Why You Should Look into Acupuncture for Neuropathy
Dealing with neuropathy can be very frustrating. Whether it’s from diabetes, an injury, chemotherapy drugs, 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, our Boca Raton acupuncture expert, Dr. Winke, 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 chemotherapy induced neuropathy and chemotherapy induced peripheral 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.
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. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common form of peripheral 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.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic approach to health that has been practiced for over 2,500 years. Central to TCM is the concept of qi (pronounced “chee”), which is the vital energy that flows through the body. According to TCM, health is achieved by maintaining the balance of qi, as well as the balance of yin and yang, the complementary forces that make up all aspects of life.
Acupuncture, a key component of TCM, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body known as acupuncture points. These points are believed to be pathways through which qi flows. By stimulating these points, acupuncture aims to restore the balance of qi and promote the body’s natural healing processes.
In the context of peripheral neuropathy, acupuncture is used to address the imbalances that may be contributing to nerve pain and dysfunction. By restoring balance to the body’s energy, acupuncture helps to alleviate symptoms and support overall health and well-being.
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 treatment 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.
Randomized clinical trials have shown the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for neuropathy, providing high-quality evidence for its use in managing this condition.
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.
Studies have shown significant improvements in the acupuncture group compared to sham acupuncture, with notable decreases in pain scores and enhancements in nerve conduction velocities.
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.
Group acupuncture has been studied for its effectiveness in treating proximal neuropathy, showing promising results in clinical trials.
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 Diabetic Peripheral 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.
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. When needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points, they trigger the release of chemicals in the body that help to reduce pain and inflammation. These chemicals include endorphins, which are natural painkillers, and anti-inflammatory agents that help to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Additionally, acupuncture helps to improve blood flow to the affected areas. Enhanced circulation ensures that essential nutrients and oxygen are delivered to damaged nerves, promoting healing and reducing neuropathic pain. Acupuncture also helps to reduce stress, which can be a contributing factor to the development and exacerbation of peripheral neuropathy.
While the exact mechanisms of acupuncture are not fully understood, numerous studies and clinical trials have shown that it can be an effective treatment for a range of health conditions, including peripheral neuropathy. By addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of nerve pain, acupuncture offers a comprehensive approach to managing this challenging condition.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Neuropathy
There are many benefits to choosing acupuncture as a treatment for neuropathy. Acupuncture has shown positive neurophysiological and clinical outcomes, particularly in managing symptoms like pain and functional impairments. Some of the key advantages include:
Studies have measured primary and secondary outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture at specific time points, such as week 8 and week 16, using tools like the GRADE evaluation to assess the quality and reliability of these outcomes.
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.
What to Expect from an Acupuncture Session
During an acupuncture session, you can expect to lie down on a comfortable treatment table. The acupuncturist will then insert thin, sterile needles into specific points on your body. These needles are typically left in place for 15-30 minutes, during which you may feel a sensation of warmth, tingling, or a mild ache at the needle site.
In addition to needle insertion, the acupuncturist may use other techniques to enhance the treatment. Moxibustion, which involves burning a herb called mugwort near the acupuncture points, can help to warm and stimulate the area. Cupping, which uses suction cups to increase blood flow, may also be used.
After the treatment, you may feel relaxed and calm, and you may experience a reduction in pain and discomfort. It is often recommended to have a series of acupuncture treatments to achieve optimal results, as the benefits of acupuncture can be cumulative. Regular sessions can help to maintain the improvements in nerve function and pain relief, providing long-term support for managing peripheral neuropathy.
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:
The neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI) can be used to assess the severity of symptoms and track improvements.
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.
Why You Should Look into Acupuncture for Neuropathy
If you're struggling with neuropathy, acupuncture offers a natural, effective solution to help control pain, encourage healing, and enhance quality of life. Whether you have peripheral, proximal, focal, or autonomic neuropathy, acupuncture can be tailored to your specific condition to provide the best possible results. Get acupuncture in Boca Raton today!
If you're in South Florida and looking for a skilled acupuncturist to help you manage your neuropathy, consider visiting Acupuncture Xperts. Our skilled practitioners specialize in acupuncture for neuropathy and can develop a customized treatment plan to handle your unique needs. Don't let neuropathy control your life—take the first step toward feeling better today!
