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Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) and Acupuncture

  • Writer: Bethesda Acupuncture
    Bethesda Acupuncture
  • Jul 30
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 31

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Chemotherapy, a vital treatment for many oncology patients, can also bring challenging and unfortunately common side effects like chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, also known as CIPN. This nerve damage primarily affects the hands and feet, emerging during or even months after treatment. Patients with CIPN experience discomforts like pain, tingling, and numbness, significantly impacting daily life—affecting sleep, mobility, balance, and fine motor control, making basic tasks like walking or buttoning shirts challenging.


When CIPN symptoms are severe, conventional treatments or medication may not offer adequate relief, and some oncologists may even order the reduction or cessation of chemotherapy completely. For these patients, acupuncture is gaining attention as a less invasive alternative, shown in a 2018 clinical trial to be "[effective] in reducing the incidence of high grade CIPN during chemotherapy."¹ Further more, in a randomized control trial with 75 cancer survivors, all of whom were experiencing moderate to persistent CIPN, participants receiving acupuncture saw significant improvements across multiple measures of pain, anxiety, insomnia and overall satisfaction with quality of life. ²


Acupuncture helps with CIPN by regulating the nervous system and activating pain-inhibitory pathways to block signals. It promotes the release of endorphins (natural painkillers) and neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, impacting mood and pain. Furthermore, improved circulation to the affected hands and feet delivers vital nutrients and helps reduce symptoms like numbness and tingling, fostering healing. Electroacupuncture, a variation of traditional acupuncture, is also frequently recommended for CIPN; it applies a mild electrical current through acupuncture needles, which can increase the treatment's effects and amplify patient benefits.


While CIPN can profoundly impact quality of life, therapies like acupuncture offer promising avenues for relief, relaxation, and enhanced symptom management. If you are interested in learning more about how acupuncture may benefit you, please call us at 301.880.3232. It would be our pleasure to assist you in scheduling an initial evaluation.

Resources


  1. Bao T, Seidman AD, Piulson L, et al. A phase IIA trial of acupuncture to reduce chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy severity during neoadjuvant or adjuvant weekly paclitaxel chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Eur J Cancer. 2018;101:12-19. doi:10.1016/j.ejca.2018.06.008

  2. Bao T, Baser R, Chen C, et al. Health-Related Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Oncologist. 2021;26(11):e2070-e2078. doi:10.1002/onco.13933

  3. Cancer P. Acupuncture (PDQ®). Nih.gov. Published May 11, 2006. Accessed July 8, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65823.1 /?report=reader#CDR0000458088__53

  4. Grisham J. Acupuncture for Neuropathy, Cancer Pain, Anxiety, and More | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. www.mskcc.org. Published July 22, 2024.https://www.mskcc.org/news/acupuncture-for-neuropathy-cancer-pain-anxiety-and-more ​​Accessed July 7, 2025.

This website provides general information only. Content does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for medical guidance.

 
 
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