What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy (often shortened to neuropathy) is a condition that affects the peripheral nervous system—the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body, including the arms, legs, hands, and feet.
When these nerves are damaged, they can no longer send signals properly, which leads to symptoms such as:
- Pain or burning sensations
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Sensitivity to touch
- Balance and coordination problems
Neuropathy may affect one nerve (mononeuropathy), several nerves in different areas (multiple mononeuropathy), or many nerves throughout the body (polyneuropathy).
Common Causes of Neuropathy
There are many possible causes, but some of the most frequent include:
- Diabetes (the most common cause in the U.S.)
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Infections like shingles or Lyme disease
- Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
- Vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins)
- Alcohol abuse
- Nerve compression or injury
Understanding the cause is essential, since treatment will vary depending on the underlying factor.
Conventional Treatments for Neuropathy
Treatment often starts with managing the root cause. For example:
- Diabetic neuropathy: Managing blood sugar through diet, exercise, and medication can slow progression and relieve symptoms. Learn more from the CDC about diabetes management.
- Vitamin deficiency-related neuropathy: Supplementation may improve symptoms.
- Medication options:
Antidepressants and anticonvulsants (to calm nerve pain)
- Topical options like capsaicin cream and lidocaine patches
- Prescription medications such as gabapentin or pregabalin
While these treatments may help, many patients find they only mask symptoms, come with unwanted side effects, or do not provide lasting relief.
➡️ At Kimura Acupuncture, we often meet patients who want to avoid long-term medication use or surgery and are seeking safe, natural approaches instead.
Acupuncture as a Natural Approach
Acupuncture is a core component of traditional Chinese medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. By inserting thin, sterile needles into precise points on the body, acupuncture aims to:
- Restore balance in the nervous system
- Promote blood circulation
- Support the body’s natural healing processes
For patients with neuropathy, acupuncture is especially appealing because it works with the body rather than against it. Instead of blocking signals (as medications often do), acupuncture encourages the body to release endorphins, reduce inflammation, and improve microcirculation in affected nerves.
Research on Acupuncture for Neuropathy
Scientific studies support acupuncture as a promising therapy:
– A study published in Diabetes Care found that patients with diabetic neuropathy experienced significant improvement in pain, numbness, and tingling after acupuncture compared to sham treatments.
– Another clinical trial reported that acupuncture was more effective than conventional medication in reducing neuropathic pain and improving quality of life.
Additional research suggests that acupuncture may even slow the progression of nerve damage by improving circulation and reducing oxidative stress. You can read more from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
How Acupuncture Works for Neuropathy
The exact mechanisms are still under investigation, but several effects are thought to play a role:
- Pain relief: Acupuncture stimulates the release of natural painkillers (endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine).
- Improved circulation: Needling may increase blood flow to damaged nerves, providing them with more oxygen and nutrients.
- Reduced inflammation: Chronic inflammation can worsen nerve damage; acupuncture appears to calm inflammatory processes.
- Nerve regeneration support: Some studies suggest acupuncture may encourage nerve repair and regeneration.
What to Expect During Acupuncture Treatment
Many patients are unsure what their first visit will be like. At Kimura Acupuncture:
- We begin with a thorough consultation and health history.
- Very thin, sterile needles are placed at specific points, often in the hands, feet, or legs.
- Patients usually rest comfortably for 15–30 minutes while the needles do their work.
- Most describe the experience as relaxing, with some noticing reduced tingling or improved warmth in their feet or hands right away.
For neuropathy, a series of treatments is often recommended, since nerves typically respond best with consistent stimulation over time.
Why Choose Acupuncture at Kimura Acupuncture?
Patients choose us because we provide a holistic, drug-free approach that helps them feel better without side effects. Reported benefits include:
- Decreased pain, numbness, and tingling
- Improved strength and mobility
- Better sleep quality
- Reduced dependence on medications
- Enhanced energy and overall well-being
➡️ If you are living with neuropathy, book an initial consultation to see if acupuncture may be right for you.
Final Thoughts
Peripheral neuropathy can be a challenging condition, often requiring long-term management. While conventional treatments focus on symptom control, acupuncture offers a complementary and often more natural solution to reduce pain and improve quality of life.
By addressing the root imbalances in the body, acupuncture not only helps relieve symptoms but also promotes better overall health. If you are struggling with neuropathy, consider integrating acupuncture into your care plan under the guidance of both your physician and a licensed acupuncturist.
