Blog
Research Update – Acupuncture and Diabetes
11-20-24
According to a study by the Healthcare Medicine Institute, acupuncture can successfully reduce diabetes
symptoms. This study examined two therapeutic studies and found that both demonstrated participant
improvement. In the first experiment, acupuncture and moxibustion were the main treatments used.
Acupuncture treatment for diabetic gastroparesis was the focus of the second experiment. Acupuncture
and Traditional Chinese Medicine have been shown in both trials to significantly reduce the overall
symptoms of diabetics. An effectiveness rate of 84.78 percent for individuals with yin-deficient diabetes
and 69.75 percent for those with yang-deficient diabetes was obtained from the trial that combined
acupuncture and moxibustion.
Nearly 29 million Americans have diabetes, and an additional 86 million are at risk of developing the
condition due to prediabetes, making diabetes an epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers
for Disease Control, diabetes is the primary cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations, and adult-
onset blindness and it ranks as the seventh highest cause of death in the US.
Diabetes is brought on by pancreatic dysfunction. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the two types of the
disease. The pancreas generates little to no insulin in people with type 1 diabetes, a chronic illness. Most people that have type 2 diabetes, which alters how the body uses glucose or blood sugar. However,
with the right diet and exercise, type 2 diabetes is typically curable. Daily insulin injections and blood
sugar checks are standard therapy. The normal American diet (SAD) is the cause of the ongoing struggles
and, regrettably, defeats of many Americans. TCM could be helpful in this situation.
According to several studies, TCM can reduce blood sugar, lessen the symptoms of polyphagia (the
persistent need to eat), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyuria (excessive urine), as well as increase
microcirculation and blood flow to the body's peripheral regions.
One of the numerous TCM methods, acupuncture, employs solid, hair-thin needles to stimulate the body's
regulatory systems, which in turn release chemicals that decrease pain and inflammation, assist the body in
regaining equilibrium, and increase hormone secretion. Cortisol down-regulation is the cause of
acupuncture's blood glucose-lowering effects. Increased insulin sensitivity is believed to be caused by the
stress hormone cortisol, which stimulates the liver to produce glucose.
Diabetic patients might also benefit tremendously from TCM's herbal and dietary formulations. The
hypoglycemic effect of numerous meals and plants has been profound. Mung beans, ginseng, astragalus,
Rehmannia, Lycium fruit and bark, and even asparagus root are among them.
For people with diabetes, TCM gives hope without the negative side effects that are usually connected to
the drugs that are prescribed. If you or a loved one has diabetes, you can schedule an appointment with us
by calling our office.
A Holistic Approach to Treating Peripheral Neuropathy
11-07-24
Have you noticed pain, tingling, or numbness in your limbs lately? Peripheral neuropathy could
be your condition. Damage to your peripheral nerves is the source of this. Acupuncture has
become a viable supplementary therapy for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy, although
orthodox treatments frequently concentrate on symptom management.
We will examine the diagnostic procedure that acupuncturists employ in addition to the
therapeutic potential of acupuncture. Additionally, we will look at some strategies that people
can use to alleviate the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
The Therapeutic Potential of Acupuncture:
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) includes acupuncture, which has become well-known for
its all-encompassing approach to treatment. Through the insertion of tiny needles into particular
acupoints on the body, acupuncture seeks to improve general health by reestablishing the
equilibrium and flow of Qi, or vital energy. Numerous research has shown how effective
acupuncture is at reducing peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
A study that examined the effects of acupuncture on chemotherapy-induced peripheral
neuropathy was published in the journal Neurology. According to the study, acupuncture
considerably reduced neuropathic pain in cancer patients when compared to a control group,
suggesting that it may be used to treat peripheral neuropathy brought on by treatment.
Additionally, the effects of acupuncture on diabetic peripheral neuropathy were investigated in a
study that was published in Diabetes Care. The study showed that acupuncture treatments
improved the overall quality of life, sensory complaints, and nerve conduction velocity in people
with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
The Diagnostic Process:
A thorough diagnostic procedure is used by acupuncturists to identify the root causes of
peripheral neuropathy. This procedure includes:
1. Comprehensive Patient History: In addition to asking about the patient's medical history,
including any underlying diseases or potential risk factors, that acupuncturists often ask about
the origin, duration, and progression of symptoms.
2. Symptom Assessment: To identify the underlying patterns of peripheral neuropathy, a
thorough examination and analysis of the patient's symptoms—including their location,
degree, and kind of discomfort—is necessary.
3. Acupuncturists do physical examinations to assess reflexes, muscle strength,
coordination, and sensory and motor function. This assessment aids in locating any
outwardly apparent symptoms or trends linked to peripheral neuropathy.
Tips for Individuals Seeking Relief:
The following advice may be useful if you have peripheral neuropathy and are thinking about
getting acupuncture:
1. Find a Reputable Acupuncturist: Make sure the acupuncturist you are seeing has received
the necessary training and has the necessary licensure. Check for credentials and
certifications to make sure the treatments you receive are secure and efficient.
2. Describe Your Symptoms: Clearly describe your symptoms, including their location,
intensity, and any changes you have noticed. With this knowledge, the acupuncturist will
be able to tailor the course of therapy to your particular need.
3. Keep Your Treatment Consistent: Acupuncture is often given in a series of sessions. The
recommended treatment plan must be followed consistently for the best results. Discuss
the recommended frequency and duration of sessions with your acupuncturist. Acupuncture is a viable therapy to consider if you are looking for relief from the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and are willing to investigate holistic treatment options. To perform a thorough evaluation and offer you an individualized treatment that targets the root causes of your peripheral neuropathy, give us a call to discuss your symptoms. You may be able to manage the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and enhance your general health by incorporating acupuncture into your treatment plan.