by Jennifer Midlane R.AcMaximizing Healing After a Spinal Cord Injury: How Neuro-Acupuncture Can Help
Every spinal cord injury and recovery process is unique. There is no way to predict how much recovery will occur or which symptoms may arise along the way. Anybody who has a spinal cord injury understands how challenging it can be to adapt to a new body and be left wondering; how much will I heal?
Although much of the current research on spinal cord injury recovery focuses on modern technologies, such as spinal implants and stem cell therapy, numerous studies and reviews are shedding light on how acupuncture, a traditional medical technique, can provide a protective and healing effect following a spinal cord injury.
Below, we’ll go over the classification of spinal cord injuries, then delve into the physiological changes that acupuncture can stimulate to support healing. Using a contemporary scientific framework, we’ll examine how current research shows that acupuncture can harness the body's natural healing potential and help individuals with spinal cord injuries optimize their healing outcomes.
How Are Spinal Cord Injuries Classified?
When someone sustains a spinal cord injury, healthcare professionals will conduct a thorough neurological assessment using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale. This scale, ranging from A to E, helps determine the extent of motor and sensory function below the injury level and guides the path forward.
Understanding the ASIA Scale
The ASIA Impairment Scale is a standardized tool used to assess the degree of neurological function after a spinal cord injury:
ASIA A (Complete Injury): No motor or sensory function is preserved below the level of injury. As emergency medical care improves, outcomes for people with ASIA A scores have increased over recent decades; studies show a 13% chance of regaining some motor function and a 30% chance of recovering some sensory function (9,14). These rates can vary significantly depending on the spinal level and mechanism of injury.
ASIA B–D (Incomplete Injury): Some motor and/or sensory function remains below the level of injury. Individuals in this category have a 40% chance of regaining additional function (11).
As healing progresses, reassessment is important and can lead to an improved ASIA score.
When a person sustains a spinal cord injury and receives their initial ASIA score, it is important to remember that this is the starting point on their healing journey. Many factors influence recovery, including the nature of the injury, age, access to timely medical care and rehabilitation programs, and support from family or community. The most significant improvements often occur within the first 18 months; however, many individuals continue to improve at a slower rate for years after the injury (15).
The Role of Acupuncture in Spinal Cord Injury Recovery
The spinal cord is a vital component of the central nervous system, serving as a superhighway for communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Unlike other tissues that regenerate quickly, the spinal cord is a delicate environment that is extremely sensitive to the bleeding, inflammation and scar tissue that accompany an injury.
By helping attenuate the local environment within the spinal cord following an injury, acupuncture is a unique therapy that can help improve the spinal cord's healing process.
Here Are the Top Three Ways That Acupuncture Can Help with Spinal Cord Healing:
1) Enhancing Microcirculation: Fueling the Healing Process
One of the major challenging factors after a spinal cord injury is poor blood flow to the damaged area. The injury can damage blood vessels or cause them to rupture, leading to reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery, which are essential for tissue repair and regeneration. This lack of circulation also slows the removal of waste products and inflammatory molecules, which can worsen the injury over time.
As recommended by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, doctors will use medication to artificially raise blood pressure for 7 days after a spinal cord injury. This is done to improve circulation to the injured spinal cord, and has been shown to improve healing outcomes (2). Acupuncture can also be used to help improve blood flow and studies have demonstrated it's ability to increase microcirculation by decreasing capillary refill time in healthy adults (18). This enhanced blood flow to injured tissues plays a key role in acupuncture's healing effects.
Acupuncture has also been shown to stimulate the release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes the formation of new blood vessels and regulates endothelin receptors, which control blood vessel constriction (7). Together, these effects help restore healthy blood flow, reduce tissue stress, and support the body's natural healing mechanisms.
2) Reducing Glial Scarring: Clearing the Path for Nerve Regrowth
The spinal cord is composed of neurons that transmit nerve impulses and other helper cells, called glial cells. The glial cells don’t transmit nerve signals but perform various functions, such as supporting and nourishing neurons, forming the myelin sheath around nerves, stimulating inflammation after injury, and helping clear waste and debris.
There is a special type of glial cell called an astrocyte. Astrocytes are star-shaped cells that play a crucial role in spinal cord health and protection. They form the blood-spinal cord barrier and, by regulating blood flow, maintain the proper environment for neurons to thrive.
