January 2024

At Acupuncture of Iowa we have a Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Program that includes 30 sessions of acupuncture as well as counseling in nutrition and lifestyle and includes nutritional supplements that will greatly improve the outcome for most patients. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you! Immediate openings for new patients are available.

Call 319-341-0031 for information.

Acupuncture has emerged as an important therapeutic option for managing peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by damage to the nerves that go to the feet and hands, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities. The effectiveness of acupuncture for this nerve problem shows the ability of acupuncture to restore function to damaged and irritated nerves.

Peripheral neuropathy often arises from various causes, including diabetes, chemotherapy, or other underlying medical conditions or drugs. Conventional treatments primarily focus on symptom masking through drugs like gabapentin, but their efficacy can be limited, and they may be associated with side effects like fatigue and dizziness. Acupuncture offers an alternative approach which addresses the underlying damage to nerves and toxicity in the body believed to contribute to neuropathic symptoms.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points along the body’s meridians, aiming to stimulate the physiology in ways that are therapeutic on many levels. For peripheral neuropathy, acupuncturists target points associated with nerve pathways and blood circulation. Proponents state that acupuncture enhances blood flow, reduces inflammation, and promotes nerve regeneration, ultimately alleviating the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. We have seen this borne out in clinic where many of our patients have had success with their peripheral neuropathy being alleviated by Acupuncture.

Several scientific studies have explored the potential benefits of acupuncture in managing peripheral neuropathy. While the evidence is not yet conclusive, some research suggests that acupuncture may help improve symptoms such as pain and numbness. In a comparison of several meta-analyses of treatments for peripheral neuropathy, acupuncture was as effective or more effective than other methods, including drugs.

Despite the ongoing debate within the medical community about acupuncture’s effectiveness, many individuals with peripheral neuropathy turn to acupuncture as a complementary or alternative therapy. Most report improvement or complete alleviation of their symptoms, including reduced numbness and pain and enhanced overall well-being, as well as regaining the ability to do important tasks such as buttoning a button or walking without assistance.

Acupuncture for peripheral neuropathy represents an important approach in the realm of complementary and alternative medicine. Many acupuncturists have begun to specialize in this treatment because the results are so convincing. We look forward to assisting you along your path of recovery from this troubling problem.