Peripheral neuropathy is described as damage that has been done to the peripheral nervous system. It usually is caused by conditions such as diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, alcoholism, nutritional deficiencies, AIDS and various medications and drugs.
Other causes include direct physical injury to a nerve caused by fractures, dislocated bones, pressure from a prolonged use of crutches or prolonged position. Tumors, hemorrhage, exposure to cold and compression (such as carpal tunnel syndrome) can also cause this.
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may include:
- numbness or insensitivity to pain or temperature
- burning, tingling, or prickling sensation
- sharp or burning pain
- cramps
- extreme sensitivity to touch
- loss of balance and coordination
- muscle weakness
- muscle wasting
- paralysis
Oriental medicine teaches that peripheral neuropathy is due to dampness moving to the limbs, where it obstructs the flow of Qi (energy) and blood within them. The treatment is twofold, to treat the underlying factor that is causing this dampness to accumulate and to directly facilitate the circulation of Qi and blood in the affected area. By improving circulation, the nerve tissues of the affected area can be nourished to repair function and reduce pain.
Peripheral neuropathy is a symptom for many different patterns of disharmony within the body. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine aims to treat each individual uniquely depending on what caused the neuropathy and how it manifests.
I’m here to help, contact me today and we can discuss the treatment options that are open to you with acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
-Qi Mail by Acufinder
Tags: Benefits, Natural Methods, Pain Relief