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Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy and the Power of East Asian Medicine

By Dalite Sancic, DAOM, L.Ac., MS




Peripheral neuropathy is a complex and often debilitating condition that affects millions of

people worldwide. Research estimates that around 10% of the general population experiences some form of peripheral neuropathy, with the percentage increasing to 20-30% in individuals over the age of 65. For those dealing with the tingling, numbness, and pain that comes with this condition, it can feel overwhelming and isolating. However, many find relief through the ancient wisdom of Eastern Medicine.


What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?


Peripheral neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These nerves connect your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body, so damage can disrupt communication, leading to sensations like burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp pain. The causes are wide-ranging and can include diabetes, chemotherapy, infections, autoimmune diseases, or even unknown causes. For some, it’s a daily battle, while for others, it might come in waves of discomfort.


How Eastern Medicine Views Peripheral Neuropathy


In Eastern Medicine, peripheral neuropathy is not seen as a single condition but rather as a

result of imbalances in the body’s energetic system. Treatment focuses on how the flow of blood moves through the body and how blockages or deficiencies in this flow lead to pain, discomfort, and dysfunction. Peripheral neuropathy often points to a lack of nourishment to the nerves and tissues. By re-stimulating the nerve fibers, this stimulates blood flow to the capillaries and in turn, causes more effective nerve connectivity.


The Power of Acupuncture for Neuropathy


By placing very fine needles at specific points on the body it increases circulation, stimulates

nerve conduction, and encourages healing.


Many patients are surprised to find that acupuncture is not just about pain relief, though it’s very effective for that. It’s also about restoring the body’s natural healing processes. Over time, acupuncture can help reduce the severity of symptoms like tingling, burning, or numbness by nourishing the nerves, reducing inflammation, and calming the nervous system.


Acupuncture has also been shown to increase the body’s production of endorphins and promote better blood circulation, which are both key factors in healing damaged nerves. For patients with conditions like diabetes or chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, where nerve damage can feel unrelenting, regular acupuncture treatments can provide a sense of calm and a significant reduction in pain levels.


The Role of Herbal Medicine


Herbal medicine is another cornerstone of our approach to treating peripheral neuropathy. Each herbal formula is carefully selected based on the patient's individual needs. Chinese herbs can help, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support nerve regeneration.


For example, some common herbs we use in treating peripheral neuropathy include:


● Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis): Known for its ability to nourish the blood and promote

circulation, Dang Gui is particularly useful for patients whose neuropathy stems from

blood deficiency.


● Huang Qi (Astragalus): Often used to tonify Qi and boost immunity, Huang Qi can help

those whose neuropathy is related to fatigue or immune dysfunction.


● Yan Hu Suo: A natural pain reliever, this herb is frequently included in formulas for

managing nerve pain.


Herbal treatments are personalized and adapt over time as the body responds to treatment.

Combined with acupuncture, they create a potent duo for healing nerve damage and restoring balance to the body.


Dr. Dalite Sancic, DAOM, L.Ac, MS is the clinical director and doctor of eastern medicine at

Moon Brook Medicine.




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