Can Acupuncture Help Neuropathy? Here’s What to Know
Peripheral neuropathy is a degenerative condition resulting in damage to the peripheral nerves, affecting almost 5% of people over the age of 55. It’s a progressive condition that can severely impact daily life, making simple tasks feel overwhelming. At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness, we specialize in peripheral neuropathy treatment, offering a natural solution that not only helps alleviate symptoms but also addresses the root causes of nerve damage.
Living with neuropathy can feel isolating, especially when traditional treatments fail to provide lasting relief. Many people have tried medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes, only to find their symptoms continue to persist or worsen. For some, acupuncture may be a game-changer. It offers hope when other treatments haven’t worked, and patients are often amazed by the relief they experience.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Imagine your body’s nerve system as a vast network of electrical wires, similar to the wiring in a complex, sophisticated computer system. Just as electrical wires transmit signals to turn on your computer or light up your home, nerves transmit signals from your brain to different parts of your body to initiate actions and sensations. When peripheral neuropathy occurs, it’s akin to this wiring becoming frayed or damaged. This damage disrupts the normal flow of electrical signals, much like a short circuit, leading to the faulty transmission of information. You might find a switch turned on, but the light it’s supposed to activate remains dim or completely out. This breakdown in communication can result in the various symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy, such as pain, tingling, or numbness.
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This nerve damage disrupts the normal transmission of signals from the brain to other parts of the body, leading to a variety of symptoms, including:
- Tingling or "pins and needles" sensations
- Burning or shooting pain, especially in the feet and hands
- Numbness or a "thickened" feeling in the limbs
- Difficulty with balance and walking
- Loss of sensation or coordination in the extremities
While many factors can contribute to peripheral neuropathy—such as diabetes, chemotherapy, autoimmune disorders, and alcohol abuse—the underlying result is the same: nerve damage that disrupts daily life. Though the damage can be progressive, acupuncture has been shown to provide substantial relief, reduce pain, and support the healing process.
How Acupuncture Helps with Neuropathy
Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. While it has been used for thousands of years to treat various health conditions, modern research shows that acupuncture can be highly effective in treating peripheral neuropathy by addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes of nerve damage.
Here’s how acupuncture can help:
- Pain Relief: Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural painkillers—endorphins and other neuropeptides—that reduce pain and improve circulation to the affected areas. This can significantly decrease the discomfort associated with neuropathy.
- Nerve Regeneration: Research has shown that acupuncture can stimulate nerve regeneration by increasing blood flow to damaged nerves, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen that promote healing. Studies have also demonstrated that acupuncture can enhance the release of nerve growth factors, which are essential for the repair of nerve tissue.
- Improved Circulation: Acupuncture improves blood flow, which helps nourish the damaged nerves and remove metabolic waste products that may be contributing to pain and dysfunction. This leads to better nerve function and can help restore lost sensations.
These effects not only reduce symptoms — they also help support the body’s ability to heal. If you're interested in the science behind how acupuncture supports nerve repair, check out our post on acupuncture and nerve regeneration.
Scientific Support for Acupuncture in Neuropathy Treatment
Acupuncture is increasingly recognized in the scientific community for its effectiveness in treating peripheral neuropathy. Numerous studies support acupuncture’s role in pain relief, nerve regeneration, and improved nerve function. Here are key research findings that validate acupuncture as an effective treatment for neuropathy:
- Nerve Regeneration and Pain Relief
A study published in Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience found that acupuncture promotes nerve regeneration by enhancing blood circulation and stimulating the release of nerve growth factors. This process helps repair damaged nerves, improve nerve conduction, and reduce neuropathic pain. Specifically, acupuncture stimulates neurophysiological pathways that aid in healing damaged peripheral nerves, which is essential for chronic conditions like diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN). 1 - Acupuncture's Efficacy for Neuropathic Pain
In a study examining acupuncture for neuropathic pain, researchers observed significant improvements in nerve function and pain reduction across various types of neuropathy, including small and large fiber neuropathies. The study highlighted how acupuncture works by enhancing blood flow to affected areas, which in turn helps reduce inflammation and supports nerve repair. Additionally, the study emphasized the benefits of acupuncture for patients with neuropathy-related pain and sensory disturbances, providing effective symptom relief.2 - Meta-Analysis of Acupuncture Efficacy
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining acupuncture for neuropathy concluded that acupuncture is highly effective for reducing neuropathic pain and improving nerve function. The review aggregated results from several studies, showing that acupuncture significantly outperforms placebo treatments and provides lasting relief for various neuropathy types, including diabetic neuropathy and idiopathic neuropathy. It highlights acupuncture’s role in improving blood flow, nerve health, and reducing inflammation around affected nerves, making it a viable treatment option for those suffering from chronic nerve pain.3
At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness, we don’t stop at acupuncture. We integrate ATP Resonance BioTherapy® to promote nerve healing, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation—helping you regain comfort and control.
How Acupuncture Improves Quality of Life for Neuropathy Patients
Living with neuropathy can be incredibly challenging, and the impact goes beyond just physical symptoms. Many patients experience sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression due to constant pain and discomfort. Acupuncture addresses these issues by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being.
