Peripheral neuropathy happens when the nerves that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves) are damaged. This condition often causes weakness, sensations of tingling, burning or numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It also can affect other areas and body functions including digestion and urination.

If you suffer from peripheral neuropathy walking, especially on hard, cold surfaces, like a tile floor, can feel like stepping on ground-up glass, for example.

The goal in Chinese Medicine treatments like Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Chinese Tuina Massage, for patients with peripheral neuropathy, is to re-stimulate damaged nerve fibers and prevent them from dying off

There are many possible causes of peripheral neuropathy from traumatic injuries, infections, vitamin deficiencies or over supplementation, autoimmune diseases, metabolic problems and as side effect when undergoing chemotherapy, with one of the most common causes being diabetes

Symptoms vary from person to person, depending which nerves are affected. You might feel a gradual numbness and tingling in your feet or hands, which spreads into your limbs. You might experience sharp pain and sensitivity to touch, muscle weakness and paralysis or bladder problems and incontinence.

As is always the case, Chinese Medicine's goal is to always treat the underlying root cause or condition, as well as treating current symptoms

According to traditional Chinese medicine, peripheral neuropathy happens when there's a blockage of energy (called qi) and blood in the body. If qi and blood don't flow freely, our cells and tissues don't receive the nourishment they need. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, as well as other TCM modalities aim to restore the smooth free flow circulation of Qi, Blood and Fluids around the body, as well as to balance the emotions, as a Mind-Body therapy.