Neuropathy & Acupuncture

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged or irritated. It can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning, altered sensation, sensitivity or pain, most commonly affecting the hands and feet.

Neuropathy can have many causes, including diabetes, chemotherapy, nerve injury, vitamin deficiencies, certain medications and other neurological or medical conditions. In some cases, no clear cause is identified.

Acupuncture for Neuropathy

Acupuncture may be used as a complementary therapy to support people experiencing neuropathic symptoms.

Treatment is tailored to the type and location of symptoms and may incorporate local acupuncture, distal acupuncture and electroacupuncture where appropriate. The focus may be on reducing neuropathic pain and supporting sensation and function in the affected areas.

For people experiencing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, acupuncture may also be incorporated as part of supportive cancer care alongside their oncology treatment.

An Individualised Approach to Neuropathy

Neuropathy can present very differently from one person to another, so treatment considers where symptoms occur, whether they involve numbness, burning, tingling or pain, what caused the nerve damage and how symptoms are affecting function.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, these differences also help determine the underlying pattern and treatment approach.

Where possible, identifying and appropriately managing the underlying cause of neuropathy remains important, with acupuncture used alongside appropriate medical and neurological care.

If you are experiencing neuropathy, numbness, tingling or nerve pain and would like to explore whether acupuncture may be a useful addition to your care, please GET IN TOUCH.