Can Acupuncture Help Nerve Pain?

Acupuncture can calm irritated nerves, improve circulation, and ease neuropathy symptoms. Learn how it supports nerve healing and what to expect during care.

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Dr. Meng Xiong, ND, LAc

2/4/20262 min read

Natural Relief for Neuropathy & Nerve Pain in Mooresville, NC

Nerve pain can feel sharp, burning, tingling, or numb — and it often affects daily life far more than people expect. Many patients at our Mooresville, NC clinic come in after trying medications, physical therapy, or injections without lasting relief. One of the most common questions we hear is:

“Can acupuncture help nerve pain?”

The answer is yes — acupuncture is one of the most effective natural treatments for neuropathy and nerve‑related pain. It works by improving circulation, calming irritated nerves, and supporting long‑term nerve healing (see: Painful diabetic neuropathy meta-analysis, 2023).

Let’s break down how it works and what you can expect.

What Causes Nerve Pain?

Nerve pain (neuropathy) can develop from many different causes, including:

  • Diabetes or prediabetes

  • Chemotherapy

  • Herniated discs

  • Sciatica

  • Autoimmune conditions

  • Vitamin deficiencies (B12, B6, folate)

  • Chronic inflammation

  • Poor circulation

  • Post‑surgical nerve irritation

Understanding the root cause helps determine the best treatment plan (Clinical review and evidence summary).

How Acupuncture Helps Nerve Pain

Acupuncture supports nerve healing in several powerful ways:

1. Improves blood flow to damaged nerves

Nerves need oxygen and nutrients to heal. Acupuncture increases microcirculation, helping nerves repair more effectively (Frontiers review on acupuncture mechanisms in neuropathy)

2. Reduces inflammation

Inflammation around nerves can cause burning, tingling, and numbness. Acupuncture helps calm this inflammation naturally (Systematic review/meta-analysis).

3. Calms overactive nerve signals

When nerves are irritated, they “misfire,” causing sharp or electric pain. Acupuncture helps regulate these signals and reduce hypersensitivity (Recent pain mechanism review).

4. Relaxes tight muscles that compress nerves

Tight muscles in the back, hips, or neck can pinch nerves. Acupuncture releases these muscles and reduces pressure (Sciatica systematic review).

5. Supports long‑term nerve regeneration

Research shows acupuncture can stimulate nerve growth factors, supporting deeper healing over time (CIPN randomized clinical trial).

Many patients begin noticing improvements in sensation, comfort, and mobility within several sessions.

Types of Nerve Pain Acupuncture Helps

At Balance Naturopathic & Acupuncture in Mooresville, NC, we commonly treat:

  • Peripheral neuropathy

  • Diabetic neuropathy

  • Chemotherapy‑induced neuropathy

  • Sciatica

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Post‑surgical nerve pain

  • Nerve compression injuries

  • Burning, tingling, or numbness in hands or feet

Whether your nerve pain is new or long‑standing, acupuncture can help reduce symptoms and support healing (DPN randomized trial, CIPN evidence review).

How Many Acupuncture Sessions Do You Need?

Every case is different, but here’s a general guideline:

  • Mild nerve pain: 6–8 treatments

  • Moderate neuropathy: 8–12 treatments

  • Chronic or severe neuropathy: 12+ treatments

Most patients start with 1–2 sessions per week, then taper as symptoms improve. These are clinical planning ranges, not universal fixed rules. Many neuropathy trials use multi-week protocols (e.g., 8–10 weeks) (JAMA Network Open CIPN trial).

Naturopathic Medicine for Nerve Healing

Acupuncture works even better when combined with naturopathic care. Your plan may include:

  • B‑vitamin optimization

  • Anti‑inflammatory nutrition

  • Herbal medicine for circulation

  • Blood sugar support

  • Mitochondrial and antioxidant support

  • Lifestyle and movement recommendations

This whole‑body approach helps reduce symptoms and prevent progression.

When to Seek Treatment

You should seek help if you experience:

  • Burning or tingling

  • Numbness in hands or feet

  • Sharp or electric pain

  • Pain that worsens at night

  • Loss of balance

  • Weakness or heaviness in the legs

  • Nerve pain after surgery or injury

Early treatment leads to better outcomes (DPN clinical trial context).

Acupuncture for Nerve Pain in Mooresville, NC

If you’re struggling with nerve pain, you don’t have to live with it. Acupuncture offers a safe, effective, and natural way to reduce symptoms and support long‑term nerve healing.

At Balance Naturopathic & Acupuncture in Mooresville, NC, we help patients find relief when other treatments haven’t worked.

Schedule your neuropathy consultation today and start feeling better.