Does Acupuncture reduce symptoms of Chemotherapy induced neuropathy?

@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

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

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.

@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

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.

I have chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy for which I receive regular weekly manual and electro-acupuncture treatments. My peripheral neuropathy is well under control due to these regular weekly acupuncture sessions. The results of these treatments have been positively phenomenal!

What is electro acupuncture?

Hi @bluniversal12. The theory between acupuncture and electro acupuncture are generally the same. It’s the application that’s different.
With standard acupuncture several needles (painless) are inserted along specific sites in the body. With electro acupuncture, only two needles are used, with a slight current generated between the two needles. They can be positioned fairly far apart. From my experience there may be a little more therapeutic ‘power’ with the electro-acupuncture than with the manual twirling. But both have been hugely helpful in treating my condition.

By the way, I extend my official welcome to Connect! I just noticed you’ve been a member for over a year and this is your first time posting. May I ask what brought you to Connect? Do you have peripheral neuropathy?

Yes I do have chemo induced neuropathy

I get both manual and electro-acupuncture each time at the same time and, in both cases, 20 acupuncture needles are inserted into appropriate areas. With electro-acupuncture, all 20 needles remain; however, two of the needles strategically chosen, are used or connected to wires with a slight current being generated between the two needles. The results for me have been phenomenal!