Relieving Neuropathy Pain Naturally: Acupunture

Neuropathy is a painful condition where nerve damage occurs, most often caused by diabetes, but can be caused by a number of other things as well. In my last post, I discussed how an individual with neuropathy can reduce his or her pain by using relaxation techniques. Individuals with neuropathy may also want to try reducing or relieving one’s pain with acupuncture, another natural pain relief treatment option.

The practice of acupuncture is believed to have begun in China as a part of traditional Chinese medicine. It remains a controversial practice in America, but its effectiveness is gaining more support as research on acupuncture continues to grow.

The basic theory behind acupuncture is that we, as human beings, have energy flowing inside of us, known as qi. Qi runs through channels in our body known as meridians. The theory states that when these channels are blocked, qi, nerve pulses, and blood cannot run smoothly through our meridians, leading to deficiencies, which leads to illness. The practice of acupuncture is supposed to unblock meridians in the body, allowing qi to flow smoothly in them again, which leads to health and reduces pain.  

Acupuncture uses very thin stainless steel needles, which are placed at specific points in the body. Sometimes an electrical current or heat is administered through the needles as well.  

I have heard, though I do not know from personal experience, that acupuncture is not painful. Most people say they cannot feel the needles being injected into their skin at all.  

Acupuncture, though controversial, is one natural pain relief treatment for individuals who suffer from neuropathy. Always remember to use a qualified acupuncturist if you decide to utilize this form of treatment for your pain.  

Please stay tuned for more natural pain relief treatments for neuropathy, which I will continue to discuss in my upcoming posts.  

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

The information used to write this post came from Wikipedia and the book Numb Toes and Aching Soles: Coping With Peripheral Neuropathy by John A. Senneef.