Astrocytes also play an important role after a spinal cord injury. The astrocytes form a protective barrier around the injured portion of the spinal cord, called a glial scar. This is a unique type of scar found only in the brain and spinal cord. While this scar initially helps stabilize the injury site, it also creates a physical blockade that prevents new nerve fibers from growing through the damaged area. These scars are a unique fibrous web of tissue composed of astrocytes and proteins that inhibit axonal regeneration.
Acupuncture has been shown in animal models to initially increase glial cell expression, which stops the spread of damage to neighbouring areas. Later, the effect of acupuncture shifts to reduce the expression of scar-forming astrocytes, thus limiting the secondary growth of fibrous scar tissue and making it more permissive for nerve regeneration (3,4). This is a remarkable finding that demonstrates acupuncture's unique ability to enhance the body’s natural response and healing processes as they shift in subsequent stages of healing. By modulating the cellular environment, acupuncture helps create a more favourable landscape for neural repair and functional recovery.
3) Activating Neural Stem Cells: Rebuilding from Within
Neural stem cells are the body’s internal repair system, capable of transforming into neurons and other types of cells, including the helper glial cells. However, after a spinal cord injury, inflammation and oxidative stress can suppress their activity. Studies have shown that acupuncture with electrical stimulation promotes the release of mesenchymal stem cells, which can turn into functional neurons (12). This process is supported by acupuncture’s ability to regulate neurotrophic factors, proteins that support neuronal survival and growth. By activating these stem cells and supporting proteins, acupuncture encourages neuroplasticity and the rebuilding of damaged neural pathways (7).
A Holistic Path to Healing
To date, numerous preclinical studies demonstrate that acupuncture stimulates and enhances the nervous system's healing potential in animal models. Smaller clinical studies in humans have shown that acupuncture treatment improves motor function, sensation, and bladder function following spinal cord injury (5,1,10,18). Although there is still a need for larger clinical studies to help authenticate these findings, acupuncture has proven to be a safe and effective treatment that improves healing outcomes following a spinal cord injury.
While conventional rehabilitation focuses on physical therapy, medication, and surgical interventions, research shows that acupuncture offers a synergistic healing effect rooted in both traditional medicine and modern neuroscience.
For individuals navigating the challenges of recovery following a spinal cord injury, acupuncture may help improve neurological function and ease some of the new daily challenges of life. By supporting the body’s innate healing mechanisms, acupuncture helps bridge the gap between injury and recovery.
Jennifer Midlane is a neuro-acupuncturist practicing in Victoria, British Columbia. She focuses on providing care for those with neurological conditions by integrating the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern scientific research.
References
1) Cheng, P. T., Wong, M. K., & Chang, P. L. (1998). A therapeutic trial of acupuncture in neurogenic bladder of spinal cord injured patients: A preliminary report. Spinal Cord, 36(7), 476–480. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3100689
2) Hadley, M. N., Walters, B. C., Grabb, P. A., Oyesiku, N. M., Przybylski, G. J., Resnick, D. K., & Ryken, T. C. (2002). Blood pressure management after acute spinal cord injury. Neurosurgery, 50(3 Suppl), S58–S62. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006123-200203001-00012
3) Hai, Z., Luxi, C., Zhao, P., Sisi, Z., Shiqi, W., Zhuowen, L., Minan, C., Shujun, L., & Yimin, Z. (2023). Efficacy of acupuncture on repair of glial scars in rats with traumatic brain injury. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 43(2), 329–336. https://doi.org/10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20221226.003
4) Hong, E. S., Yao, H. H., Min, Y. J., Sun, J., Zhou, X., Zeng, X. B., & Yu, W. (2021). The mechanism of electroacupuncture for treating spinal cord injury rats by mediating Rho/Rho-associated kinase signaling pathway. Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 44(3), 364–374. https://doi.org/10.1080/10790268.2019.1665612
5) Honjo, H., Naya, Y., Ukimura, O., Kojima, M., & Miki, T. (2000). Acupuncture on clinical symptoms and urodynamic measurements in spinal-cord-injured patients with detrusor hyperreflexia. Urologia Internationalis, 65(4), 190–195. https://doi.org/10.1159/000064874
