Do you suffer from diabetic peripheral neuropathy? Then you might be amazed by acupuncture, which is often touted for its pain-relieving properties. This article reviews the health benefits of acupuncture treatment and how it can help treat your condition.
What is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a progressive and often debilitating condition caused by damage to the peripheral nerves. These nerves supply sensation, movement, and blood flow to the body’s extremities. There is no known cure for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms.
One common treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy is acupuncture. Acupuncture has been shown to help improve nerve function and reduce inflammation. Additionally, acupuncture can help improve joint mobility and relieve pain. If you are suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy, consider consulting with a qualified acupuncturist to see if acupuncture can be an effective treatment for you.
What Does The Research Say About Acupuncture For DPN?
According to a study published in Neural Regeneration Research, acupuncture can help injured lower and upper limb motor nerves repair. Participants of the study showed improved conduction velocity and amplitude as well as functional nerve repair. In addition, acupuncture was found to be effective on 80% of participants when given according to specific acupoints for lesions on the arm.
A fundamental discovery the researchers made was that acupuncture points on the Du meridian resulted in good to excellent clinical responses at a very high rate. By using only local acupuncture points, patients achieved an effective rate of 38.5% by themselves. However, they increased their effectiveness by 80% when combined with acupuncture points along the Du meridian.
The Du Meridian comprises 28 primary acupuncture points plus extra ones on the back. Many are located on the midline of the spinous processes of the vertebrae. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, applying these points to the Du Meridian (Governor vessel) treats many conditions, including spine and brain ailments, vertigo, numbness, tremors, fever, and infertility.
The research published in Neural Regeneration Research states that the Du meridian is widely used in treating nerve injuries. Electroacupuncture is applied to both groups of limbs at a rate of once per day and five times per week for six weeks. Thirty total treatments were administered with 30 sessions of electroacupuncture. The researchers concluded that the Governor vessel and local meridian acupoints could promote functional repair after peripheral nerve injury.
Acupuncture to Relieve Neuropathy Pain
Acupuncture has long been used as an alternative to medications and other treatments. However, it is going through a revival, with people turning to it to relieve the discomfort associated with neuropathy. As awareness about the benefits of acupuncture has grown over recent years, more people are turning to the treatment to relieve the pain associated with neuropathy. The procedure involves inserting tiny needles into specific body locations to stimulate energy flow, or “chi.” Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and holds that when this flow is blocked or out of balance, ill health or pain follows.
In a groundbreaking study, it was shown that acupuncture helps patients feel less pain and move better. As a result, acupuncture has been authorized for use in treating pain by both the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health.
Researchers in a study investigated the role of acupuncture in peripheral nerve injury. One example they used was sciatic nerve injury, which typically results in reduced acetylcholinesterase activity. This causes neuronal cell death and temporarily impedes nerve repair; however, this can be reversed after peripheral nerve injury. The study showed that consistent use of acupuncture promotes the healing process of peripheral nerves and suggests that this may be a mechanism by which acupuncture promotes healing.
Whether You Have DPN or Need Relief From Pain, Dr. Padro is Here For You!
Can acupuncture help diabetic peripheral neuropathy? Evidence suggests that acupuncture can be beneficial for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a condition affecting the nerves in the feet and lower legs.
If you are suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy or want to explore whether acupuncture can help you feel better, get in touch with Dr. Rafael Padro at Mind & Soul Acupuncture at 305-456-1014 to improve your overall health and well-being and provide relief from specific symptoms.