Peripheral neuropathy (adjunctive care)
Also known as: peripheral neuropathy, nerve pain, diabetic neuropathy, pins and needles in feet
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage causing numbness, tingling, burning or weakness, usually starting in the feet. Common causes include diabetes, alcohol, B12 deficiency and chemotherapy, so finding the cause with a GP matters. Chinese medicine frames it as Qi and Blood failing to reach the limbs, Damp-Phlegm blocking the channels, or Blood stasis.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters or colour changes, especially with diabetes.
- •Keep blood sugar, alcohol intake and B12 in range as advised by your GP.
- •Wear well-fitting shoes; never walk barefoot.
- •Gentle exercise like walking or tai chi supports circulation and balance.
- •Tell your prescriber about all supplements and herbs you take.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Find and treat the cause first — diabetes, B12 deficiency, alcohol and medicines all need medical review.[,]
- •Take care with needling and moxa on numb skin — reduced sensation raises burn and injury risk.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Track pain and numbness scores every 4 sessions; foot checks at every visit; refer back if weakness spreads.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- NHS · 2024
- Diabetes Australia · 2024
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.