6) Hou, J., Xiang, Z., Yan, R., Zhao, M., Wu, Y., Zhong, J., Guo, L., Li, H., Wang, J., Wu, J., Sun, T., & Liu, H. (2016). Motor recovery at 6 months after admission is related to structural and functional reorganization of the spine and brain in patients with spinal cord injury. Human Brain Mapping, 37(6), 2195–2209. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.23163
7) Jiang, K., Sun, Y., & Chen, X. (2022). Mechanism underlying acupuncture therapy in spinal cord injury: A narrative overview of preclinical studies. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 875103. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.875103
8) Kirshblum, S., Snider, B., Eren, F., & Guest, J. (2021). Characterizing natural recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury. Journal of Neurotrauma, 38(9), 1267–1284. https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2020.7473
9) Marino, R. J., Leff, M., Cardenas, D. D., Donovan, J., Chen, D., Kirshblum, S., & Leiby, B. E. (2020). Trends in rates of ASIA Impairment Scale conversion in traumatic complete spinal cord injury. Neurotrauma Reports, 1(1), 192–200. https://doi.org/10.1089/neur.2020.0038
10) Norrbrink, C., & Lundeberg, T. (2011). Acupuncture and massage therapy for neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury: An exploratory study. Acupuncture in Medicine, 29(2), 108–115. https://doi.org/10.1136/aim.2010.003269
11) North American Spinal Cord Injury Consortium. (2025, March 16). The ASIA impairment scale. NASCIC SCI Knowledge Base. https://nascic.org/the-asia-impairment-scale/
12) Salazar TE, Richardson MR, Beli E, Ripsch MS, George J, Kim Y, Duan Y, Moldovan L, Yan Y, Bhatwadekar A, Jadhav V, Smith JA, McGorray S, Bertone AL, Traktuev DO, March KL, Colon-Perez LM, Avin KG, Sims E, Mund JA, Case J, Deng X, Kim MS, McDavitt B, Boulton ME, Thinschmidt J, Li Calzi S, Fitz SD, Fuchs RK, Warden SJ, McKinley T, Shekhar A, Febo M, Johnson PL, Chang LJ, Gao Z, Kolonin MG, Lai S, Ma J, Dong X, White FA, Xie H, Yoder MC, Grant MB. Electroacupuncture Promotes Central Nervous System-Dependent Release of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Stem Cells. 2017 May;35(5):1303-1315. doi: 10.1002/stem.2613. PMID: 28299842; PMCID: PMC5530374.
13) Silver, J., & Miller, J. (2004). Regeneration beyond the glial scar. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 5, 146–156. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn1326
14) Spiess, M. R., Müller, R. M., Rupp, R., Schuld, C., EM-SCI Study Group, & van Hedel, H. J. (2009). Conversion in ASIA Impairment Scale during the first year after traumatic spinal cord injury. Journal of Neurotrauma, 26(11), 2027–2036. https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2008.0760
15) Stenimahitis, V., Gharios, M., Fletcher-Sandersjöö, A., El-Hajj, V. G., Singh, A., Buwaider, A., Andersson, M., Gerdhem, P., Hultling, C., Elmi-Terander, A., & Edström, E. (2024). Long-term outcome and predictors of neurological recovery in cervical spinal cord injury: A population-based cohort study. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 20945. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-71983-2
16) Tran, A. P., Warren, P. M., & Silver, J. (2022). New insights into glial scar formation after spinal cord injury. Cell and Tissue Research, 387(3), 319–336. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-021-03477-w
17) Wang, H., Song, G., Chuang, H., Chiu, C., Abdelmaksoud, A., Ye, Y., & Zhao, L. (2018). Portrait of glial scar in neurological diseases. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 31, 2058738418801406. https://doi.org/10.1177/2058738418801406
18) Wong, A. M., Leong, C. P., Su, T. Y., Yu, S. W., Tsai, W. C., & Chen, C. P. (2003). Clinical trial of acupuncture for patients with spinal cord injuries. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 82(1), 21–27. https://doi.org/10.1097/00002060-200301000-00004
19) Yeh, B. Y., Chao, Y. L., Chen, Y. S., & Yu, H. P. (2021). Effect of acupuncture on capillary refill time in healthy adults: A clinical study. Microvascular Research, 135, 104135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mvr.2021.104135
by Jennifer Midlane R.AcUnderstanding Nerve Pain: Why It’s So Complex and How Neuro-Acupuncture Offers Relief
Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain, is unlike any other kind of pain. It doesn’t stem from a sprained ankle or a pulled muscle. Instead, it originates from damage or dysfunction within the nervous system itself. For many people, it feels like burning, stabbing, or electric shocks. Others describe it as numbness, tingling, or a crawling sensation under the skin. However it shows up, nerve pain can be relentless, and deeply disruptive to daily life.
