Has anyone tried acupuncture for neuropathy?

Posted by Nancy Banks @banksnc49, Jun 27, 2018

I was just wondering if anyone has tried acupuncture for neuropathy. The balls of my feet and toes on both feet are affected. It’s no longer covered on my insurance plan so I have to pay out of pocket for the treatments. I was told I would need about 9 or 10. It would cost me about $1000. I’d like to hear if anyone has had success with this type of treatment. Thanks, Nancy Banks.

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Profile picture for mrmacabre @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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Profile picture for petr @petr

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

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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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Profile picture for kathyv66 @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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Profile picture for kathyv66 @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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Profile picture for pinoaktree @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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Profile picture for kathyv66 @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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Profile picture for cboydb @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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Profile picture for petr @petr

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

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It didn’t work for my non diabetic neuropathy.

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Profile picture for jbb12 @jbb12

It didn’t work for my non diabetic neuropathy.

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How many sessions did you do?

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Profile picture for melix @melix

How many sessions did you do?

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Between 6-8 sessions

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