Acupuncture for Neuropathy: Calming Burning, Tingling, and Numbness
- Andrea Izquierdo
- Oct 20, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 18
Burning, tingling, or numbness in the feet, legs, or hands can be unsettling and disruptive. Many people describe these sensations as pins and needles that never fully go away, a buzzing feeling under the skin, or a gradual loss of sensation that affects balance, sleep, and daily activities.
These symptoms are commonly associated with peripheral neuropathy, a condition involving irritation or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves.
Important scope clarification: Acupuncture does not treat or cure neuropathy as a medical diagnosis. However, it can help relieve neuropathy-related symptoms by supporting circulation, calming nerve irritation, and improving how nerves communicate with the brain.
At Bodhi TCM Acupuncture in Melbourne, FL, we work with patients throughout Brevard County who are seeking natural care for symptoms such as burning, tingling, numbness, and nerve discomfort, especially when medications alone have provided limited relief.
Who This Article Is For
This article is for individuals experiencing:
Burning sensations in the feet or hands
Tingling or pins-and-needles feelings
Numbness or reduced sensation
Nerve discomfort that worsens at night
Neuropathy-related symptoms affecting balance or sleep
If you are looking for ways to support nerve health and improve quality of life, this information will help you understand how acupuncture can help.
Key Takeaways
Neuropathy symptoms often involve both nerve irritation and circulation issues
Acupuncture increases blood flow to nerves and helps them regenerate naturally.
Neuroacupuncture targets both the nervous system and circulation for faster results.
Lifestyle and nutrition play a key role in supporting nerve repair.
Table of Contents
Common Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
How Acupuncture Helps Neuropathy Symptoms
What to Expect at Bodhi TCM Acupuncture
What Patients Say About Acupuncture for Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves — the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord that control sensation, movement, and circulation. When these nerves become damaged or inflamed, they send the wrong signals to the brain, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness.
Common symptoms include:
Burning or tingling in the feet, legs, or hands
Sharp, shooting pain or electric sensations
Numbness or loss of coordination
Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature changes
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, neuropathy happens when Qi (energy) and Blood flow are blocked or deficient, preventing the nerves from receiving nourishment.
Common Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy
Neuropathy-related symptoms may be associated with:
Diabetes or blood sugar imbalance
Chemotherapy or medication side effects
Vitamin deficiencies (B12, B6, folate)
Nerve compression from spinal or joint issues
Autoimmune or inflammatory disorders
Long-term alcohol use or toxin exposure
According to the Mayo Clinic, over 20 million Americans experience some form of peripheral neuropathy, and in many cases, the underlying cause is never identified. Understanding contributing factors helps guide a more personalized, symptom-focused care approach.
How Acupuncture Helps Relieve Neuropathy Symptoms
Acupuncture supports the body by improving circulation, calming inflammation, and helping regulate nerve signaling. Rather than targeting a diagnosis, care focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting nerve function.
At Bodhi TCM Acupuncture, we use advanced neuroacupuncture techniques designed to support communication between the nervous system, muscles, and circulation.
Acupuncture can help by:
Improving circulation to areas affected by numbness or tingling
Calming nerve irritation that contributes to burning sensations
Supporting healthy nerve signaling to improve comfort and awareness
Encouraging natural pain-modulating responses that support rest and sleep
When to Consider Seeking Support
You may want to seek care if neuropathy-related symptoms:
Interfere with balance or increase fall risk
Disrupt sleep or worsen at night
Continue to progress over time
Appear after chemotherapy or blood sugar changes
Limit daily activities or overall quality of life
Early support can help prevent symptoms from becoming more disruptive.
What to Expect at Bodhi TCM Acupuncture
Care begins with a detailed medical history review and sensory evaluation so we can understand how your symptoms are showing up and what may be contributing to them. Dr. Andrea Izquierdo, L.Ac., will take time to answer your questions and explain whether acupuncture may be appropriate for your situation.
If we feel we can support your symptoms, care can often begin the same day. If acupuncture is not the right approach for you, we will tell you openly. We believe in being honest, respectful, and working only with patients when we truly feel we can make a positive difference.
Your individualized plan may include:
Neuroacupuncture to support nerve signaling
Electroacupuncture to encourage nerve responsiveness
Cellular BioModulation Therapy (CBMT) to support tissue health
Infrared therapy to promote microcirculation
Many patients report gradual improvements in comfort, sensation, and sleep with our treatments. Treatments are gentle and designed to support progress between visits.
What Patients Say About Acupuncture for Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms
Many patients in Brevard County visit Bodhi TCM after months or years of frustration with neuropathy symptoms.
“I am so thankful to have found Dr. Andrea. She was recommended by my oncologist for neuropathic pain from chemotherapy. I will be honest, I am a western medicine girl and was skeptical but wanted relief because it was affecting my quality of life. From my initial appointment I knew that Dr. Andrea was going to help me. She is very knowledgeable about traditional Chinese medicine. She is patient and really takes the time to listen. My symptoms have reduced significantly since starting. I've started to slowly make lifestyle changes at her encouragement. My only regret is not starting sooner! Thank you, Dr. Andrea!.”— Maria W., via Google Reviews
You can read and watch additional patient experiences on our peripheral neuropathy support page
What to do At Home for Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms
In addition to in-office care, we recommend our patients incorporate the following habits to support nerve health:
Gentle daily movement to encourage circulation
Limiting alcohol and processed sugars
Using warmth instead of ice for comfort
Eating foods rich in B vitamins and antioxidants
Prioritizing sleep, especially before 10 PM
Hydrating properly
FAQs About Acupuncture for Peripheral Neuropathy
1. How soon will I feel relief from neuropathy symptoms with acupuncture?
Many patients notice improvement in sensation and pain within a few sessions. Chronic cases may take longer but continue improving with consistent care. At your consultation we will be able to tell you exactly what to expect depending on your sensory loss and root cause.
2. Is acupuncture safe for neuropathy symptoms?
Yes. When performed by a licensed acupuncturist and neuroacupuncture expert like Dr. Andrea Izquierdo, L.Ac. acupuncture is a safe, natural, and effective treatment for nerve pain and circulation issues.
3. Can acupuncture repair nerve damage?
While it cannot reverse severe nerve loss, acupuncture helps stimulate regrowth, improve blood flow, and reduce the symptoms that come from nerve dysfunction. Our patients are able to get lasting results that allows them to get back to doing what they love.
4. How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends on how long you’ve had symptoms and what caused them. During your consultation, our doctor will let you know if we can help and how many treatments you will need.
Related Neuropathy Topics
For deeper reading, you may find these articles helpful:
Conclusion
Neuropathy symptoms can make everyday life feel unpredictable, but lasting relief is possible. Acupuncture offers a safe and effective way to help with neuropathy symptoms, calm nerve irritation, reduce burning and tingling, and help your body repair from within.
At Bodhi TCM Acupuncture in Melbourne, FL, we focus on individualized care designed to support long-term comfort and function.
If you would like to explore whether acupuncture may be appropriate for you, click here to fill out our contact form or call 321-312-0771 to schedule a consultation.