What Makes Nerve Pain Unique?
Unlike pain caused by inflammation or injury to tissues, nerve pain arises from faulty signaling in the nervous system. Damaged nerves may send pain signals even when there’s no actual threat or injury. This can happen due to:
- Physical trauma
- Stroke or spinal cord injury
- Autoimmune conditions like MS
- Certain medications or toxin exposure
What’s especially challenging is that nerve pain often persists long after the original injury has healed. It can become chronic, affecting sleep, mood, and mobility.
Why Conventional Medicine Struggles with Nerve Pain
Treating nerve pain with conventional medicine is notoriously difficult. Medications like anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioids are often prescribed, but they come with side effects and don’t always provide lasting relief. Many patients find themselves cycling through different drugs, hoping for something that works.
One reason for this challenge is that nerve pain involves complex changes in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, the nervous system can become hypersensitive—a phenomenon known as central sensitization—where even gentle movement or a light touch can trigger intense pain. Sometimes the pain is constant and severe with no identifiable cause.
How Neuro-Acupuncture Offers a New Path to Healing
Neuro-acupuncture is a specialized form of acupuncture that targets the nervous system directly. It blends Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern neuroscience to stimulate nerve repair, regulate pain pathways, and restore balance. What makes neuro-acupuncture really shine is that it naturally stimulates your body's own healing processes to allow for healing of the nervous system with minimal side effects.
Here’s how it helps:
1. Stimulates Nerve Repair and Regeneration
Neuro-acupuncture promotes the release of nerve growth factors and activates genes involved in neurogenesis. This supports the repair of damaged nerves and helps reverse maladaptive changes in the nervous system.
2. Reduces Pain Signals and Inflammation
By stimulating specific acupuncture points, neuro-acupuncture calms overactive pain pathways and reduces inflammation. It also triggers the release of endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers.
3. Enhances Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to rewire itself. Neuro-acupuncture encourages this process, helping the brain and spinal cord adapt and recover from injury. This is especially important for people with chronic nerve pain, stroke, or spinal cord injuries.
4. Regulates the Autonomic Nervous System
Many people with nerve pain also experience dysautonomia—an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system. Neuro-acupuncture helps restore harmony between the “fight or flight” and “rest and digest” systems, promoting deep relaxation and healing.
A Gentle, Holistic Approach
Treatments are specific to each individual and the area of their nervous system that is injured or imbalanced. Many patients report feeling calmer and less burdened by pain after just the first treatment.
If you’re living with nerve pain and feeling stuck, neuro-acupuncture offers an alternative tool that can make a huge difference. It’s not just about masking symptoms—it’s about activating your body’s natural ability to heal.
Jennifer Midlane is a neuro-acupuncturist practicing in Victoria, British Columbia. She focuses on providing care for those with neurological conditions by integrating the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern scientific research.
References
1) Mehta, S., et al. (2013). Neuropathic pain post spinal cord injury part 1: Systematic review of physical and behavioral treatment. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 19(1), 61–77. https://doi.org/10.1310/sci1901-61
2) Yang Y, et al. (2023). Application and underlying mechanism of acupuncture for nerve repair after peripheral nerve injury. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 17, 1253438. https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2023.1253438
3) Fan AY, et al. (2017). Acupuncture’s role in solving the opioid epidemic. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 15(6), 411–425. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2095-4964(17)60378-9
4) Dorsher PT & McIntosh PM. (2011). Acupuncture’s effects in treating spinal cord injuries. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011, 428108. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nep010
5) Hamvas S, et al. (2023). Acupuncture increases parasympathetic tone: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 72, 102905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102905
by Jennifer Midlane R.AcHealing from Within: Neuro-Acupuncture’s Role in Spinal Cord Injury Recovery
A spinal cord injury can turn life upside down in the blink of an eye. One moment, everything feels familiar—and the next, you're navigating a world that looks completely different. The physical and emotional hurdles can feel overwhelming, not just for individuals but also for their families.
In Canada, more than 86,000 people are living with the effects of a spinal cord injury. Each of them has faced the same daunting question: What now?
In recent decades, we’ve made remarkable strides in understanding what happens in the body after a spinal cord injury and the potential for healing that can occur in the months and years that follow. While every person’s journey is unique, the hope of regaining function and independence is something every person affected by spinal cord injury holds onto.
