In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), nerve pain is often categorized as Bi Syndrome (obstruction) or Wang Luo (network vessel pain). It is viewed as a blockage where Qi and Blood cannot flow through the body’s narrowest pathways – the collateral vessels. When these highways are obstructed by cold, heat, or stagnation, the resulting lack of nourishment to the nerves can cause the burning, tingling, or stabbing sensations characteristic of neuropathy.
Modern neurological research explains how acupuncture interrupts pain signalling and promotes nerve regeneration:
– Gate Control Theory: Acupuncture stimulates large-diameter nerve fibres, which sends a signal to the spinal cord to close the gate on slower pain signals coming from damaged nerves, providing immediate relief.
– Releasing Endogenous Opioids: Treatment triggers the brain to release natural painkillers like dynorphins and enkephalins, which raise the body’s overall pain threshold.
– Reducing Nerve Inflammation: By inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines around the nerve sheath, acupuncture reduces the chemical irritation that causes firing sensations (pins and needles).
– Nerve Regeneration (NGF): Studies suggest acupuncture can increase the expression of NGF, helping to repair the myelin sheath (the protective coating of nerves) and improve nerve conduction velocity.
