Frequency Specific Electro Stimulation and Acupuncture: The Power Duo for Neuropathy
Freedom From Foot Pain
My colleague, Cheryl Kujawinski, at Hawthorne Acupuncture in Colorado recently wrote an informative article about the use of Frequency Specific Electro-Stimulation (FSES). You can read the full blog here.
Practical Clinical Application of FSES
This blog will focus on the practical application of FSES & Acupuncture for peripheral neuropathy, a condition we successfully treat in my clinic.
Most of my patients receive FSES during their treatment because of its ability to aid in the healing of the body at a cellular level.
When attempting to treat neuropathy, the combination of frequency specific electro stimulation (FSES) and acupuncture has seen tremendous success. While FSES plays an important role in blocking pain signals and repairing damaged nerve cells, acupuncture works to target source of nerve dysfunction while reacting at a higher level with the body's own endorphins in order to stimulate repair of nerve damage.
There are 7 commonly used frequencies that have varying effects on different systems in the body:
2.3 Hz: Cellular Vitality, anti-inflammatory
4.6Hz: Gastrointestinal tract, anti-allergic action
9.2Hz: Muscle and blood circulation
18.4Hz: Mind and body stress adjustment
36.8Hz: Peripheral Nervous System
73Hz: Hormone Balance
146Hz: Brain activation intelligent tissue
What Does Neuropathy Feel Like?
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the nerves, typically in the feet and hands, are damaged. Symptoms may include:
Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands.
· Sharp, jabbing, throbbing, or burning pain.
· Extreme sensitivity to touch.
· Lack of coordination and falling.
· Muscle weakness.
· Feeling as if wearing gloves or socks when not.
· Inability to move if motor nerves are affected.
There are several causes for peripheral neuropathy, including traumatic injuries, infections, and metabolic problems. The two most common reasons are diabetes and chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). These conditions can significantly reduce the quality of life for patients struggling with PN, leading to an increased risk of balance issues, falls, infections, gastroparesis, and bladder dysfunction.
In light of these potential consequences, we rely on electroacupuncture to expedite results. Acupuncture alone helps vasodilate the arterial system, improving blood flow and enabling the body's repair cells to efficiently mend damaged nerve cells. By adding FSES, we can utilize frequencies that stimulate cellular repair and increase the production of beta-endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
A Brief Case Study:
57 y/o Female
Chief complaint – Pain with some numbness and tingling in both feet for the last 6 months.
Recommended treatment plan: 2 times per week for 3 weeks, reassess and continue for an additions 3 weeks.
· Successfully treated for breast cancer in 2015. Currently receiving immuno-therapy treatments for Merkel Cell Carcinoma under the care of her Oncologist.
· During our initial consultation, the patient described the pain in her feet at 9 out of 10 on the pain scale when it is at its worst. Pain is centered around the toes and balls of her feet with intermittent numbness and tingling.
· After the 3rd treatment, pain in left foot was gone but still present in the right big toe area.
· At the 6th treatment mark the was significant reduction of pain in the right foot. Numbness of tingling were no longer present in either foot.
· Beginning of 12th appointment, patient reported she had no pain in her feet.
When assessing a patient’s prognosis, several factors are taken into consideration.
· How long has the neuropathy been present.
· Age of patient
· Overall health of the patient. Are there co-morbidities to consider?
· Is the patient still receiving treatment or taking any medications that are contributing to the condition.
The Efficacy of FSES & Acupuncture Research.
Multiple studies have confirmed that acupuncture improves the symptoms of neuropathic patients. In a 2007 pilot study, acupuncture was found to be more effective than traditional western care. Furthermore, a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2021 reported superior pain relief for patients with chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy.
In Conclusion.
By using both treatments together in a strategic approach, patients with neuropathy can find relief from long-term and short-term pain that was previously unachievable. For those looking for better health outcomes, combining these two treatments may be the answer they have been waiting for.
Anatomy and Alchemy is located in the Chicago Loop. We are here to answer any question you may have about acupuncture and how it can improve your health.
