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Acupuncture/peripheral neuropathy

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Expert: - 4/24/2011


Question
My GP. says my "hot feet" are caused by Peripheral Neuropathy. He doesn't seem to have anything to help. I have read that acupuncture can be beneficial for this problem ? I'd appreciate your advice.   Russell Pickersgill

Answer
Dear Russell -

I am so sorry that you are experiencing the discomfort of peripheral neuropathy. This can be caused by several different conditions, although in my practice I usually see it in relation to diabetes or long-term medication for immunodeficient conditions.  The good news is that acupuncture - particularly electroacupuncture - can often provide great relief.  Like many things in medicine, however, we cannot predict who will benefit and who will not.  I encourage you to try acupuncture with someone who has treated this condition before.  If after three treatments a week apart you have not found some relief, then perhaps it is not going to work for you.  In any case, I would also continue working with your GP to control the underlying condition that has caused the neuropathy.  Also, if you have diabetes and have not recently done so, a visit to an ophthalmologist for a retinal exam might be appropriate.

I wish you well in all aspects of your journey - - -

Mike Zanoni
Honolulu  

Acupuncture

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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.

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