Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that may help relieve nerve pain, numbness, and discomfort. However, larger research studies are still needed to better understand the potential benefits.

Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine. During acupuncture, tiny needles are inserted into the skin at various pressure points across the body. According to tradition, it helps balance the flow of energy, or qi (pronounced “chee”), within your body and stimulates the body’s healing abilities.

From the point of view of Western medicine, acupuncture may stimulate the nerves and muscles, along with other body systems, to take advantage of the body’s response to pain and improve blood circulation.

While researchers don’t fully understand the mechanism of how it works, acupuncture has shown promise in helping manage neuropathy, including from:

  • chemotherapy
  • diabetes
  • injury

Keep reading to learn more about using acupuncture for neuropathic pain, the research behind it, and possible risks.

The needles used in acupuncture are inserted into your body’s pressure points to stimulate the nervous system. This may release endorphins, providing natural pain relief in the muscles, spine, and brain. This technique changes your body’s response to pain.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) suggests that acupuncture may help relieve some types of chronic pain. Practitioners commonly recommend acupuncture to relieve headaches, back pain, and joint pain.

Some research suggests that acupuncture may also benefit peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain.

A 2022 review of research determined acupuncture is a beneficial and cost-effective option for managing peripheral neuropathy, though the authors noted that fire needling and warm needling appeared most effective.

One 2022 review exploring the potential mechanism by which acupuncture may help neuropathy suggests electroacupuncture may affect nerve pathways that reduce nerve sensitivity and inflammatory response, leading to improved pain. Electroacupuncture is a form of acupuncture that applies a mild electric current to the needles.

Other researchers reviewed its effectiveness for specific health conditions, including:

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy

In a 2022 review of research on the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the authors concluded that some aspects of traditional Chinese medicine, particularly electroacupuncture, may benefit symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Neuropathy due to spinal cord injury

Another review that examined acupuncture for treating neuropathy due to spinal cord injury determined it reduced pain severity and intensity. They also noted that electroacupuncture seemed to have a greater effect. However, the authors pointed out a possible risk of publication bias in the research, and other limitations, including a small sample size, lack of a control group, and that some eligible studies may not have been included.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

A 2022 clinical study examined the effects of acupuncture on peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy. The participants reported symptom improvement during the acupuncture phase of the study compared to the waiting phase and improved sural serve sensory responses, which doctors used to diagnose peripheral neuropathy. They also had higher scores on various physical examinations, including walking gait.

A 2020 review of research found acupuncture safe and effective for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Still, it acknowledged limitations in the studies they reviewed and the need for higher-quality research and larger, better-controlled studies.

Acupuncture carries little to no risk if performed by a licensed professional. You can find one through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

Side effects may include:

  • Pain and bruising: You may experience minor pain or discomfort at needle sites after an acupuncture treatment. You may also have light bleeding.
  • Injury: If performed improperly, such as by an unlicensed provider, needles could be pushed into the skin too deeply and cause injury.
  • Infection: The FDA requires acupuncture needles to be sterile and single-use. If a practitioner does not follow these guidelines and uses unsterilized needles or reuses old needles, you could be exposed to life threatening diseases.

Not all people are qualified candidates for acupuncture. Some conditions may cause complications, including:

  • Bleeding disorders: If you are medically diagnosed with a bleeding disorder or are actively taking blood thinners, your needle sites may have difficulty healing.
  • Pregnancy: If pregnant, consult with your doctor before pursuing this alternative treatment.
  • Heart issues: Some acupuncture techniques involve applying heat or electrical pulses to needle sites to stimulate nerve responses. If you have a pacemaker, electrical currents may impact the operation of your device.

In addition to acupuncture, you may be able to reduce peripheral neuropathy symptoms and prevent additional nerve damage with lifestyle changes, such as:

  • Getting regular exercise helps increase blood circulation throughout the body, specifically the arms and legs. Increased blood circulation may help to restore nerve damage and reduce neuropathic pain. Exercise can also help to lower blood sugar levels, which may help reduce further nerve damage in people with diabetes.
  • Limiting alcohol use can also help prevent additional nerve damage.
  • Taking a warm bath may help soothe neuropathic pain. Warm water stimulates the body, increases blood circulation, and may relieve pain.

Acupuncture may help relieve symptoms of neuropathic pain. Be sure to work with an acupuncturist licensed to practice in your state.

If you’re considering acupuncture for neuropathy, it’s best to consult with a physician and determine the cause. Acupuncture may help relieve symptoms, but knowing the cause of your symptoms can help prevent them from worsening or open additional treatment options that may help.

Acupuncture is safe for most people. But talk with a doctor if you develop pain or other irregular symptoms following an acupuncture session.