According to a 2014 study, approximately 10% of Americans suffer from some form of neuropathic pain. And those numbers have only increased since then. Neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves, leading to pain, weakness, and sensory disturbances. Traditional treatments can offer limited relief depending on the severity of the condition and patients can grow desperate for relief. Acupuncture offers those looking for answers another option for pain relief. 

Neuropathy and Acupuncture

Neuropathy, particularly peripheral neuropathy, can result from various conditions, including diabetes, chemotherapy, and autoimmune diseases, leading to symptoms like burning pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. Traditional treatments often include medications like anticonvulsants and antidepressants, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. However, these methods don’t work for everyone, leading many to seek alternative treatments like acupuncture.

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are believed to correspond with energy pathways called meridians. By stimulating these points, acupuncture aims to balance the flow of qi and promote healing.

Evidence Supports Acupuncture for Neuropathy

Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of acupuncture for neuropathy, and the results are promising. A systematic review published in the Journal Pain Medicine analyzed 13 randomized controlled trials involving 962 participants with neuropathy. The review found that acupuncture significantly improved pain and quality of life compared to no treatment or conventional therapy.

Another study, published in Acupuncture in Medicine, focused on patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The researchers found that after ten weeks of acupuncture treatment, patients experienced significant reductions in pain and improvements in nerve conduction velocities, suggesting enhanced nerve function. 

How Acupuncture Works for Neuropathy

The exact mechanisms by which acupuncture alleviates neuropathy symptoms are still being explored, but several theories exist:

Endorphin Release: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers, reducing the sensation of pain.

Blood Flow Improvement: By improving local blood circulation, acupuncture may enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to nerve tissues, promoting healing and reducing pain.   

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Acupuncture has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce nerve inflammation and alleviate symptoms of neuropathy.

Modulation of the Nervous System: Acupuncture may influence the central and peripheral nervous systems, altering the way pain signals are processed and perceived.

What the Research Says

A large-scale study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) found that approximately 20% of people with chronic pain use acupuncture as part of their pain management strategy. This statistic underscores the growing acceptance of acupuncture in the mainstream medical community, especially for conditions like neuropathy where conventional treatments may fall short.

Considering Acupuncture for Neuropathy

For those suffering from neuropathy, the journey to finding effective treatment can be long and challenging. Acupuncture offers a potential path to relief, supported by scientific evidence and centuries of practice. While it may not work for everyone, its holistic approach and minimal side effects make it a worthy consideration.

As you consider the next steps in managing your neuropathy, imagine the possibility of a life with less pain and greater mobility. Could acupuncture be the key to unlocking that future for you? The answer may lie in taking that first step by making an appointment today.

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?

Peripheral Neuropathy Defined

Medical professionals define peripheral neuropathy as a disease affecting the nerves that causes weakness, numbness and pain in the feet and hands. Symptoms vary but can include tingling and/or numbness in the hands and feet, sharp, stabbing pain, a weak or heavy feeling in the arms and legs and even a drop in blood pressure for some.

How Acupuncture Can Help

Although more research is being done, early research does suggest that acupuncture can help with the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. A pilot study done in 2007 provided promising results and a 2017 study also found that, “acupuncture appears to improve nerve conduction study parameters in both sensory and motor nerves.”

In addition to improving the immune system and improving the flow of energy in the body, acupuncture and acupressure therapy can work to relax muscles and reduce pain. Let’s look at five specific points that can provide relief for those suffering from peripheral neuropathy in the feet. 

5 Acupressure Points to Find Relief

The first point to pay attention to is ST-36. Remember, acupuncture operates on the premise that the body is connected by pathways that provide energy throughout, so it isn’t unusual that this point is found by placing four fingers at the end of the knee. ST-36 rests where the depression between the bone and muscle sits.

Acupoint GB-34 is next on the list of points to help with peripheral neuropathy symptoms. You can find this point in the dent below the small bone protruding from the side of the knee. This point is also an effective treatment for lower body numbness and swelling in the knee.

The third acupressure point to note is SP-3 which can be found at the medial point of the big toe, on the sole of the foot, where the crease is formed when the toes are bent downwards. This point is thought to help in reducing pain caused by chemotherapy induced neuropathy as the medial plantar nerve runs around this point.

Acupoint SP-8 is the fourth helpful point in dealing with peripheral neuropathy. It is located at the center of the inner ankle, in the gap between the upper and lower bones inside the knees (about 1/3 above the lower knee). The tibial nerve passes near this point. 

And the final point to notice is BI-56 and is located at the back of the leg, a six-finger width from the center of the back of the knee (at the top of the calf muscle). This point is thought to be particularly effective at treating the muscle weakness symptom that comes with peripheral neuropathy. 

If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy, acupuncture treatment just might provide the relief you are looking for. Talk to your acupuncturist about the underlying cause. It’s important to have a proper medical diagnosis so your acupuncturist can take a complete health history and provide the proper treatment recommendations.