

A variety of factors, including diabetes, alcohol abuse, infections, and particular medications, can cause peripheral neuropathy.

Proximal Neuropathy

Proximal neuropathy mainly affects the thighs, hips, and buttocks. It’s often seen in older adults, especially those with diabetes. Symptoms of proximal neuropathy include:

Weakness in the upper legs (making it hard to stand up or climb stairs)
Pain or aching in the hips, thighs, or buttocks
Difficulty with movement or balance

Proximal neuropathy can also cause severe pain, which can make simple movements difficult or even debilitating.

Focal Neuropathy

Focal neuropathy refers to nerve damage in a specific, localized body area. This type of neuropathy can occur suddenly, often affecting the eyes, face, chest, or limbs. Common symptoms include:

Sharp pain or weakness in one specific area (such as the eye, face, or chest)
Double vision (when the nerves controlling the eye muscles are affected)
Numbness or pain in the hands or feet

Focal neuropathy can be alarming because its onset is sudden and often affects vital areas, like the vision or heart.

Autonomic Neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, blood pressure, and more. Symptoms may include:

Dizziness or fainting due to low blood pressure
Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
Sexual dysfunction
Abnormal sweating

This type of neuropathy can severely impact a person’s daily life, affecting essential bodily functions that most people take for granted.

How Acupuncture for Neuropathy Can Help

Now that you’re familiar with the different types of neuropathy let’s take a closer look at how acupuncture can help manage each type. Acupuncture is an ancient practice that involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Research suggests that acupuncture can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, promote circulation, and support nerve regeneration—all of which are critical for people with neuropathy.

Acupuncture for Peripheral Neuropathy

One of the main ways acupuncture helps those with peripheral neuropathy is by stimulating blood flow to the affected areas. Poor circulation can exacerbate nerve pain, especially in the extremities. By improving circulation, acupuncture helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to damaged nerves, promoting healing and reducing pain.

Acupuncture also helps reduce inflammation, which is a major cause of nerve pain. Targeting specific acupuncture points encourages the body’s anti-inflammatory response, which can help relieve the burning and stabbing sensations that are so common in peripheral neuropathy.

Acupuncture for Proximal Neuropathy

Proximal neuropathy often causes weakness in the muscles of the upper legs, making it difficult for patients to perform simple tasks like standing or walking. Acupuncture can help strengthen these muscles by promoting better circulation and stimulating muscle repair.

Acupuncture also targets pain relief by stimulating the body’s natural painkillers (endorphins), which can help ease the aching and weakness associated with this type of neuropathy. With regular treatments, acupuncture can support both pain management and muscle function.

Acupuncture for Focal Neuropathy

Focal neuropathy impacts specific body areas, often causing sudden, sharp pain. Acupuncture for focal neuropathy relieves localized pain by inserting needles at particular points near the affected area. This can provide immediate relief from pain and discomfort.

Additionally, acupuncture can help repair nerve function in localized areas by improving nerve transmission and lessening nerve compression. Whether it’s pain in the face or weakness in the hands, acupuncture offers a holistic approach to treating the symptoms of focal neuropathy.

Acupuncture for Autonomic Neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy can affect your body’s involuntary functions, leading to symptoms like dizziness, digestive issues, and abnormal blood pressure. Acupuncture can help regulate the autonomic nervous system by promoting balance and stability in these vital functions.

For instance, acupuncture has been shown to help normalize blood pressure, support digestive function, and even improve heart rate regulation. By addressing these underlying issues, acupuncture helps reduce the severity of autonomic neuropathy symptoms and improves overall well-being.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Neuropathy

There are many benefits to choosing acupuncture as a treatment for neuropathy. Some of the key advantages include:

Drug-Free Pain Relief

Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural painkillers (endorphins), which can provide effective pain relief without relying on medications that may come with unwanted side effects.

Supports Nerve Regeneration

Acupuncture can encourage the growth of new nerve tissue and promote healing in damaged nerves, helping restore function and reduce long-term discomfort.

Reduces Inflammation

Acupuncture targets inflammation around the affected nerves, reducing swelling and easing pain, particularly in cases of peripheral neuropathy.

Improves Circulation

By increasing blood flow to the affected areas, acupuncture helps nourish and oxygenate the damaged nerves, supporting faster recovery and improved function.

Holistic and Personalized

Acupuncture works with your body’s natural healing processes, making it a holistic approach to neuropathy. Your acupuncturist will tailor the treatment to meet your specific needs, ensuring the best possible results.

Conditions to Consider When Choosing Acupuncture for Neuropathy

While acupuncture is generally safe and effective, it’s essential to consider any other conditions you may have that could influence treatment. For example:

Diabetic Neuropathy: Be mindful of blood sugar levels, as acupuncture can help improve circulation but should be combined with good diabetes management.
Autoimmune Conditions: Acupuncture can help manage symptoms but should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan for autoimmune diseases.
Heart or Blood Pressure Issues: If you have autonomic neuropathy affecting heart rate or blood pressure, it’s important to work with an acupuncturist experienced in treating these conditions.