Acupuncture for Peripheral Neuropathy
A recent patient, male, age 79, (whose permission I received to discuss his case) has been experiencing peripheral neuropathy pain in his lower legs and feet for several months. As a retired Veteran and avid tennis player, Mr. “A” was limited in day to day activities due to pain and discomfort. After doing some research he decided to give Acupuncture a try.
As the patient explained his difficulties in doing simple tasks due to numbness, and tingling sensations in his lower anterior legs and feet, he was open to trying electro-acupuncture for relief. After a thorough health history intake, observing the tongue and palpating the pulse, the patient relaxed on the table to receive acupuncture.
Points were used to help with his root imbalance along with points for the symptoms. Electro-acupuncture was applied to a few points on his lower legs and feet for additional support and pain relief.
After his first appointment, the patient reached out the next day with a genuine surprise and disbelief over how much better his legs felt. He continued weekly treatments for the next 4 weeks with increasing mobility and a decrease in the overall numbers and tingling. Today, he utilizes the positive effects of Acupuncture for pain management and peripheral neuropathy symptoms on a regular basis. Mr. “A” is now able to continue his love for bicycling several miles a day and hopes to return to the tennis court one day.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
The following definition is from MayoClinic.org:
“Peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It can also affect other areas and body functions including digestion, urination and circulation.
Your peripheral nervous system sends information from your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of your body. The peripheral nerves also send sensory information to the central nervous system.
Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes is diabetes.
People with peripheral neuropathy generally describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling (Peripheral neuropathy 2021)”
What is Electro-Acupuncture?
Electroacupuncture is a form of acupuncture where a small electric current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles.
Evidence based research on electro-acupuncture for neuropathy
If you are interested in learning more about acupuncture for peripheral neuropathy, reserve a phone consultation here.
References
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, July 3). Peripheral neuropathy. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 7, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061
Electroacupuncture. Electroacupuncture - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Retrieved July 7, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/electroacupuncture
Dimitrova, A. (2017, December 1). Introducing a standardized acupuncture protocol for peripheral neuropathy: A case series. Medical acupuncture. Retrieved July 7, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5733739/