Canada is home to world-class doctors and rehabilitation centers that specialize in helping people rebuild their lives after an injury. But even with exceptional care and advances in technology, recovery most often comes with daily struggles—pain, mobility challenges and issues with bladder function—that can weigh heavily on quality of life.
In China, neuro-acupuncture is considered a core part of post-injury care. With decades of clinical experience and refinement, physicians there have developed specialized acupuncture techniques to support recovery from spinal cord injuries. As access to neuro-acupuncture spreads, this approach is gaining global traction—not just for its effectiveness, but because it’s gentle on the body, has minimal side effects, and uniquely activates the nervous system’s natural capacity to heal and adapt.
Inspired by emerging research, more people in Canada are discovering that neuro-acupuncture is a unique method for stimulating recovery after a spinal cord injury. It can lead to meaningful functional improvements and is especially helpful when initiated early after injury and combined with physical therapy.
Neuro-acupuncture is most helpful in contributing to healing in the following areas:
Movement
- Improving motor function, particularly when combined with exercise therapy (6)(11)
- Promoting recovery of motor neurons and nerve regeneration in the spinal cord, helping enhance movement in affected limbs (2)(4)
Sensation and Pain
- Can improve acute and chronic pain resulting from spinal cord injury, the most significant results are shown in incomplete injuries (2)
- Improving sensation measured by increased scores on soft touch and pin prick sensation testing (4)
Bladder Function
- Stimulating recovery of neurogenic bladder dysfunction, leading to improvements in continence and volitional voiding (10)
- Reducing residual urine volume and increasing bladder capacity, as confirmed in clinical trials combining acupuncture with catheterization (5)
Living with a spinal cord injury brings challenges that affect every corner of life, from how we move to how we feel and function day to day. But recovery is not a fixed destination; it’s a journey shaped by resilience, support, and innovation.
In Canada, while we benefit from cutting-edge medical care and rehabilitation, there’s growing recognition that healing can take many forms. Neuro-acupuncture offers a promising complement to conventional therapies, harnessing both modern neuroscience and time-honoured healing techniques to activate the body’s natural ability for repair. As awareness grows, neuro-acupuncture may help redefine what's possible for thousands of Canadians rebuilding their lives after a spinal cord injury. The future of spinal cord recovery is not only about science—it’s about giving people more choices and continually improving the limitations and outcomes for healing.
Jennifer Midlane is a neuro-acupuncturist practicing in Victoria, British Columbia. She focuses on providing care for those with neurological conditions by integrating the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern scientific research.
References
1. Dragomir, M. F., Pestean, C. P., Melega, I., Danciu, C. G., Purdoiu, R. C., & Oana, L. (2021). Current aspects regarding the clinical relevance of electroacupuncture in dogs with spinal cord injury: A literature review. Animals, 11(1), 219. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010219
2. Dorsher, P. T., & McIntosh, P. M. (2011). Acupuncture's effects in treating the sequelae of acute and chronic spinal cord injuries: A review of allopathic and traditional Chinese medicine literature. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011, 428108. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nep010
3. Dyson-Hudson, T. A., Kadar, P., LaFountaine, M., Emmons, R., Kirshblum, S. C., Tulsky, D., & Komaroff, E. (2007). Acupuncture for chronic shoulder pain in persons with spinal cord injury: A small-scale clinical trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 88(10), 1276–1283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2007.06.014
4. Fan, Q., Cavus, O., Xiong, L., & Xia, Y. (2018). Spinal cord injury: How could acupuncture help? Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 11(4), 124–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jams.2018.05.002
5. Frontiers in Neurology. (2022). Comparative effectiveness of different acupuncture modalities for neurogenic bladder: A network meta-analysis. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.723424/pdf
6. Heo, I., Shin, B. C., Kim, Y. D., Hwang, E. H., Han, C. W., & Heo, K. H. (2013). Acupuncture for spinal cord injury and its complications: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 364216. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/364216
7. Journal of Neurotrauma. (2015). The impact of acupuncture on neurological recovery in spinal cord injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://pure.bond.edu.au/ws/portalfiles/portal/32927244/AM_The_Impact_of_Acupuncture_on_Neurological_Recovery_in_Spinal_Cord_Injury.pdf
