Acupuncture for Peripheral Neuropathy: A Natural Way to Support Nerve Health
Nerve pain can be frustrating, exhausting, and sometimes isolating. Whether it feels like tingling, burning, numbness, or just an odd discomfort that won’t go away, these symptoms can make even simple things feel harder than they should.
This kind of nerve damage—known as peripheral neuropathy—is more common than you might think. And while it can be tough to treat with conventional medicine, I’ve seen how acupuncture can gently support healing and ease symptoms in ways that really make a difference.
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy happens when the nerves outside the brain and spine stop working properly. It might be caused by diabetes, chemotherapy, injury, infections—or sometimes the cause is unclear. The symptoms vary from person to person, but often include:
Numbness or reduced sensation
Tingling or “pins and needles”
Burning or stabbing pain
Muscle weakness
Sensitivity to touch
These symptoms can affect sleep, confidence, mobility, and independence—often in ways that are invisible to others.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture is increasingly recognised as a gentle, natural approach to support the body’s healing, especially for people living with persistent pain or nerve-related symptoms. It works alongside the body’s own systems to help manage discomfort and promote balance.
In the case of peripheral neuropathy, acupuncture may help by:
Encouraging better blood flow to affected nerves
Calming inflammation
Supporting nerve repair and regrowth
Easing pain and restoring sensation
In my practice, I’ve treated people with long-standing nerve damage who began to regain feeling in their feet or arms after a few acupuncture sessions. One client, for instance, came in with numbness that made walking feel uncertain and unsafe. Over time, she noticed more sensation returning—small changes that made a big difference to her daily life.
Some Insights from the AACP Conference
At the recent AACP (Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists) Conference, I was inspired by the energy and expertise of practitioners who are working hard to bring acupuncture into mainstream care for pain, injury, and nerve-related issues.
One of the most moving talks came from Matthew Bauer, an acupuncturist and researcher who has been collecting real-world case studies of people with peripheral neuropathy who have improved with acupuncture. He spoke about the Acupuncture for Peripheral Neuropathy Campaign, which aims to show that even in cases considered “irreversible,” acupuncture may offer hope and healing in ways conventional medicine often cannot.1
It was a powerful reminder of how much more can be done to make this treatment accessible to those who need it most.
What the Research Says
The clinical experience is being matched by growing scientific evidence. The Evidence Based Acupuncture project is an excellent resource that brings together high-quality research from around the world. It helps both practitioners and the public understand what acupuncture can and cannot do, based on peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials.2
Multiple studies now support the idea that acupuncture can aid nerve recovery. A paper in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine reports improved symptoms of peripheral neuropathy following acupuncture treatment, suggesting that it may stimulate nerve regeneration and modulate the immune response.3
Most recently, a clinical trial conducted by The Christie NHS Foundation Trust found that acupuncture could significantly reduce symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, providing new hope for patients undergoing cancer treatment.4
Additionally, a comprehensive review published in the Journal of Pain Research analysed multiple studies and concluded that acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment option for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, highlighting its potential to improve patients' quality of life.5
A Personal Reflection
Attending the AACP Conference reminded me how far we’ve come—and how much potential there still is to share the benefits of acupuncture more widely. I see this potential in my clinic, especially when clients tell me they’re sleeping better, walking with more confidence, or feeling more like themselves again.
Acupuncture is increasingly recognised as a gentle, natural approach to support the body’s healing, especially for those experiencing persistent pain, nerve symptoms, or stiffness. It works alongside the body’s own systems to help manage discomfort and promote balance. If you’re curious about how acupuncture might fit into your health journey, feel free to reach out anytime—I’m always happy to share information and discuss how it might complement your needs.
I offer treatments at Healing Point Acupuncture in Galashiels, where I work with people seeking holistic support for a variety of conditions, including nerve-related symptoms.
Living with nerve pain can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. Acupuncture offers a gentle way forward, and for many people, a real sense of relief and reconnection to the body.
Footnotes
