Acupuncture is a holistic, drug-free way to treat nerve pain and neuropathy. Acupuncture is used in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and utilizes very fine needles inserted into specific points on the body. According to TCM, stagnant or trapped qi (vital life energy) is where disease and pain originate.
TCM practitioners believe acupuncture increases the flow of qi and blood. Healthy qi flow nourishes tissues and cells and stimulates the body’s own healing response.
Causes Of Nerve Pain & Neuropathy
Nerve pain or neuropathy is caused by damage or dysfunction in the central nervous system or the nerves that run to the muscles and organs. Neurological disorders are usually due to disease or an injury. Besides discomfort, you may also experience tingling, numbness, burning, swelling, or muscle weakness along with pain.
- Trapped Nerves (Sciatic Pain Or Carpel Tunnel)
- Infections (HIV, Shingles)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Cancer Treatments (Radiation, Surgery, Chemotherapy)
- Celiac Disease
- Injury Or Trauma
- Amyloidosis
- Fabry’s Disease
- Some Medications
- Vitamin Deficiencies (Or Over Supplication)
- Heavy Exposure To Toxins
How Does Acupuncture Relieve Nerve Pain?
Studies show acupuncture helps the body release its own feel-good hormones. These natural hormones help relieve pain as well as feelings of anxiety and depression. Acupuncture can also help restore healthy blood flow and help to restimulate damaged nerve fibers. The 3,000-year-old TCM treatment has been shown to work even when traditional therapies have failed.
A study done in 2007 showed a series of acupuncture treatments could improve nerve conduction in peripheral neuropathy. Nerve conduction is how fast an electrical impulse moves through the nerve.
Conditions Treated Successfully With Acupuncture
Acupuncture is well known for successfully treating numerous ailments and conditions. According to John Hopkins Medicine, conditions in the digestive system, musculoskeletal system, eye-ear-throat, respiratory, gynecological, neurological, and emotional issues may all benefit from acupuncture.
- Side Effects From Cancer Treatments
- Dental Pain
- Headaches & Migraines
- Labor Pain
- Back & Neck Pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Menstrual Cramps
- Respiratory Disorders
- Digestive Issues
- Neurological Disorders
- Anxiety & Depression
Traditional Chinese Medicine Vs. Traditional Treatments
While medications may help temporarily relieve symptoms, they can come with nasty side effects and do not address the root cause of the problem. Surgery can be invasive, painful, and may also have unwanted side effects.
Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies look at your entire well-being and treat the body as a whole. There is typically little to no discomfort during or after treatment. TCM seeks to bring about balance, harmony, and energy to the body. When the body is in homeostasis, healing can occur.
An Alternative Treatment For Nerve Pain & Neuropathy In Seattle, WA
When done by a licensed and well-trained acupuncturist, acupuncture is an effective way to relieve pain with very few side effects. It’s an excellent stand-alone treatment or can be combined with both traditional medical treatments and other TCM therapies. To experience what acupuncture treatment can do for nerve pain and neuropathy, call MindBody Med in Seattle, WA today.