8. Mehta, S., Orenczuk, K., McIntyre, A., Willems, G., Wolfe, D. L., Hsieh, J. T., Short, C., Loh, E., & Teasell, R. W. (2013). Neuropathic pain post spinal cord injury part 1: Systematic review of physical and behavioral treatment. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 19(1), 61–77. https://doi.org/10.1310/sci1901-61
9. Rapson, L. M., Wells, N., Pepper, J., Majid, N., & Boon, H. (2003). Acupuncture as a promising treatment for below-level central neuropathic pain: A retrospective study. Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 26(1), 21–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/10790268.2003.11753655
10. Wong, A. M., Leong, C. P., Su, T. Y., Yu, S. W., Tsai, W. C., & Chen, C. P. (2003). Clinical trial of acupuncture for patients with spinal cord injuries. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 82(1), 21–27. https://doi.org/10.1097/00002060-200301000-00004
11. Xiong, F., Fu, C., Zhang, Q., Peng, L., Liang, Z., Chen, L., He, C., & Wei, Q. (2019). The effect of different acupuncture therapies on neurological recovery in spinal cord injury: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, 2371084. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/2371084
12. Yang Y, Rao C, Yin T, Wang S, Shi H, Yan X, Zhang L, Meng X, Gu W, Du Y, Hong F. Application and underlying mechanism of acupuncture for the nerve repair after peripheral nerve injury: remodeling of nerve system. Front Cell Neurosci. 2023 Oct 24;17:1253438. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1253438. PMID: 37941605; PMCID: PMC10627933.
Why Are My Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms Worse in The Winter?
As a neuro-acupuncturist, I help people every day who are dealing with challenges caused by peripheral neuropathy—a condition affecting approximately 5% of people over the age of 45. Peripheral neuropathy can arise from various causes, such as diabetes, chemotherapy treatments, genetic factors, or for unknown reasons.
I often hear from patients that their peripheral neuropathy symptoms worsen during the winter months. This phenomenon is quite common, and there are several reasons why cold weather can exacerbate neuropathy pain.
1. Reduced Blood Flow
Our bodies produce a vast number of chemical reactions every moment of our lives in order to maintain proper function. These reactions have evolved to occur within a narrow temperature range of 36.5-37.5 degrees.
In cold weather, our bodies naturally restrict blood flow to the extremities to conserve heat and maintain core body temperature. This reduced blood flow means that the delicate nerves in our hands and feet don’t get as much oxygen and nutrients, making it harder for the nerves to function properly. This can increase nerve pain and discomfort for those with peripheral neuropathy.
2. Barometric Pressure Changes
Winter months bring more extreme changes in barometric pressure, which can significantly impact peripheral neuropathy symptoms. When barometric pressure increases, tissues contract, leading to decreased circulation and tight muscles and connective tissues. On the other hand, lower barometric pressure can cause excess fluid retention in tissues, resulting in congestion and swelling.
These fluctuations in atmospheric pressure can make it hard for your body to adapt it’s internal environment and lead to the worsening of uncomfortable symptoms from peripheral neuropathy.
3. Decreased Nerve Conduction
It is well-documented that nerve conduction, or the speed at which nerves can transmit a signal, slows in lower temperatures. This slowing effect can exacerbate symptoms for individuals with peripheral neuropathy, leading to increased burning, numbness, and tingling in the extremities. Reduced nerve conduction in cold weather can intensify discomfort, making daily activities more challenging for those affected by this condition.
4. Impact on Daily Activities
Some of the challenges faced by those with peripheral neuropathy include loss of sensation, muscle weakness and difficulty with balance. Winter weather, including rain, wind, ice and less daylight, can make it difficult to go outdoors and engage in physical activity. Reduced activity increases stiffness and pain, creating a vicious cycle of discomfort and inactivity.
Some of the strategies that I recommend to my patients to help manage their symptoms during the colder weather include using a warm hand or foot soak before bed when neuropathy sensations can be especially bothersome, drinking warm herbal teas with spices like ginger and cinnamon to help maintain body temperature and increase circulation, staying active indoors at our community rec centers and using neuro-acupuncture treatments to improve blood flow and nerve health.
If you are finding it challenging to deal with your symptoms, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive management plan tailored to your needs.
Jennifer Midlane is a neuro-acupuncturist practicing in Victoria, British Columbia. She focuses on providing care for those with neurological conditions by integrating the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern scientific research.
