Why You Should Look into Acupuncture for Neuropathy

Dr. Matthew Winke, DACM·November 18, 2024

An acupuncturist treating a patient with 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, complementary option.

In this article, our Boca Raton acupuncture expert, Dr. Matthew Winke, DACM, explains 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 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 potential complementary solution.

Physiotherapist performing dry needling neck 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 common 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 vision or the chest, so new symptoms like these should be checked by a physician right away.

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.

Young woman getting acupuncture for neuropathy

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, in animal studies, support nerve regeneration—all of which are critical for people with neuropathy.

Randomized clinical trials have shown promising results for acupuncture in managing neuropathy symptoms, although many have been small and larger, high-quality studies are still needed.

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, which may help reduce pain.

Some studies have shown improvements in pain scores with acupuncture, and a few have reported better nerve conduction, although results compared with sham acupuncture have been mixed.

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 may help support these muscles by promoting better circulation.

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 aims to relieve localized pain by inserting needles at particular points near the affected area. Some patients notice relief from pain and discomfort soon after a session.

Additionally, acupuncture may help support nerve function in localized areas by improving nerve transmission. 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, some studies suggest acupuncture may support digestive function and even improve heart rate regulation. By supporting these functions, acupuncture may help reduce the severity of autonomic neuropathy symptoms and improve overall well-being.

An acupuncturist using acupuncture for neuropathy

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 helps deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to damaged nerves, which may help reduce neuropathic pain. Acupuncture also helps to reduce stress, which can make the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy feel worse.

While the exact mechanisms of acupuncture are not fully understood, numerous studies and clinical trials suggest that it can be helpful for a range of health conditions, including peripheral neuropathy. By addressing symptoms while your physician treats the underlying cause, such as diabetes, acupuncture offers a comprehensive approach to managing this challenging condition. Keep your physician informed, and don’t change any medications without talking to them first.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Neuropathy

There are many benefits to choosing acupuncture as a treatment for neuropathy. Acupuncture has shown positive clinical outcomes in studies, particularly in managing symptoms like pain and functional impairments. Some of the key advantages include:

Drug-Free Pain Relief

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

May Support Nerve Repair

Animal and laboratory studies suggest acupuncture may encourage the growth of new nerve tissue and promote healing in damaged nerves. This hasn’t yet been confirmed in people, but it’s an active area of research.

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 comfort and 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, aiming for 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; because neuropathy can reduce sensation, heat is used with extra care, or not at all, on numb areas. 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 improvements in symptoms and pain relief, providing long-term support for managing peripheral neuropathy.

Conditions to Consider When Choosing Acupuncture for Neuropathy

While acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed practitioner using sterile, single-use needles (possible effects include mild soreness, bruising, or fatigue), 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 and daily foot checks.
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 with these conditions.

The neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI) can be used to assess the severity of symptoms and track improvements.