How Acupuncture Can Be Used to Treat Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy, commonly referred to only as neuropathy, occurs when nerves outside of a person’s brain and spinal cord (the peripheral nervous system) have been damaged. This can result in chronic pain, a pins-and-needles sensation, numbness, and weakness.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates that millions of people suffer from neuropathy. What’s even scarier is that they believe the numbers may be significantly higher because many people who have symptoms aren’t tested for them. Plus, current tests don’t cover all forms of neuropathy.
Many sufferers of this terrible disease have turned to acupuncture for neuropathy as an alternative to standard medical treatments. This ancient and traditional Chinese medicine has shown very positive results, which is why more and more people are either ditching treatments like pain medications and physical therapies or combining them with acupuncture. If you’re feeling a bit apprehensive, we totally understand. That’s why we’re going to go over some important details.
What Happens During a Neuropathy Acupuncture Session?
Our clients are often very excited to use acupuncture for neuropathy, but they always have a lot of questions. Some of these are general questions about acupuncture, while others are more specific about how their particular session will go. To give you an idea of what you can expect, let’s take a look at three different things that will happen during a neuropathy acupuncture session:
Detailed Discussion
In order to treat you properly, the acupuncturist will need to have a detailed discussion about your physical and mental distresses. This is a no-holds-barred talk where you may discuss everything from work/life imbalances and digestive problems to menstruation cycles and sexual activity. Some of what’s discussed may seem either irrelevant or unrelated, but you’d be surprised at how many small issues can lead to larger problems when you ignore them.
Acupuncture Session
Once the acupuncture session begins, your therapist will insert very thin acupuncture needles into specific areas of your body. This part of the process is almost always painless. You may feel a slight pinch, and that’s it. The needles will be used in areas shown to relieve nerve pain, nerve damage, and other neurological issues.
Post-Acupuncture Plan
After your acupuncture treatment, your therapist will go over a post-acupuncture plan with you. The acupuncturist will ask how you feel. If you feel dizzy, they’ll explain that this is because of the physical release and calming effect of the process. They might also need to discuss a potential emotional release. After this brief discussion, he or she will make plans for your next visit and explain any at-home treatments.
What Do You Need to Remember for the Neuropathy Session?
Like any other acupuncture session, one focused on neuropathy will go very smoothly. For the most part, all you need to do is show up and follow the acupuncturist’s directions. We do understand why you’d want to know as much as possible before you arrive.
Here are a few things that you should remember when deciding to use acupuncture for neuropathy:
Nearly Pain-Free Sessions
Many people are scared of needles. That’s why some are a bit apprehensive about acupuncture. But it usually only takes a single session to put a person’s mind at ease. The needles used in acupuncture are so thin that sessions are either totally painless or very close to them. The most you may feel is a slight pinch.
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes
If you’ve ever had a standard massage, then you probably know that you’ll be expected to disrobe. This is something you won’t want to worry about during an acupuncture session. The only piece of advice is to wear loose-fitting clothes so that you’ll be comfortable. Plus, this will make it easier for your acupuncturist to get access to specific points on your body.
Potential Emotional Release
Patients who are new to acupuncture are often amazed at how they feel afterwards. But there’s one specific sensation that often gets special notice because they’re not expecting it—an emotional release. This doesn’t always happen, but if your neuropathy acupuncture session also targets other issues, particularly those that are emotional in nature, you may experience a significant release.
Contact East West Healing Solutions for Acupuncture for Neuropathy
East West Healing Solutions has worked with clients with neuropathy issues for many years. If you have any questions about using acupuncture for neuropathy in Palm Harbor or would like to schedule an appointment, call us at (727) 216-3972 today.