References
Castellani, J. W., & Young, A. J. (2016). Human physiological responses to cold exposure: Acute responses and acclimatization to prolonged exposure. Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic & Clinical, 196, 63–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2016.02.009
Halar, E. M., DeLisa, J. A., & Brozovich, F. V. (1981). Peroneal nerve conduction velocity: The importance of temperature correction. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 62(9), 439–443. PMID: 7283685
(2023). How Changes in Weather Affect Joint Pain. Cleaveland Clinic. Retrieved Jan 16, 2025 from, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/barometric-pressure-joint-pain
Kasselman, L. J., Veves, A., Gibbons, C. H., & Rutkove, S. B. (2009). Cold exposure exacerbates the development of diabetic polyneuropathy in the rat. Experimental Diabetes Research, 2009, Article 827943. https://doi.org/10.1155/2009/827943
Moses, B., Nelson, R. M., Nelson, A. J. Jr., & Cheifetz, P. (2007). The relationship between skin temperature and neuronal characteristics in the median, ulnar, and radial nerves of non-impaired individuals. Electromyography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 47(7–8), 351–360. PMID: 18051629
Nelson, R., Agro, J., Lugo, J., et al. (2004). The relationship between temperature and neuronal characteristics. Electromyography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 44(4), 209–216. PMID: 15224815
Rutkove, S. B. (2001). Effects of temperature on neuromuscular electrophysiology. Muscle & Nerve, 24(7), 867–882. https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.1084
The Restorative Role of Acupuncture in Relieving Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a challenging condition for many people who have had cancer. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling that can significantly affect your quality of life, even after your cancer treatments have ended. Thankfully, recent research has shed light on acupuncture as an effective treatment option for CIPN.
A recent meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Neurology dives into the benefits of acupuncture in managing CIPN. The researchers analyzed several clinical studies and found that acupuncture not only reduces pain and sensory symptoms but also supports nerve function, which can be compromised during chemotherapy. This approach holds promise as an accessible and non-invasive way to relieve CIPN symptoms.
One compelling aspect of acupuncture’s effect on CIPN is its ability to promote nerve repair and reduce inflammation. Acupuncture activates certain pathways in the brain and nervous system that help mitigate pain and numbness, making it an integrative, holistic treatment.
As research continues to support the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture, it’s encouraging to see such promising applications for people living with chemotherapy-related challenges. If you’re considering integrative options, acupuncture may be a path to explore in consultation with your healthcare provider.
Jennifer Midlane is an acupuncturist in Victoria, British Columbia. She focuses on providing effective pain relief and care for those with neurological conditions while bridging the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern scientific research.
Reference
Li, L., Huang, Y., An, C., Jing, N., Xu, C., Wang, X., Li, H., & Tan, T. (2024). Acupuncture in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A meta-analysis and data mining. Frontiers in Neurology, 15, 1442841. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1442841
by Jennifer Midlane R.AcTop Three Facts To Understand How Neuro-Acupuncture Stimulates Healing in the Nervous System
1. Neuro-Acupuncture Provides Natural Pain Relief
Neuro-acupuncture is highly effective at managing pain by stimulating nerve endings that trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. It also helps reduce inflammation and balance blood flow to the affected areas, making it a powerful tool for conditions like nerve pain, migraines, and neuropathy. By activating these nerve pathways, neuro-acupuncture relieves pain and stimulates healing.
2. Neuro-Acupuncture Can Rewire the Brain
Neuro-acupuncture influences how the brain processes signals. It stimulates neuroplasticity and restores connectivity to the brain following illness or injury. By targeting specific brain regions, neuro-acupuncture can help improve connectivity within the brain, making it a useful treatment for conditions like MS, concussion and stroke recovery. This ability to restructure neural pathways is why neuro-acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of neurological and mental health conditions.
3. Neuro-Acupuncture Balances the Nervous System to Regulate Dysautonomia
Neuro-acupuncture plays a key role in regulating the autonomic nervous system (ANS), especially for those with dysautonomia, a condition where the ANS has become imbalanced. The sympathetic nervous system controls the "fight or flight" response, while the parasympathetic nervous system handles "rest, digest, and healing." When these systems are out of balance, neuro-acupuncture can help calm an overactive sympathetic response and enhance parasympathetic activity, restoring harmony and helping the body return to a balanced state of relaxation and healing. This makes neuro-acupuncture a natural and effective treatment for managing the symptoms of dysautonomia.
