Can Acupuncture Help with Nerve Pain?

Do you have numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in your hands or feet? Does walking on hard or cold surfaces feel like stepping on broken glass? Are you struggling with muscle weakness or changes in your ability to move? These are symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, a condition that can result from infections, traumatic injuries, autoimmune diseases, vitamin deficiencies, metabolic problems, or alcohol abuse. Diabetes is one of the most common neuropathy causes.

Peripheral neuropathy treatment in Western medicine depends on the cause. After all, neuropathy is often a symptom of an underlying disease, which may improve when the condition causing it is properly treated. Unfortunately, many medications are only designed for symptom management and do not treat the underlying cause. Such medications often have unpleasant side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, leg swelling, and weight gain.

In traditional Chinese medicine, neuropathy pain and dysfunction are believed to be caused by a block in the natural and balanced flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body. When Qi doesn’t flow properly through the energy paths known as meridians, cells and tissues don’t receive proper nourishment, leading to neuropathy and other health problems.

Acupuncture therapy is one of the most common alternative medicines for treating nerve pain and neuropathy. Thanks to its focus on encouraging natural healing, strengthening muscles, and improving whole-body health, acupuncture is a promising treatment for neuropathy. Learn more about acupuncture for nerve pain to help you decide if this treatment could be right for you.

Is Acupuncture for Nerve Pain Safe?

Many people seek acupuncture treatment because they want to relieve pain without the side effects of medication. The World Health Organization, the Mayo Clinic, and Oregon Health & Science University all recognize acupuncture as a safe and useful therapy for neuropathic conditions like peripheral neuropathy, sciatica, and Bell’s palsy. The key is to visit a certified acupuncturist who uses sterile needles and proven techniques to deliver the best, most long-lasting results.

How Can Acupuncture Help People with Peripheral Neuropathy?

Acupuncture is primarily used to treat headaches, migraines, back pain, sports injuries, and other conditions related to muscle tension. However, don’t underestimate the power of acupuncture for treating nerve damage.

Acupuncture neuropathy treatment is typically a two-pronged approach. First, it targets local points to treat the affected meridians and resulting symptoms. Second, it targets points for strengthening and building the body to augment Qi and blood flow.

As a result, acupuncture can help mitigate the following symptoms:

• Burning, stabbing, and other types of nerve pain
• Numbness and tingling
• Oversensitivity to touch
• Heat intolerance
• Muscle weakness
• Digestive problems
• Changes in blood pressure

Benefits of Acupuncture for Neuropathy

The most obvious benefit is enjoying relief from neuropathy pain and the other symptoms outlined above, but this is not the only thing acupuncture can do for you. Consider these additional benefits to other areas of your health:

• Natural pain resistance: Acupuncture encourages your system to release endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. The benefits are immediate and may have a lasting effect on how your body responds to pain.
• Motivation to improve health habits: Sometimes, the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy stems from alcohol abuse, smoking, or poor diet. Your acupuncturist can help you recognize these causes and encourage you to pay more attention to what you put into your body.
• Boost your mood: Acupuncture is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety, common side effects of chronic pain and nerve problems. Rather than taking antidepressants, consider natural acupuncture treatment to improve your emotional health and stabilize your mood.

How to Prepare for Your First Acupuncture Appointment

Ready to give acupuncture a try? Here’s how to prepare for your first appointment:

• Bring all medical documentation related to your neuropathy.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes that leave the affected part of your body exposed.
• Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete new patient paperwork.

After the initial visit, your acupuncturist will recommend a certain number of sessions and pinpoint other treatment details based on your medical history and symptoms. Treatments last 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your condition and progress. Be aware that you may need multiple sessions before you notice improvement.

Schedule Acupuncture Treatment in Sherwood Park

All Deep Massage & Wellness Clinic has served residents of Sherwood Park and the surrounding areas since 2007. Every acupuncturist on our team is formally trained and certified for your peace of mind. Thanks to our dedication and experience, we’re confident we can provide outstanding wellness care based on your needs and goals.

Ready to schedule your first acupuncture treatment? Please fill out our online contact form or call us at 780-416-0659 to speak with a member of our professional acupuncture team.