Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a condition characterized by damage to the peripheral nerves, often manifesting as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or pain in the hands, feet, arms, and legs. While initial symptoms may be mild, they can progress to severe discomfort, significantly impacting daily life.
There are several known causes of PN. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and infections are commonly associated with PN. In diabetes, the chronically high blood sugar levels damage the nerves. Nearly any source of nerve inflammation can contribute (such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Guillian-Barre’). Viral infections such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, Lyme disease and shingles are on the top of the list as well.
Exposure to heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury), certain chemotherapy agents, and prolonged use of specific medications can induce neuropathy. Medications such as certain antibiotics and antivirals, and autoimmune medications in addition to cancer meds should be ruled out as causative if you have peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
Nutritional factors include deficiencies of the B vitamin complex (vitamin B should always be taken as a complex), vitamin E (must be from food – fake vitamin E can actually exacerbate symptoms), essential fatty acids (such as quality fish oils, butter, coconut oil, olive oil, borage oil, black currant seed oil, evening primrose oil and others have various contributory actions that can be crucial to the development and repair of the myelin sheath surrounding and protecting your nerves. Many minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and calcium play roles in supporting nerve health.
Abuse of alcohol and sugar, seed oils, hydrogenated fats and oils, and processed foods can damage nerves. Health issues that impair nutrient absorption such as heartburn and reflux (especially if you are taking acid-reducing medications), celiac disease, or Crohn’s disease increase risk.
Acupuncture is quite effective in reducing the inflammatory process affecting the nerves, improving nutrient absorption by reversing the gut issues, reducing pain and improving immune and repair processes. Acupuncture has been shown to influence nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which are essential for nerve growth and repair. Acupuncture can influence the sympathetic nervous system reducing the abnormal nerve firing that makes neuropathy so painful. Acupuncture can also promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery by enhancing axonal growth and remyelination.
The bottom line? There are natural resources available to calm peripheral neuropathy, and depending on the degree of damage, assist in reversing it. You don’t have to suffer.
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©2025 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
