Neuropathy & Acupuncture

A Brief Introductory Guide

Understanding the Challenges of Neuropathy and the Benefits of Acupuncture

Neuropathy is a complex and often debilitating condition that results from damage to the peripheral nervous system. It can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, tingling, numbness, burning sensations, and muscle weakness. Neuropathy can significantly impact a person’s quality of life by interfering with their ability to perform daily activities, affecting mobility, and leading to emotional distress. There are various types of neuropathy, including diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and peripheral neuropathy related to autoimmune conditions, infections, or injuries. The treatment and management of neuropathy can be challenging, but acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offers a natural, holistic approach to alleviating symptoms and promoting nerve health.

The Wellspring Integrative Approach

We at Wellspring Health are privileged to be a member of your care team. Wellspring Health uses Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine) and Conventional medicine in an integrative approach. This combination can enhance treatment outcomes, manage the side effects of conventional treatments (like chemotherapy), and provide additional support for chronic or complex conditions. We love science and we love working with conventional medical Doctors. This approach combines the strengths of both systems, offering a broader range of treatment options and emphasizing the prevention of disease as well as the treatment of existing conditions.

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Challenges Associated with Neuropathy

  1. Chronic Pain and Discomfort: Neuropathy often causes chronic pain that can range from mild to severe. The pain may be described as sharp, burning, or shooting and can occur in the hands, feet, legs, or other areas affected by nerve damage. This chronic pain can interfere with a person’s ability to move comfortably, making it difficult to walk, exercise, or perform everyday tasks. The ongoing pain and discomfort can also lead to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and reduced quality of life.

  2. Numbness and Loss of Sensation: Neuropathy can cause numbness or a loss of sensation in the affected areas, particularly in the extremities. This numbness can make it difficult to detect temperature changes, injuries, or pressure, increasing the risk of accidents, burns, or wounds that go unnoticed. For individuals with diabetic neuropathy, this loss of sensation is particularly concerning, as it can lead to severe complications such as foot ulcers or infections.

  3. Muscle Weakness and Impaired Mobility: Nerve damage associated with neuropathy can affect muscle strength and control, leading to muscle weakness, cramping, or loss of coordination. This can impair mobility and balance, making walking or standing difficult and increasing the risk of falls. The loss of muscle function can also contribute to physical deconditioning and reduced overall physical fitness, further complicating the management of the condition.

  4. Emotional and Psychological Impact: Neuropathy can have a significant emotional and psychological impact. Chronic pain, loss of function, and limitations in daily activities can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression. The constant discomfort and concern about worsening symptoms can increase stress levels and reduce a person’s ability to engage in social and recreational activities, contributing to isolation and a diminished sense of well-being.

  5. Limited Treatment Options and Side Effects: Conventional treatments for neuropathy often include medications such as pain relievers, anti-seizure drugs, or antidepressants. While these medications can help manage symptoms, they may not address the underlying cause of nerve damage and often come with side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or gastrointestinal issues. Some individuals may also find these treatments ineffective or develop tolerance over time, leading to inadequate symptom control.

From Our Clients

“Kirsten Manges is an incredible resource. She has a very intuitive approach to healing and I have found that she's really helped me with my frozen shoulder pain when it was wearing me down. I am now free of pain and the shoulder has been resolved. I was also amazed at the results from her Accu-Facial. That was the first time I had ever had a treatment like that and I was amazed at the results. Kirsten, also introduced me to red Light therapy and that has really helped me through the many aches and pains of an active 55-year-old!”

- Gina B.

“Kirsten Manges is the best acupuncturist who has ever treated me. I have complex issues and she listened intently and designed the treatment that relieved my pain. Talented, knowledgable, thorough, and professional! Her staff is lovely too.”

- Helene R.

“Kirsten Manges' acupuncture treatments are given with great care. She has an amazing talent to zoom into problem areas and find the proper solutions. She has done wonders for my neck pain and my wrists for instance. The place has a zen quality and is beautifully arranged, as well as lovely new and clean. The location is ideal (½ block from the  Union Square subway hub).”