Jennifer Midlane is an acupuncturist in Victoria, British Columbia. She focuses on providing effective pain relief and care for those with neurological conditions while bridging the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern scientific research.
References
Fan, A. Y., Miller, D. W., Bolash, B., Bauer, M., McDonald, J., Faggert, S., He, H., Li, Y. M., Matecki, A., Camardella, L., Koppelman, M. H., Stone, J. A. M., Meade, L., & Pang, J. (2017). Acupuncture's role in solving the opioid epidemic: Evidence, cost-effectiveness, and care availability for acupuncture as a primary, non-pharmacologic method for pain relief and management. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 15(6), 411-425. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2095-4964(17)60378-9
Hamvas, S., Hegyi, P., Kiss, S., Lohner, S., McQueen, D., & Havasi, M. (2023). Acupuncture increases parasympathetic tone, modulating HRV: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 72, 102905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102905
Yang, Y., Rao, C., Yin, T., Wang, S., Shi, H., Yan, X., Zhang, L., Meng, X., Gu, W., Du, Y., & Hong, F. (2023). Application and underlying mechanism of acupuncture for nerve repair after peripheral nerve injury: Remodeling of nerve system. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 17, 1253438. https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2023.1253438
by Jennifer Midlane R.Ac
Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy: Top Causes and Comprehensive Care with Neuro-Acupuncture
Peripheral neuropathy, a challenging condition that can disrupt daily life with uncomfortable sensations and dysfunction, can be effectively managed with neuro-acupuncture. By understanding its causes and exploring the healing effect of neuro-acupuncture, those dealing with peripheral neuropathy can begin to find relief. Let's delve into the top three causes of this condition and how acupuncture can alleviate symptoms and promote nerve health, providing a path to a more comfortable life.
1. Diabetes: Diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. Elevated blood sugar levels over time can damage nerves, particularly in the feet and hands. This can lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, squeezing, and burning. Neuro-acupuncture helps by improving blood flow to damaged nerves, reducing inflammation, and stimulating nerve repair.
2. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy, an important cancer treatment, can cause peripheral neuropathy as a side effect. The powerful medication used in chemotherapy may damage nerves, resulting in numbness and painful sensations. Neuro-acupuncture, a gentle and non-invasive option, offers a comforting option for managing chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and improving quality of life during or following cancer treatment.
3. Physical Trauma: Physical trauma, such as injuries from accidents or surgeries, can directly damage peripheral nerves, leading to neuropathic symptoms. Neuro-acupuncture offers healing by stimulating the specific nerves affected to promote repair, alleviate symptoms, and reduce stress associated with traumatic injuries. It supports the body's natural healing processes and helps individuals regain function and well-being.
How Does Neuro-Acupuncture Help?
Neuro-acupuncture directly stimulates nerve activity, promoting your body’s own natural healing and regulating functions. The treatments trigger the release of neurotransmitters that promote nerve repair, reduce pain signals, and provoke deep relaxation. Additionally, neuro-acupuncture improves blood circulation to damaged nerves, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen for repair and regeneration. Neuro-acupuncture is a comprehensive treatment for peripheral neuropathy by targeting both symptoms and underlying imbalances.
Jennifer Midlane is an acupuncturist in Victoria, British Columbia. She focuses on providing effective pain relief and care for those with neurological conditions while bridging the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern scientific research.
Resources:
1) Dietzel, Joanna et al. “Acupuncture in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy-Related Complaints: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.” Journal of clinical medicine vol. 12,6 2103. 7 Mar. 2023, doi:10.3390/jcm12062103
2) Dimitrova A, Murchison C, Oken B. Acupuncture for the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2017 Mar;23(3):164-179. doi: 10.1089/acm.2016.0155. Epub 2017 Jan 23. PMID: 28112552; PMCID: PMC5359694
3) Friedemann T, Kark E, Cao N, et al. Acupuncture improves chemotherapy-induced neuropathy explored by neurophysiological and clinical outcomes – the randomized, controlled, cross-over ACUCIN trial. Phytomedicine. Published online June 26, 2022. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154294
4) Yang Y, Rao C, Yin T, Wang S, Shi H, Yan X, Zhang L, Meng X, Gu W, Du Y, Hong F. Application and underlying mechanism of acupuncture for the nerve repair after peripheral nerve injury: remodeling of nerve system. Front Cell Neurosci. 2023 Oct 24;17:1253438. doi: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1253438. PMID: 37941605; PMCID: PMC10627933