Acupuncture has been shown to not only relieve physical pain but also improve the psychosocial aspects of chronic conditions. Research has found that acupuncture can lead to improvements in sleep quality, reduce stress and anxiety, and even improve mood. Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture helps regulate the body's internal systems, promoting relaxation through the release of endorphins, serotonin, and other neuropeptides.1
Benefits of acupuncture for quality of life include:
- Better sleep: Many neuropathy patients report improved sleep after acupuncture treatment, as it helps regulate the body’s natural circadian rhythms and reduces the pain that may keep them up at night. In fact, a meta-analysis found that acupuncture has a positive impact on sleep quality for patients with chronic pain, including those with neuropathy.3
- Reduced anxiety and depression: By stimulating the release of serotonin and endorphins, acupuncture helps alleviate the emotional distress that often accompanies chronic pain. Studies have shown that acupuncture significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with neuropathic pain.2
- Improved mobility and function: As acupuncture reduces pain and improves nerve function, many patients experience better coordination and balance, which allows them to engage in activities they may have previously avoided.
Acupuncture doesn’t just address pain—it restores the mind-body balance necessary for patients to reclaim the life they love, free from the grip of neuropathy.
Modalities Used at Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness
At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness, we combine traditional acupuncture with advanced modalities like electroacupuncture and ATP Resonance BioTherapy® to optimize the treatment process. These therapies stimulate nerves, improve circulation, and promote healing, often providing remarkable results for those suffering from neuropathy.
- Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles to stimulate the body’s healing responses and alleviate pain.
- Electroacupuncture uses a mild electrical current at a precise frequency to stimulate acupuncture points, increasing the effectiveness of the treatment.
- ATP Resonance BioTherapy® uses low-level electrical currents to to stimulate blood vessel regrowth and enhance nerve repair.
While these treatments vary in their approach, they all share a common goal: to relieve pain and promote the healing of peripheral nerves.
Our treatments are designed to be both simple and highly effective. Watch the video below to see how we combine acupuncture and other healing modalities to provide relief from neuropathy, promote nerve regeneration, and improve your overall quality of life.
Whether you're navigating diabetic neuropathy in the feet or recovering from chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, we tailor your care using acupuncture and ATP Resonance BioTherapy® to target the root of the issue.
At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness, we take pride in delivering a treatment experience that’s personalized, multi-modal, and designed to support real, lasting relief.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture for Neuropathy
Q: Does acupuncture really work for peripheral neuropathy?
A: Yes. Acupuncture has been shown to help relieve pain, improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and support nerve regeneration. Many patients experience meaningful improvements in symptoms like tingling, numbness, and burning sensations.
Q: How long does it take to see results with acupuncture?
A: Every patient responds differently. While some notice early symptom improvement within the first few sessions, lasting results depend on the severity and duration of the condition. At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness, we create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs and goals, and we assess your progress along the way to ensure your care stays on track.
Q: Is acupuncture safe for treating neuropathy?
A: Yes. Acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive treatment performed by licensed practitioners. It’s a drug-free way to manage symptoms without the side effects of medications.
Q: Can acupuncture treat diabetic neuropathy?
A: Absolutely. Acupuncture can be particularly effective for nerve pain in the feet and legs caused by diabetes. We often combine it with ATP Resonance BioTherapy® to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate healing at the nerve level.
Q: Does peripheral neuropathy ever go away?
A: Peripheral neuropathy is a degenerative condition, which means symptoms can worsen over time without intervention. While full reversal may not always be possible, targeted treatment like acupuncture can reduce symptoms, improve function, and often slow or even reverse some aspects of nerve damage over time.
Take the Next Step Towards Neuropathy Relief
If you're ready to explore how acupuncture can help alleviate the pain and discomfort of peripheral neuropathy, improve your nerve function, and enhance your overall quality of life, we invite you to take the next step.
At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness, we specialize in personalized acupuncture treatments tailored to your unique needs. Whether you've tried other treatments without success or are looking for a natural, effective solution, we're here to help you achieve lasting relief and regain control over your life.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn how acupuncture can make a difference in your neuropathy treatment journey.
- Call us at +1 (503) 336-4747 or explore our New Patient Offer to schedule your comprehensive consultation.
- Visit us at Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness in Tualatin, OR, where we're dedicated to helping you live your best, pain-free life.
Don’t wait any longer—take the first step toward a pain-free, more fulfilling life today. Together, we can create a treatment plan that works for you and helps you reclaim the life you deserve.
References:
- Yang Y, Rao C, Yin T, et al. Application and underlying mechanism of acupuncture for the nerve repair after peripheral nerve injury: remodeling of nerve system. Front Cell Neurosci. 2023;17:1253438. Published 2023 Oct 24. doi:10.3389/fncel.2023.1253438
- Dimitrova A. Introducing a Standardized Acupuncture Protocol for Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Series. Med Acupunct. 2017;29(6):352-365. doi:10.1089/acu.2017.1242
- Dimitrova A, Murchison C, Oken B. Acupuncture for the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2017;23(3):164-179. doi:10.1089/acm.2016.0155
