How Acupuncture Alleviates Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

Chemotherapy is a life-saving treatment for many cancer patients, but it comes with a range of debilitating side effects. One of the most challenging of these is Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN). Chemotherapy, while effective at killing cancer cells, can also damage the peripheral nerves—those outside the brain and spinal cord. CIPN is simply nerve pain after chemotherapy. This damage results in a range of symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life. Symptoms of CIPN include:

• Numbness and Tingling: Often starting in the fingers and toes, this can progress to the hands and feet.

• Pain: A burning or shooting pain that can be constant or intermittent.

• Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to touch, temperature changes, or even pressure.

• Weakness: Muscle weakness or difficulty with coordination and balance.

CIPN can develop during treatment, shortly after, or even months later. The severity of symptoms can vary, but for some patients, CIPN can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities and overall quality of life.

CIPN treatment options vary from Western to alternative medicine. Western medicine offers several approaches to managing CIPN symptoms. However, these treatments often focus on symptom management rather than addressing the root cause of nerve damage. Common Western treatments for CIPN include:

Medications:

• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help manage mild pain. For more severe pain, doctors might prescribe stronger painkillers, including opioids.

• Antidepressants and Anticonvulsants: Drugs like duloxetine (an antidepressant) and gabapentin (an anticonvulsant) are commonly used to manage neuropathic pain. These medications can help alter nerve signals and reduce pain sensations.

• Topical Treatments: Creams and patches containing numbing agents like lidocaine can be applied directly to painful areas.

Physical Therapy:

• Physical therapists can help patients improve strength, balance, and coordination through targeted exercises. This can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing muscle weakness and loss of coordination.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS):

• TENS therapy involves applying mild electrical currents to the skin to help reduce pain. While some patients find relief with TENS, the effectiveness can vary.

Lifestyle Modifications:

• Patients are often advised to make lifestyle changes such as wearing protective footwear, avoiding extreme temperatures, and practicing good foot care to prevent injuries.

While these treatments can help manage symptoms of CIPN, they often come with their own side effects and may not provide complete relief. This has led many patients to seek alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, to alleviate CIPN symptoms more effectively.

Acupuncture as an alternative

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential to alleviate CIPN symptoms. At Bodhi TCM Acupuncture our protocols are tailored for each patient, depending on the state of their health and underlying root cause. we use a blend of traditional acupuncture and modern Neuro-Acupuncture focused on nerve stimulation to expedite the relief of CIPN symptoms. This personalized approach leads to more effective and targeted relief of CIPN symptoms. Let's delve into how these protocols work:

Pain and Inflammation Relief:

• Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture can effectively reduce pain by stimulating the release of endorphins (the body's natural painkillers) and promoting blood flow to affected areas. This can help alleviate the burning and shooting pains associated with CIPN. Additionally, acupuncture can reduce inflammation by promoting the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. This is crucial for CIPN patients, as inflammation often contributes to the pain and discomfort associated with nerve damage.

Improved Nerve Function:

• Our acupuncture protocols seek to help improve nerve function and reduce numbness and tingling by promoting the repair of damaged nerves and enhancing nerve conduction. Research has shown that acupuncture can enhance nerve function and even promote the regeneration of damaged nerves. This is achieved through various mechanisms, including increased blood flow to the affected areas and the release of growth factors that aid in nerve repair. For CIPN patients, this means potential improvement in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.

Holistic Approach:

• We treat the body as a whole, aiming to restore balance and promote natural healing. This holistic approach seeks to address both the symptoms and the underlying causes of nerve damage.

Minimal Side Effects:

• Unlike many pharmaceutical treatments, our acupuncture protocols have minimal side effects. Patients may experience mild bruising or soreness at needle insertion sites, but these effects are usually short-lived and mild compared to the potential side effects of medications.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction:

• Many cancer patients experience high levels of stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate CIPN symptoms. Our protocols include acupuncture points to calm the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Improved Sleep and Energy Levels:

• Many CIPN patients struggle with sleep disturbances and fatigue. One of our goals is to help regulate sleep patterns and improve energy levels by balancing the body's internal systems. Better sleep and increased energy can significantly enhance a patient's quality of life and ability to cope with CIPN symptoms.
  

Supporting Overall Health:

• Our treatments are personalized to meet the unique needs of each patient. This means that in addition to addressing CIPN symptoms, treatments can also target other health concerns, such as digestive issues, immune support, and overall vitality. By supporting the body's natural healing processes, acupuncture can contribute to improved overall health and resilience.

Evidence-Based Support:

• Increasingly, scientific research supports the efficacy of acupuncture for CIPN. Studies have demonstrated significant improvements in pain, numbness, and overall quality of life for patients undergoing acupuncture treatment.

Our acupuncture protocols can be used alongside conventional treatments for CIPN, providing a complementary approach that enhances overall effectiveness. For example, patients can continue taking prescribed medications while receiving acupuncture treatments to help manage pain and improve nerve function. This integrative approach can lead to better outcomes.

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy is a challenging and often debilitating side effect of cancer treatment. While Western medicine offers several options for managing CIPN symptoms, our holistic acupuncture protocols provide a natural and effective alternative to those seeking help. By promoting natural healing, reducing pain, and improving overall well-being, our acupuncture protocols offers hope and relief for those struggling with the effects of chemotherapy. With the right approach, it is possible to manage CIPN effectively and improve your quality of life.

We have been able to help patients who are just starting to experience CIPN and are still undergoing chemotherapy, as well as patients who have experienced symptoms years after going into remission. To find out if you are a good candidate for our CIPN treatments call us at 321-312-0771. We would love to help you too.