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
by Jennifer Midlane R.AcAcupuncture for Nerve Repair and Remodeling of the Nervous System
An exciting review has been published summarizing available research and giving insight into how acupuncture stimulates nerve repair and remodeling of the nervous system.
Often, people with nerve damage are told that it is incurable and irreversible. However, multiple research studies have shown that acupuncture aids in the regeneration of nerve cells and reverses the maladaptive changes and remodeling that occur in the nervous system.
This information is a huge game changer for the millions of people worldwide who suffer from conditions like peripheral neuropathy, stroke, and spinal cord injury.
How Does Acupuncture Aid in Nerve Repair?
Key Takeaways from the Review:
- Prevents death of nerve cells (neuronal apoptosis)
- Stimulates genes related to nerve cell growth (neurogenesis)
- Aids in recovery of brain and spinal cord nerve tracts
- Induces growth and repair of dead or impaired nerve cells
- Enhances connectivity between the nerves of the body and the brain
- Regulates changes in brain regions such as the thalamus, amygdala, limbic system and cortex
- Promotes neuroplasticity
- Activates the opioid-system network including structures in the spine such as the dorsal horn for relief of pain that occurs as a result of nerve damage
- Desensitizes neurons that have become hyperexcitable in cases of chronic pain and central sensitization
We now have a greater understanding of the extent of widespread changes that occur in the nervous system following nerve damage. We know that the effect is not limited to the local area of the nerve but occurs across the nervous system, from the brain to the spinal cord and the body.
Acupuncture not only reverses the negative remodeling of the nervous system that can lead to chronic pain and dysfunction but also promotes the release of nerve growth factors that accelerate the regeneration and repair of nerve cells.
Jennifer Midlane is an acupuncturist in Victoria, British Columbia. Her focus is on providing effective pain relief and care for those dealing with neurological conditions while bridging the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern scientific research.
References:
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.
by Jennifer Midlane R.Ac
Acupuncture Found More Effective than Conventional Medication for the Prevention of Migraine Headaches
In Canada alone there are 2.7 million people who suffer from migraines. Migraines are a complex neurological disorder that affect each person differently and can include a wide range of symptoms and severity. Genetics play a significant role, with 80% of sufferers also having a family history of migraines [1]. Women are twice as likely as men to get migraines, which tend to occur with increased frequency between the ages of 30-49. More than half of people who report suffering from migraines in Canada (53%) reported that migraine headaches had prevented them from driving and 36% reported missing at least one day’s work in the past three months. Over three-quarters (76%) of migraine sufferers also reported that their ability to get a good night’s sleep was diminished [2].
If you suffer from migraines, you’ve likely tried to adjust your diet, practice good sleep habits, reduce your stress, use over-the-counter medications and maybe even prescription medications to try and reduce the pain and impact of your migraines. All these things can be helpful to treat and reduce migraine symptoms, but did you know that acupuncture can help too? Acupuncture has been found more effective than conventional drug therapy for migraine prevention. In a systematic review, it was found that after three months, migraine frequency was at least halved in 57% of participants receiving acupuncture vs. 46% receiving prophylactic drug therapy [3,4]. One of the reasons that many people first come for acupuncture is that they’re excited to try something new that doesn’t come with a long list of potential side effects. After a few treatments, they discover how deeply relaxing and transformative it can be.
It's well known that the use of acupuncture dates back thousands of years. What many people don’t know is that over the past few decades, researchers have been able to shed some light on how it works, and that it’s now recommended by doctors and health professionals across the world as a leading treatment to help with many neurological disorders and types of pain [5]. Acupuncture has numerous physiological effects on the body, mainly acting on the nerves, blood vessels and fascia to stimulate your body’s natural healing response and restore a healthy and balanced state. One of the ways acupuncture has been shown to treat migraines is through regulating the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) which plays a central role in migraine pain [6,7]. Acupuncture also helps to decrease inflammation, control blood vessel dilation and increase the parasympathetic (rest, digest and tissue healing) functions of your nervous system.
We are incredibly fortunate to live in the age of modern medicine, where there are a great deal of treatments options and new developments every year. Despite all of this, people who experience migraines are often left suffering with a significant amount of pain and negative impact on their lives. Acupuncture can play an important role in helping people minimize the effects of migraine headaches and experience greater wellbeing.
Jennifer Midlane is an acupuncturist practicing in Victoria, British Columbia. Her focus is on providing effective pain relief and care for those dealing with neurological conditions while bridging the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern scientific research.
References
1) Robinson, B. H. (2007). Biomedicine A Textbook for Practitioners of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (1st ed., pp. 145-147). Blue Poppy Press.
2) (2015, November 27). Prevalence of migraine in the Canadian household population. Statistics Canada. Retrieved January 24, 2023, from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2014006/article/14033-eng.htm
3) Da Silva AN. Acupuncture for migraine prevention. Headache. 2015 Mar;55(3):470-3.
4) Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, Fei Y, Mehring M, Vertosick EA, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016(6):Cd001218.
5) Birch S, Lee MS, Alraek T, et al. Overview of Treatment Guidelines and Clinical Practical Guidelines That Recommend the Use of Acupuncture: A Bibliometric Analysis. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Published Online First: 18 June 2018. doi:10.1089/acm.2018.0092
6) Fan AY, Miller DW, Bolash B, et al. 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–White Paper 2017. Journal of Integrative Medicine2017;15:411–25. doi:10.1016/S2095-4964(17)60378-9
7) Edvinsson L. Role of CGRP in Migraine. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2019;255:121-130. doi: 10.1007/164_2018_201. PMID: 30725283.
8) Xiang, A., Cheng, K., Xu, P., & Liu, S. (n.d.). The immediate analgesic effect of acupuncture for pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
9) Yang Y, Que Q, Ye X, Zheng G. Verum versus sham manual acupuncture for migraine: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Acupunct Med. 2016 Apr;34(2):76-83.
