Acupuncture for Neuropathy: Calming Burning, Tingling, and Numbness
- Andrea Izquierdo
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
If you’ve ever felt burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, legs, or hands, you know how disruptive it can be. Many people describe it as pins and needles that never stop or a “buzzing” under the skin.
At Bodhi TCM Acupuncture in Melbourne FL, we see patients every week who are told they have neuropathy but are frustrated by how little relief they get from medications like Gabapentin. The good news is that our specialized acupuncture protocols have helped Brevard County residents get back to what they love.
Acupuncture can help with peripheral neuropathy symptoms, calm irritated nerves, improve circulation, and restore feeling where it has been lost.
In this article, you’ll learn:
What peripheral neuropathy is and why it happens
How acupuncture helps calm nerve irritation and restore function
What you can do at home to support long-term nerve health
Key Takeaways
Peripheral neuropathy causes burning, tingling, and numbness when nerves are damaged or inflamed.
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
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.
Key takeaway: Neuropathy is not just about damaged nerves — it’s also about impaired circulation and inflammation that block the body’s natural repair systems.
See also: Nerve Pain Vs. Muscle Pain
Common Causes and Symptoms
Peripheral neuropathy can have many causes, including:
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.
Key takeaway: Understanding the root cause of nerve pain helps determine the most effective acupuncture plan for lasting results.
Acupuncture helps neuropathy by improving blood flow to the damaged nerves, calming inflammation, and restoring the body’s ability to send proper nerve signals.
At Bodhi TCM Acupuncture in Melbourne FL, we specialize in neuroacupuncture, which directly engages both the nervous system and musculoskeletal system to promote nerve repair.
How acupuncture supports nerve healing:
Improves circulation: Enhanced blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to damaged nerve tissue.
Reduces inflammation: Acupuncture lowers the levels of inflammatory markers that irritate nerves.
Regulates nerve signals: It helps calm overactive nerves that cause burning or tingling.
Stimulates endorphin release: Natural pain-relieving chemicals ease discomfort and improve mood.
Research from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center shows that acupuncture can reduce chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and improve sensation, balance, and quality of life.
From a TCM view, acupuncture restores the balance of Qi and Blood, helping the nerves “wake up” again as circulation returns.
Key takeaway: Acupuncture treats both the symptoms and the underlying dysfunction, helping nerves heal rather than just masking pain.
What to Expect at Bodhi TCM
During your consultation, we perform a sensory exam to determine the extent of the sensory loss and identify whether your symptoms come from nerve irritation, circulation issues, or both.
Each treatment plan is customized and may include:
Neuroacupuncture to activate nerve regeneration points
Electroacupuncture to stimulate nerve conductivity
Cellular BioModulation Therapy (CBMT) to aid tissue healing
Infrared therapy to enhance microcirculation in affected areas
Most patients report improved sensation, reduced burning, and better sleep within several sessions. Treatments are gentle, relaxing, and designed to restore your body’s natural ability to heal.
Key takeaway: Every session helps reset the communication between your nerves, brain, and circulation so healing continues even between visits.
Real Patient Results
Many patients in Brevard County visit Bodhi TCM after months of frustration with neuropathy symptoms. Once the nerves begin to calm and circulation improves, most notice lasting relief and improved function.
“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
Stories like Maria's show that when the nervous system is supported with consistent acupuncture care, the body can begin to rebuild what once felt lost.
See more success stories on our peripheral neuropathy page.
At-Home Tips for Nerve Healing
Healing continues between sessions. These steps help support nerve recovery and prevent symptoms from returning:
Move daily. Gentle walking or stretching improves blood flow to the legs and feet.
Avoid alcohol and processed sugars. Both can worsen inflammation and nerve sensitivity.
Stay warm. Use gentle heat instead of ice to promote circulation.
Eat foods rich in B vitamins and antioxidants. Leafy greens, eggs, salmon, and berries are great options.
Sleep before 10 PM. The body repairs nerves most efficiently during early sleep cycles.
Key takeaway: Acupuncture provides the foundation for healing, but consistent self-care habits enhance long-term results.
FAQs About Acupuncture for Peripheral Neuropathy
1. How soon will I feel relief from neuropathy 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?
Yes. When performed by a licensed acupuncturist and neuroacupuncture expert like Dr. Andrea Izquierdo, LAc. 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.
Conclusion
Neuropathy 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 specialize in neuroacupuncture and integrative therapies designed to restore nerve function and circulation naturally.
If you’re ready to feel your feet and hands again, Click here to contact us or call us at 321-312-0771 we would love to help!