Acupuncture Shows Promise for
Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy
A recent clinical study from Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine adds to growing evidence that acupuncture may offer meaningful relief for people suffering from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This condition, marked by numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hands and feet, affects a substantial proportion of cancer patients and often persists long after chemotherapy has ended
The randomized controlled trial followed 70 cancer patients with moderate to severe CIPN. Participants received either true acupuncture or a sham procedure, alongside standard vitamin B12 supplementation. After just two weeks, those receiving acupuncture experienced significantly greater improvements in sensory symptoms, pain levels, and overall quality of life compared with the control group
The acupuncture protocol was based on traditional pattern differentiation, focusing on qi deficiency and blood stasis, patterns commonly associated with chronic pain and impaired circulation. The treatment included several well-known acupoints. ST36 (Zusanli), located below the knee on the outer lower leg, was used to support circulation and limb strength. SP10 (Xuehai), found above the knee on the inner thigh, addressed blood stasis. LI11 (Quchi) at the outer elbow and LI4 (Hegu) on the hand between the thumb and index finger were selected for their role in clearing obstruction and relieving pain. LV3 (Taichong), located on the top of the foot between the first and second toes, was paired with LI4 as part of the “Four Gates” combination to promote overall qi and blood movement.
Local symptoms were addressed through the extraordinary points Baxie, situated between the fingers on the hands, and Bafeng, located between the toes on the feet. The protocol also included CV6 (Qihai) on the lower abdomen, traditionally used to strengthen foundational energy. All bilateral points were needled on both sides of the body
Objective nerve conduction tests supported patients’ symptom reports, showing measurable improvement in sensory and motor nerve function in the acupuncture group, while no such changes were observed in the sham group. Adverse effects were minimal and limited to mild bruising.
Although the study was short and conducted at a single center, the findings suggest that acupuncture, applied within a coherent traditional framework, may play a valuable role in managing chemotherapy-related neuropathy. The authors recommend larger and longer-term studies to further clarify optimal treatment protocols
