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.

In a nutshell, traditional acupuncture, also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, works under the belief that the body is controlled by a flow of energy called qi traveling through pathways in the body that are called meridians. Acupuncturists believe that when these pathways become blocked and the energy can’t flow freely, various health problems begin to appear. 

According to Pacific College of Health and Science, which houses one of the acupuncture schools here in the U.S., “while some practitioners still follow the traditional philosophy of qi, others have also started incorporating a more integrative approach, supported by research and Western medicine principles. For example, many of today’s acupuncturists view the acupuncture points as places that stimulate nerves, invigorating the body’s natural pain fighting and healing processes.”

There are many common ailments treated with acupuncture including pain relief, allergies, chronic inflammatory conditions, and even sleep disorders. Research also supports acupuncture in helping to support stronger immune and nervous systems. Here are five health benefits of consistent acupuncture treatments.

Stress Relief

With the pandemic and all the changes in the world over the last couple of years, people are desperately looking for ways to reduce the stress in their lives. Acupuncture helps to restore energy and balance by triggering nervous system responses to stress. Research has found that acupuncture lowers stress hormones and improves the mood to help reduce the feeling of anxiety. 

Reduced Pain

Acupuncture is often used to supplement other medical treatments or as an alternative to a standard pain treatment option. After an acupuncture treatment, patients often find relieve lasting from several hours to even weeks post-treatment, depending on the severity of the condition. Research has shown acupuncture to be effective for chronic pain conditions like migraines, arthritis, back and neck pain, and even TMJ. Adding consistent treatments helps you keep the pain under control in a natural and pharmaceutical-free way. 

Improved Neurological Health

Mental clarity throughout the day can be a challenge sometimes. The brain fog that can come from stress, poor diet, pain, or other health issues can rob us of productivity. And there are other neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s which can be life altering. Clinical research has shown that acupuncture can improve language and motor skills in patients with neurological issues. 

Improved Digestion

Many people today suffer from heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and other digestive challenges. Believe it or not, when your digestive system isn’t working properly it can have an impact on your overall health. As mentioned previously, acupuncture seeks to establish balance throughout the body and this includes balance in the digestive tract. Consistent acupuncture treatments can help regulate digestive health, thus bringing relief from common issues. You don’t have to live with these types of digestive struggles, regular acupuncture can help!

Better Sleep

A final benefit to regular acupuncture is improved sleep. Now that your stress is less, you are in less pain, your mind is clear and your digestion is on track, it only seems logical that your sleep will improve dramatically. Should you suffer from insomnia or another sleep disorder, acupuncture has been proven to relieve the underlying issues that could be causing the disruption to your sleep. Ask your acupuncturist about the five specific points that just might help you get your sleep schedule back on track. 

If you are looking to achieve better overall balance in your life, consistent acupuncture treatments just might be the solution you are looking for. If you suffer from even one of the issues mentioned above, make an appointment with your acupuncturist. Your practitioner will do a thorough health history in order to get to the bottom of the symptoms. Call today and get your wellness journey back on track!