Treating Neuropathy

Over the past 11 years at Frontier Medical Institute, working alongside several MD's, nurse practitioners and naturopaths, I've combined the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and herbal medicine) with nutrition. I've treated hundreds of patients with scores of various chronic diseases. Of all of these I have been more amazed and surprised from the results of treating diabetic neuropathy. Going back through my records I estimate that 85% of the patients I've treated with neuropathy had significant and lasting improvement.

This includes:

• Significant reduction or elimination of pain, burning and pins-and-needle sensation.
• Return of sensation with both temperature and pressure.
• Reduction of purple/blue coloration of toes as circulation improves.

My Philosophy:

1. Remove the impediments to cure. - The first factor that MUST happen is to stop the cycle of unacceptable blood sugar and insulin levels. Even if you've had trouble controlling these levels in the past, let me assure you it is absolutely possible. This is causing the damage to the microcirculation and ultimately the nerves. Combining biochemistry and holistic nutrition, I've worked with several hundred patients with insulin resistance and diabetes. I have only met two whose condition was so bad they actually couldn't control their blood sugar and reduce the HgA1C levels with dietary changes and nutritional supplements. From these experiences I have concluded beyond a doubt that it is very possible to control blood sugar and HgA1C levels with just diet. If you can't control your blood sugar with diet you have either received the wrong advice or you are lying to yourself.
   
   
2. Knowledge is Power. - The word "doctor" is derived from a Latin term doctoris meaning "teacher". The body has an amazing ability to heal itself. In my experience, the more people understand about the inner workings of their body the more power they have to create or re-create vitality and health in themselves.
   
   I will teach you everything you need to know about your condition to manage your blood sugar levels and will help to make it as easy as possible. You will learn the following:
   
   
   • How making the right dietary adjustments and truly controlling your blood sugar can stop the vicious cycle of inflammation that is damaging not only your nerves and circulatory system but every tissue in your body.
   • How the Standard American Diet damages the insulin receptors in your cells that eventually lead diabetes.
   • How to control your blood sugar without having to count or keep track of calories.
   • How cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar levels are all interrelated.
   • How insulin and excess sugar raise your blood pressure.
   • Why excess sugar causes weight gain in your mid-section.
   
   
   
3. Accountability - Maintaining good control of blood sugar levels and HgA1C through a proper diet is non-negotiable. Treatment will not be as successful without it. To help you see first-hand how your body responds to various dietary changes, I insist on daily fasting blood sugar readings and regular laboratory testing for HgA1C as well as triglycerides and cholesterol. Your physician should already be following these numbers. Otherwise these inexpensive tests are available through our clinic under the supervision of one of our physicians.
   
   
4. Give the body what it needs to heal - The above steps of stopping the progression of damage is like pulling weeds from an overgrown garden. Often times, like the depleted soil, the body needs to be re-nourished. We accomplish this with targeted nutritional supplementation specific to the individual.
   
   *Note - The recommended nutritional supplements are available at competitive prices from our clinic, but you are certainly not required to purchase them from us nor will you be pressured to do so. In some circumstances your primary care physician can even prescribe them. I provide all the information about the specific supplements you need along with dependable sources so you can make your own informed choices.
   
   
5. Improve circulation and reduce pain - This is accomplished with weekly acupuncture combined with micro-current stimulation. There are several studies demonstrating the effectiveness of acupuncture for peripheral neuropathy.
   
   A long-term study available from the National Library of Medicine of 46 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy performed at the University of Manchester showed 77% of patients had significant improvement in symptoms after 6 treatments. During a follow-up period of 18-52 weeks 67% of the patients were able to reduce or stop their pain medications. During that time, 24% of the patients required further treatment. 21% had a total resolution of symptoms. Acupuncture for the treatment of chronic painful peripheral diabetic neuropathy: a long-term study.
   
   Questions about acupuncture:
   
   
   • Question: How many treatments are required to treat neuropathy?
     Answer: Depending on the severity of the condition, 6-12 treatments will usually produce good results. Most people notice some improvement within 1-3 treatments. If a patient is not noticing any improvement within four treatments I always consider that there could be other factors involved.
     
     
   • Question: Does it hurt?
     Answer: Acupuncture needles produce sensations of heaviness, mild aching or warm tingling. Because they're so tiny and not hollow, it's fairly unusual to actually feel the needle or the sharp sensation that is associated with traditional hypodermic needles.
     
     
   • For more information on acupuncture, its safety and how it works please visit the following website http://www.acucol.com.
     
     
6. Regenerate and restore nerve function - This is achieved with monthly injections of methylcobalamin also known as methyl B12. Instead of traditional injections, the methyl-B12 is injected in a series of points depending on the site of nerve damage. This ensures a larger dose is delivered to the affected tissues.
   
   There are scores of studies showing methyl B12 injections are extremely safe and produce significant improvements with nerve pain and regeneration including the treatment of neuropathy.
   
   Here are a few:
   • Clinical usefulness of intrathecal injection of methylcobalamin in patients with diabetic neuropathy - Ide H Fujiya S Asanuma Y Tsuji M Sakai H Agishi Y, Clin Ther (1987) 9(2):183-92
     
     
   • Ultra-high dose methylcobalamin promotes nerve regeneration in experimental acrylamide neuropathy - Watanabe T Kaji R Oka N Bara W Kimura J, J Neurol Sci (1994 Apr) 122(2):140-3
     
     
   • Methylcobalamin (methyl-B12) promotes regeneration of motor nerve terminals degenerating in anterior gracile muscle of gracile axonal dystrophy (GAD) mutant mouse - Yamazaki K Oda K Endo C Kikuchi T Wakabayashi T, Neurosci Lett (1994 Mar 28) 170(1):195-7
     
     
   • Intravenous methylcobalamin treatment for uremic and diabetic neuropathy in chronic hemodialysis patients. Department of Neurology, Chiba University School of Medicine.
     
     
   In the State of Colorado, acupuncturists are licensed to administer several substances via injection provided they have completed the proper education and training and have been certified by their board.
   
   Other Considerations:
   
   If the neuropathy is severe enough to produce total numbness some patients have experienced pain as the circulation improves and sensation returns. I've only seen this twice but it was quite unpleasant and lasted for a few weeks.
   
   As of yet, I have not had the opportunity to treat patients who are facing amputation or who have developed gangrene from severe damage to the peripheral circulation. I have no idea if this program would help but it might be worth a try.

   Please call Frontier Medical Institute and ask for an appointment with our acupuncturist -- Karen Kurtak. Please specify that you are requesting treating neuropathy.

   Call (303) 233-4247 or toll-free (877) 548-4387, to schedule an appointment or for more information.