Objective
To investigate the effectiveness of a standardized acupuncture protocol based on structural acupuncture principles and traditional approaches for treating peripheral neuropathy of various etiologies.
Conclusions
This standardized acupuncture protocol appears to be effective for treating neuropathy of various causes, including large- and small-fiber involvement.
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Insights
A nerve-anatomy-based acupuncture protocol improved pain and clinical symptoms across diverse forms of peripheral nerve damage.
Ten consecutive patients with large- or small-fiber peripheral nerve damage from varied causes received a standardized acupuncture regimen designed around anatomical proximity to peripheral nerves and traditional pain-treatment principles. The protocol combined manual needling at specified limb, trunk, hand, and foot points with electrical stimulation at selected ankle and foot points, delivered over at least six sessions. Outcomes were assessed through patient-reported pain ratings and clinical signs and symptoms.
All participants reported reduced pain and improved clinical presentation after treatment. The findings suggest that a consistent, anatomically informed combination of manual and electrical acupuncture may be useful across peripheral nerve damage affecting either large or small nerve fibers and arising from different underlying causes.
