Will massages, acupuncture, or acupressure massages relieve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy??? Physician suggested, woman tested!

Updated: Monday, March 08, 2004 12:18:00 PM

• Acupuncture treatments, along with acupressure (self or shiatsu) massages, have positively affected neuropathy and may provide relief. Weekly acupuncture treatments have been found to be beneficial for neuropathy, energy levels, and general well-being. Although how it works is not yet understood, it does work for some people, is without pain, is safe, and even relaxing (Clinical Center News, National Institute of Health, Oct 1994, p.4-5).
• Acupuncture at the points that energetically link the lungs and the feet.
• Massage therapy, with an emphasis on reflexology, twice a week helps considerably. This works better in conjunction with exercise program.
• During the second round of the same chemo as first round, one woman used acupuncture and found it prevented the recurrence of neuropathy.
• Another woman found that acupuncture helped considerably for a while, but then leveled off.
• One reader consulted a neurologist, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, 2 acupuncturists, a reflexologist, a masseuse, and a chiropractor. None produced a noticeable long lasting change. Only one thing helped and that was swimming three times each week. Eighteen months after the completion of her treatment, the neuropathy is somewhat better.
• Another had trouble with her balance, so at first she did water aerobics. Once her balance returned, she began land exercises.
• Another sleeps every night with arm/wrist bands on her arms. They are the kind with metal inserts which are sometimes worn by those with carpal tunnel syndrome. While uncomfortable in hot weather, they allow her to crochet and knit during the day again!
• Have a husband or friend trained in therapeutic or deep tissue massage, and then do it every evening.
• Soak in salt water and follow the salt bath with a massage.
• Compression stockings were first worn by one woman because of some leg swelling, but helped considerably with neuropathy.
• Use a battery operated foot massager.
• TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) may be helpful, but this needs to be done by a qualified health care practitioner.

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