- Kiek V

Benefits of Acupuncture for Neuropathy

Acupuncture, a therapy that involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body, offers a natural and holistic approach to managing neuropathy symptoms. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, acupuncture helps restore the body’s balance, promote healing, and alleviate pain. Here’s how acupuncture can support individuals with neuropathy:

  1. Alleviates Pain and Discomfort: Acupuncture is highly effective in reducing neuropathic pain by stimulating the release of endorphins—the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. It can also influence the nervous system by regulating the release of neurotransmitters, which help modulate pain signals. By targeting specific points along affected nerve pathways, acupuncture can help alleviate pain and reduce sensations of burning, tingling, or numbness.

  2. Improves Blood Flow and Nerve Health: Acupuncture promotes healthy blood circulation, which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to damaged nerves. Improved blood flow supports the healing and regeneration of nerve tissue, helping to reduce the severity of neuropathy symptoms. For individuals with diabetic neuropathy, enhancing circulation to the extremities can also help prevent complications such as foot ulcers or infections.

  3. Reduces Inflammation and Supports Immune Function: Inflammation is a key factor in many forms of neuropathy, particularly those associated with autoimmune conditions or chronic diseases. Acupuncture helps reduce systemic inflammation by modulating the immune response and promoting the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines. This can alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and support nerve health.

  4. Enhances Muscle Strength and Mobility: Acupuncture can support muscle function and improve strength by promoting blood flow and stimulating nerve activity. This can help reduce muscle weakness, cramps, or spasms associated with neuropathy. Acupuncture also helps relax tense muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance coordination, making it easier to maintain mobility and balance.

  5. Supports Emotional Well-Being and Reduces Stress: Chronic pain and physical limitations can take a toll on emotional health. Acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety and depression. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, acupuncture helps lower cortisol levels (the body’s primary stress hormone) and enhances the production of serotonin and endorphins, which improve mood and emotional resilience.

  6. Complements Conventional Treatments: Acupuncture can be safely integrated with conventional treatments to enhance their effectiveness and reduce side effects. For example, it can be used alongside medications to provide additional pain relief or support the body’s response to physical therapy. This complementary approach can lead to more comprehensive symptom management and better overall outcomes for individuals with neuropathy.

Conditions We Treat With Acupuncture

Acupuncture is used to address a wide variety of health conditions, including but not limited to:

Parting Thoughts:

Neuropathy presents a range of physical and emotional challenges that can significantly impact quality of life. The pain, numbness, and loss of function associated with this condition can be difficult to manage with conventional treatments alone. Acupuncture offers a holistic, non-invasive approach to managing neuropathy by alleviating pain, improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and supporting emotional well-being. As a complementary therapy, acupuncture can enhance the body’s natural healing processes, promote nerve health, and improve overall quality of life for individuals living with neuropathy. Through its multifaceted benefits, acupuncture provides a valuable option for managing the complexities of neuropathy in a safe and effective manner.

Resources & Links to Learn More

Acupuncture has been investigated for its potential benefits in managing neuropathy. Here are five clinical studies highlighting its positive effects:

  1. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN): A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Neurology evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The analysis included 25 trials with a total of 1,561 patients and concluded that acupuncture, especially when combined with conventional treatment, significantly improved pain outcomes in DPN patients.  Frontiers

  2. Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN): A systematic review and network meta-analysis in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies assessed acupuncture-related interventions for CIPN. The study found that acupuncture, particularly when combined with electrical stimulation, effectively alleviated CIPN symptoms and improved quality of life in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.  BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

  3. Diabetic Neuropathy: A narrative review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences explored the effects of acupuncture on diabetic neuropathy. The review highlighted that acupuncture could improve nerve conduction velocity and alleviate symptoms such as pain and numbness in diabetic patients, suggesting its potential as a treatment option.  MDPI

  4. Neuropathic Pain Mechanisms: A review article in Frontiers in Neuroscience discussed the potential mechanisms of acupuncture for neuropathic pain based on the somatosensory system. The study provided evidence that acupuncture might modulate pain perception and reduce neuropathic pain through various neural pathways.  Frontiers

  5. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Protocol: A study protocol published in Trials outlined the design of a randomized, multicenter trial investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptoms. The trial aimed to assess whether acupuncture could improve peripheral nerve function and alleviate persistent pain, numbness, and sensory disturbances in the limbs.  Trials

These studies suggest that acupuncture may offer benefits in managing various forms of neuropathy, particularly in alleviating pain and improving nerve function.