Peripheral Neuropathy is the damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord which results in weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It feels constantly burning along with a feeling of getting an electric shock. Millions of people suffer from peripheral neuropathy. Painkillers and anti-seizure drugs are some of the conventional drugs given and this may have unintended side effects. Patients are increasingly preferring acupuncture, an age-old therapeutic technique supported by contemporary science. Acupuncture is found to reduce the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in the seven ways listed below.
1. Restoring Nerve Conduction Velocity
The typical “pins and needles” sensation experienced in peripheral neuropathy is caused by electrical signals that travel slowly or misfire when nerves are injured. Peripheral nerve terminals are directly stimulated by acupuncture needles positioned along particular meridians in the body. Some studies have found that regular acupuncture can boost signal speed by 15–20%. Many patients say that numbness gradually gives way to normal sensation after taking around -12 Acupuncture sessions.
2. Increasing Microcirculation to Extremities
Poor blood flow increases neuropathy by depriving nerves of glucose and oxygen. Compounds like Nitric oxide and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) widen tiny blood vessels in the feet, toes and fingertips. These compounds are found to be released during acupuncture sessions. Improved circulation provides healing nutrients while eliminating waste materials from metabolism. After just three or four treatments, patients report feeling warmer in their once-icy feet.
3. Calming Overactive Pain Pathways
The following are some of the key mechanisms that reduce nerve firing:
- Downregulates NMDA receptors (responsible for pain amplification).
- Inhibits the dorsal horn’s hyperexcitability in the spinal cord.
- Reduces substance P, a neuropeptide that transmits pain signals.
- Balances the autonomic nervous system away from “stress mode.”
Acupuncture stops the brain from misinterpreting benign sensations as painful. These are some of the typical issues with neuropathy and Acupuncture acts by calming these pathways.
4. Lowering Systemic Inflammation
The myelin sheath that surrounds nerves is directly attacked by chronic inflammation brought on by diabetes, chemotherapy or certain autoimmune disorders. It has been demonstrated that acupuncture lowers pro-inflammatory cytokines. When there is less inflammation, the immune system stops harming nerve tissue and enables a slow healing process. Within two weeks, many patients with inflammatory neuropathy report less searing discomfort.
5. Releasing Endogenous Opioids Without Addiction
Acupuncture promotes your body’s natural painkillers like endorphins, enkephalins and dynorphins. This is in direct contrast to prescription opioids. When an acupuncture needle is inserted, the midbrain’s periaqueductal gray (PAG) region is activated, which sets off a chain reaction of natural analgesics. This impact peaks around 30 minutes following an acupuncture session and keeps itself sustained on for 24-72 hours. Interestingly there is no chance of conditions like respiratory depression, tolerance, or reliance from occurring. This makes acupuncture a perfect choice for managing neuropathy over the long run.
6. Improving Sleep and Fatigue Levels
A vicious cycle of worry, insomnia, and increased pain sensitivity results from neuropathic pain. This pain often gets worse at night. Acupuncture decreases hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and increases melatonin levels at night. The body can heal damaged peripheral nerves through deeper, restorative sleep. Patients report feeling less tired and more rested when they wake up. They feel this even before their neuropathy pain totally subsides.
7. Restoring Balance and Preventing Falls
Following are the ways in which acupuncture helps mobility:
- Reduces numbness in the soles resulting in better ground awareness.
- Diminishes sharp, sudden pain resulting in smoother gait.
- Strengthens proprioception (joint position sense resulting in lower fall risk.
- Complements physical therapy for faster recovery.
Acupuncture on certain points wakes up the sensory receptors. This translates directly into fewer falls, greater independence and renewed confidence while walking for elderly neuropathy patients.
Acupuncture is a potent, drug-free treatment for peripheral neuropathy. But it needs to be understood that it is not a cure. The majority of patients need eight to fifteen initial treatment sessions, at least twice a week, followed by maintenance sessions every month. Dr. Parimala Selvi in Jayanth Acure is an experienced acupuncturist with expertise in treating patients with neurological problems. Those little needles can provide life-altering relief when used in conjunction with appropriate medical care. After consulting your physician, try acupuncture for better results. Your nerves might appreciate it.