The treatment has to be done on both sides of the body. Depending on the pain felt, needles are inserted at specified acupuncture points in the hands, feet or both. The patient is asked to lie down with his/her face downwards and needles are inserted at specific points of the lumbar and spine area. When the neuropathy pain affects the hands, the needles are inserted in the cervical area. If the legs are affected, then the needles are inserted in the lumber area. Actually, the needle points are where the spinal nerves exit from the spine and go towards the hands and feet. There are some needle points at the hands and feet as well. This whole process reduces the sensitivity of the nerves and brings them back to normal functioning. The ultimate effect of this treatment in many patients is the reduced pain and improved functioning of the affected body part.

The needles used for this process are very thin and do not cause much discomfort on insertion. The acupuncturist may move the needle or even bend them, causing only a mild aching sensation to you. These can also be used to apply heat or electrical impulses at specific points. Needles are inserted for a period of 15 to 20 minutes and are discarded afterwards. A lot of people feel energized in their first session itself but others may take some time to see any improvements in the symptoms.

If you decide to undertake acupuncture to relieve yourself of neuropathy pain, you must inform your doctor or endocrinologist. You must also continue with your medicinal treatments like insulin or other diabetic medicines along with any neuropathy medicines prescribed to you.

Besides, nutritional supplements like alpha lipoic acid, cinnamon, evening primrose oil, biotin, Vitamin B complex, etc. can also be of great help and should be used in combination with acupuncture and medicines. You should also make efforts to control your diet so as to manage your diabetes in a better way. You should also keep a close watch on your diabetes and keep monitoring your sugar level from time to time. When the blood glucose levels are controlled, there are less chances of further deterioration in the neuropathic condition.