Acupuncture for Peripheral Neuropathy: Sharing My Experience

I spent over six years working as an acupuncturist at St. Luke's Cancer Institute. Working with patients dealing with cancer, and the side-effects from their cancer treatments, was very eye-opening for me. Treatments like chemotherapy are powerful tools that prolong lives. But they can leave a trail of damage in their wake, reducing quality of life for the patient, sometimes significantly. Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is one of the major side-effects from these treatments and it can be a difficult thing to live with and accept.

PN, a condition affecting the peripheral nervous system, can present a range of symptoms including pain, numbness, and weakness in the limbs. It can arise from various causes, such as chemotherapy, diabetes, infections, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to toxins. No matter what your neuropathy is caused by, acupuncture can help to improve your symptoms.

I can only imagine that PN is a very intense, uncomfortable, frustrating and disheartening thing to experience. As I witnessed acupuncture improve the quality of life for PN patients over the years, I found working with this population to be a very fulfilling part of my work. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to be helpful for so many.

At the cancer institute, we practiced community-style acupuncture, which meant that most days I was treating around 8-12 patients dealing specifically with PN. During my time at St Luke's, I was able to really hone my skills at treating the condition. I have seen acupuncture help so many people with their neuropathy. It is not a magic bullet and can take some time, but with consistent acupuncture treatments many patients find it to be life-changing.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to restore balance and promote healing. It is not uncommon for people to come to acupuncture after trying other avenues to treat their neuropathy. In my opinion, it is 100% worth a shot. There are no negative side-effects with acupuncture and many positive ones. So there is really nothing to lose and much to gain. While we target PN, we will also work on the body as a whole. Acupuncture works this way. It's nourishing to the body and soothing to the nervous system. Most patients report experiencing better sleep, increased energy, smoother digestion and a more at-ease mood. Below we will explore how acupuncture can contribute to the management of this condition, the mechanisms behind its effectiveness, and what patients can expect from treatment.

Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy generally arises when the peripheral nerves, responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, become damaged or dysfunctional. This dysfunction can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:

• Pain: Patients may experience sharp, stabbing, or burning sensations, typically in the hands and feet.

  
  

• Numbness: A loss of sensation in the extremities can impair balance and coordination.

  
  

• Weakness: Muscle weakness can lead to difficulty performing everyday activities.

  
  

• Sensitivity: Some people may become hypersensitive to touch or experience a tingling sensation.

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture operates on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which views the body as an interconnected system. According to TCM, health is based on the smooth flow of energy throughout the body via pathways known as meridians. Acupuncture aims to correct imbalances by stimulating specific points along these meridians.

Research has shown that acupuncture can activate the body’s natural pain relief mechanisms, including:

• Release of Endorphins: Acupuncture promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can alleviate symptoms of neuropathy.

  
  

• Regulation of Neurotransmitters: Acupuncture may influence the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, helping to elevate mood and reduce pain perception.

  
  

• Improvement of Circulation: Enhanced blood flow can lead to increased oxygen delivery and decay of metabolic waste products, which may alleviate symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

  
  

By addressing the underlying imbalances and promoting the body’s innate healing capabilities, acupuncture offers a holistic approach to managing peripheral neuropathy.

Research and Evidence: Acupuncture for Peripheral Neuropathy

Several studies have investigated the efficacy of acupuncture in treating peripheral neuropathy. A systematic review published in a reputable journal demonstrated that acupuncture significantly reduced pain and improved quality of life for patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy. Similarly, another study found that patients receiving acupuncture experienced greater symptom relief than those receiving standard care alone.

While more rigorous research is needed to fully substantiate these findings, the existing evidence suggests that acupuncture can be an effective adjunctive therapy for managing symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy.

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session

For those considering acupuncture for peripheral neuropathy, it's essential to understand what a typical session entails. Here’s a breakdown of what one can expect:

1. Initial Consultation: We will conduct a thorough assessment, discussing symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals.

   
   

2. Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, a unique treatment plan will be developed, targeting specific acupuncture points related to the patient's symptoms.

   
   

3. Needle Insertion: During the session, thin, sterile needles will be inserted into specific points. Most patients report minimal discomfort with the needling.

   
   

4. Relaxation Period: Once the needles are in place, the patient will typically lie still for 20 to 40 minutes. This is a time for relaxation and introspection, allowing the body to respond to the treatment.

   
   

5. Aftercare Advice: Following the session, the practitioner may provide guidance on lifestyle changes, exercises, or dietary adjustments to enhance the benefits of acupuncture.

   
   

Regular sessions, often weekly or bi-weekly, may be recommended depending on individual needs and response to treatment.

Acupuncture holds significant potential as a therapy for people suffering from peripheral neuropathy. By tapping into the body’s natural healing processes, acupuncture addresses both physical symptoms and emotional well-being, promoting a holistic approach to health. With its growing recognition and evidence of effectiveness, acupuncture may indeed provide a pathway towards relief and improved quality of life for those navigating the challenges of peripheral neuropathy.