You are here:

Acupuncture/Acupuncture for Neuropathy

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/3/2011


Question
I live in Central Iowa and have been struggling with neuropathy in my feet, lower legs and hands for about 6 months. I am not diabetic and my GP cannot locate a cause, we have tried all the blood tests etc. Nothing my GP has done has made any difference and the medications have done very little to help with the pain, especially at night when trying to sleep. The burning and tingling and almost unbearable at that time. I want to give acupuncture at try but want to make sure I find a practioner that has skills in my area of need. Any recomendations on how i can make sure I'm getting the right person? I'm in Central Iowa so Ames and Des Moines are easy areas for me to utilize. Any help is appreciated. Thanks for your time.

Answer
Dear Tim -

I am so sorry that you are experiencing such discomfort.  My patients who have neuropathy describe it in the most unpleasant terms.  The type that you describe - where it is not attributable to an identifiable condition - is additionally frustrating.  Most of the cases I treat are related to diabetes, which does not seem to be your issue.  I have had two patients with idiopathic neuropathy who turned out to be taking very large doses of vitamin B6, one who was exposed to manganese fumes as a welder, and one with pesticide exposure.  I mention these in the interests of being sure all bases are covered.

You understand, of course, that I cannot make any specific referral to a practitioner.  Anyway, since I am in Hawaii, suggesting someone in your state is unlikely.  Iowa has relatively rigorous licensure requirements, so anyone should have the minimum training to treat you.  Figuring out someone's skill beyond their basic qualifications is somewhat more difficult.  Look for a practitioner with at least five years of experience who works with both electroacupuncture and Chinese herbal formulae.  Also, you want to work with someone who will talk with you and explain their diagnosis and treatment strategy.  Treatment for this condition is unfortunately not an over-night fix.  I wish I could be more helpful.

My thoughts are with you as you deal with this challenge.

Mike Zanoni

Acupuncture

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Michael M. Zanoni, MS, LAc

Expertise

I am knowledgeable about severe and chronic pain from musculoskeletal or neurological conditions, especially trauma, headache, and fibromyalgia. I can provide guidance that will assist healing and recovery after illness or surgery. I have a particular interest in long-term chronic conditions that are becoming progressively worse or intermittently severe (such as viral hepatitis, Crohn's, or Takayasu syndrome.) I have extensive experience treating endocrine disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid problems, where the primary condition is being monitored by a Western-trained physician, and cancer where there are specific treatment goals other than cure (e.g., decrease of pain; reduction of side effects of radiation and chemotherapy; lessening of edema; palliative treatment of associated conditions.) I do not treat or answer questions about infertility, ALS, or senile dementia.

Experience

I have practiced Oriental medicine for over fourteen years in a variety of settings. Much of my practice has centered around a busy clinic specializing in severe long-term chronic pain conditions and palliative care. For several years I worked in a hospice program. I also established a non-profit community clinic providing care to under-served and homeless patients. My work has found me in an HIV clinic in San Francisco, a busy private practice in Oregon, to traveling on muddy 4-wheel drive roads to see dying patients. I now teach acupuncture and Oriental medicine at a school in Hawaii.

Education/Credentials
My training was at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco where I received a master’s degree in Chinese Medicine. I have current board certifications in Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture, and Chinese Herbology from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. I also have certifications in Chinese tui na bodywork, Physical Rehabilitation Training, and biofeedback. I am licensed to practice acupuncture and Oriental medicine in Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Montana. I also have BA, MS, and PhD degrees in subjects not directly related to Oriental medicine.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.