accupunture and neuropathy

Posted by petr @petr, Feb 10 9:37am

has acupuncture been used to treat non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

There are quite a few members who have shared their experience using acupuncture for neuropathy. Here's a search link that shows the discussions and comments by members - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=acupuncture%20for%20neuropathy%20

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I've mentioned this to my doctor a couple of times over the years, and he said that while it has worked for some people, it was always temporary. I'm not opposed to being stuck with needles, I'm heavily tattooed, but insurance won't cover it, and we can't afford it on our own.

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I am using acupuncture for myofacial pain syndrome, coupled with PN. I understand it may take many, many sessions to see improvements in PN, so still too early to offer positive or negative feedback.

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@mrmacabre

I've mentioned this to my doctor a couple of times over the years, and he said that while it has worked for some people, it was always temporary. I'm not opposed to being stuck with needles, I'm heavily tattooed, but insurance won't cover it, and we can't afford it on our own.

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I have used accupucture quite a number oof times for peripheral neuropathy, not in my feet but legs. After a week or so, my legs fell like they have sandbags wrapped around them; like evrything has collected at the bottom. Accupuncture releasers that heaviness. Yes, it is temporary but I am able to walk out of there and feel like half human. I plan my weeks' activities for the two or three days after treatment as I have more energy and positivity.

When I started the accupuncture treatments, the practioner said yes there could be favorabe outcome but it would take time. He is no longer in practice but I definetly miss it.
And no I didn't have insurance. But I made choices because of how I felt. I understand that might not always be a choice. But if the opportunity arises, try it.

I think the "taking time," is because of the slow rate nerve cells regenerate.

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I did acupuncture for about 6 months. It did help with the pain (I no longer have pain - just numbness and sensitivity). The acupuncturist did say he had success with the pain but not the numbness for other patients as well. My neuropathy is not diabetic. I have had further improvement with the numbness and balance wearing barefoot (or minimalist) shoes and applying magnesium cream mixed with castor oil daily.

It is still there but much more manageable.

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@kathyv66

I did acupuncture for about 6 months. It did help with the pain (I no longer have pain - just numbness and sensitivity). The acupuncturist did say he had success with the pain but not the numbness for other patients as well. My neuropathy is not diabetic. I have had further improvement with the numbness and balance wearing barefoot (or minimalist) shoes and applying magnesium cream mixed with castor oil daily.

It is still there but much more manageable.

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Oh, and the pain relief was not temporary - I haven't had an acupuncture treatment in almost 3 years.

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@kathyv66

Oh, and the pain relief was not temporary - I haven't had an acupuncture treatment in almost 3 years.

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Lucky you.

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@pinoaktree

I have used accupucture quite a number oof times for peripheral neuropathy, not in my feet but legs. After a week or so, my legs fell like they have sandbags wrapped around them; like evrything has collected at the bottom. Accupuncture releasers that heaviness. Yes, it is temporary but I am able to walk out of there and feel like half human. I plan my weeks' activities for the two or three days after treatment as I have more energy and positivity.

When I started the accupuncture treatments, the practioner said yes there could be favorabe outcome but it would take time. He is no longer in practice but I definetly miss it.
And no I didn't have insurance. But I made choices because of how I felt. I understand that might not always be a choice. But if the opportunity arises, try it.

I think the "taking time," is because of the slow rate nerve cells regenerate.

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Sometimes insurance will cover acupuncture if it is provided by an MD. The problem is finding an MD trained in acupuncture who does it as part of their practice.

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@kathyv66

I did acupuncture for about 6 months. It did help with the pain (I no longer have pain - just numbness and sensitivity). The acupuncturist did say he had success with the pain but not the numbness for other patients as well. My neuropathy is not diabetic. I have had further improvement with the numbness and balance wearing barefoot (or minimalist) shoes and applying magnesium cream mixed with castor oil daily.

It is still there but much more manageable.

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just wondering how often you had a treatment?

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@cboydb

just wondering how often you had a treatment?

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Initially twice a week, then once and then bi-weekly. etc

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