Natural Pain Relief for Neuropathy: Massage Therapy and Reflexology

Massage feels great and reduces stress.  But did you also know it can relieve the pain caused by peripheral neuropathy as well? 

As I have discussed in my last two posts, neuropathy is a painful condition that involves nerve damage, most commonly caused by diabetes.  Not only can relaxation techniques and acupuncture reduce neuropathy pain, massage therapy and reflexology can also naturally relieve the nerve pain associated with neuropathy. 

First, massage therapists use their whole hands, heels of their hands, fingertips, and knuckles to rhythmically rub, squeeze, and pound different parts of your body.  Massage is intended to help blood flow more easily, which helps get oxygen to every part of the body and carries away toxins and waste. 

Massage therapy also promotes the release of endorphins by the brain.  Endorphins are our bodies’ natural painkillers.  Additionally, not only does massage help relax the muscles, it also causes neurons to “fire up.”  When neurons “fire up,” the pain signals present in the nerve pathways are overtaken, and pain is reduced for minutes or hours. 

Some individuals with neuropathy find it helpful to purchase a home massager, such as a foot massager, hand massager, or back massager so they can reap the benefits of massage at home. 

Second, reflexology practitioners place their hands on one of 12 chakras in the hands or feet.  Chakras are the body’s energy centers.  When a practitioner places his or her hands on these charkas, it is thought to promote the flow of energy and blood, allowing oxygen to get to all parts of the body, and promoting the removal of toxins and waste from the body.  Reflexology is thought to reduce stress as well. 

Massage therapy and reflexology may be beneficial to those who suffer with neuropathy.  If you are interested in one of these therapies, you can search for a massage therapist or reflexologist in your local yellow pages or conduct an Internet search with the words, “massage therapist,” or, “reflexologist,” along with your location.  If you have a primary care physician, you could also ask him or her for a recommendation to a masseuse or reflexologist. 

Follow the series here:

1. Reduce Neuropathy pain with Relaxation
2. Neuropathy and Acupucture
3. Neuropathy Pain Relief:  Massage Therapy and Reflexology
4. Neuropathy and Natural Pain Relief: Magnetic Therapy
5. Neuropathy and Vitamins

Source: Numb Toes and Aching Soles: Coping With Peripheral Neuropathy by John A. Senneef. 

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