Does Acupuncture reduce symptoms of Chemotherapy induced neuropathy?

Posted by agu @agu, 3 days ago

I had partial gastrectomy(by Hipec surgery) and left adrenalectomy four years ago. The platinum based drugs used in my treatment caused neuropathy on my hands and feet. I have burning sensation, stiffness of muscle and mobility problems. The use of topical creams have not been helpful. Can acupuncture help me?

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@agu Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Neuropathy can certainly be uncomfortable, and I can personally attest to that.

From what I have read, acupuncture can help neuropathy in some cases. Do you have a practitioner you can ask about their experience in handling this situation? And, be sure to check with your insurance to find out about coverage! There seems to be some hesitation for covering this, by some companies.

Another possible relief for you may be massage. Have you tried that? I have neuropathy in my left foot/leg, and use massage on myself, after having been taught by a wonderful gal how to do it myself!
Ginger

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@gingerw

@agu Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Neuropathy can certainly be uncomfortable, and I can personally attest to that.

From what I have read, acupuncture can help neuropathy in some cases. Do you have a practitioner you can ask about their experience in handling this situation? And, be sure to check with your insurance to find out about coverage! There seems to be some hesitation for covering this, by some companies.

Another possible relief for you may be massage. Have you tried that? I have neuropathy in my left foot/leg, and use massage on myself, after having been taught by a wonderful gal how to do it myself!
Ginger

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ginger: Can I get some information on the massage procedure from you?

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I have been doing acupuncture for nearly a year for neuropathy in my feet. It does help, though it doesn’t cure. I also get massage and Reiki. The cream I use has Frankincense as its primary ingredient and it definitely helps for a couple of hours. My palliative care doc is trying me on Duloxetine. Too soon to tell on that.

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@agu

ginger: Can I get some information on the massage procedure from you?

Jump to this post

@agu Emlyn showed me a combination of massage techniques. Basically, whatever felt good or right at the moment. Swedish and more aggressive sports massages seem to work for me. She also showed me how to do lymphatic massage, to move fluids out of tissues.

Some days it is almost impossible to do much movement because of my leg and foot, how they compromise my balance and feeling of well-being. Taking time to do some muscle work, even if for a few minutes, seems to help, as does a dose of Tylenol. I have learned to not be in a rush, if others seem to be complaining because I move slow, I simply tell them to "play through because I am moving best I can!"
Ginger

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It did and still does for me. I'm 4.7 years along on this journey and I still have ACQ (Acupuncture) twice a month.

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