The screaming pain of neuropathy can be life altering, and the milder annoying tingling, burning, and numbness of it can alter quality of life as well. We trust our limbs to be healthy and cooperate with our daily activities. Some people describe it as feeling like they have a piece of leather between their foot and the floor while barefoot. The loss of sensation can cause loss of balance, weakness, lack of coordination and muscle wasting, making it challenging to walk, stand or use the hands for fine motor skills, frequently dropping things. This neuropathic pain or discomfort can interfere with sleep, emotional balance (greater stress, anxiety, depression and irritability), avoidance of social interactions, and can even affect libido and sexual function. There is a greater chance of work or other injuries, such as burns and cuts and even temperature regulation as a result of the loss of sensation. In some cases, neuropathy can even affect cognitive function such as memory, concentration and reasoning.
Neuropathy, or peripheral neuropathy, is the result of damage to the peripheral nerves of usually the hands and feet. The causes include: diabetes (due to prolonged high blood sugar levels), trauma or injury, infections (i.e. Lyme disease, shingles, Hepatitis C, or HIV/AIDS), environmental toxins (industrial chemicals, chemotherapy and other damaging heavy metals), autoimmune diseases (such as Guillian-Barre, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), hypothyroidism, genetic disorders, vertebral misalignment, cancer, kidney disease, alcoholism and vitamin deficiencies.
While there are drugs that can be helpful, there are also more natural remedies for those choosing that avenue of help.
Acupuncture is on the top of the list. Acupuncture helps by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain killers, It improves nerve function and conduction, reduces inflammation, improves blood flow, helps reduce the stress, anxiety and lack of sleep associated with neuropathy, regulates the immune system which encourages tissue healing, and regulates the neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine which reduces pain perception and helps with mood.
Bringing in the nutrients necessary to help with blood circulation and heal nerve tissue is critical in alleviating this annoying or painful condition. First on the list of needed nutrients are essential fatty acids, particularly omega 3 fatty acids. They help by reducing inflammation maintaining integrity and function of nerve cells, they are neuroprotective and help nerve repair, improve circulation, and is a constituent of pain and anti-inflammatory hormone production. Also needed are B vitamins, Vitamin D, magnesium, zinc and calcium.
Avoiding inflammatory foods such as alcohol, sugar, caffeine, bad oils and fats and processed foods is important if you truly want to heal.
The body is capable of healing neuropathy, especially in the earlier stages. A Licensed Acupuncturist skilled in treating neuropathy with acupuncture, nutrition and supplementation can go a long way in restoring the quality of life that was lost as a result of neuropathy. There is hope.
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©2024 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
