How does cupping therapy work for neuropathy?

April 10, 2025

Neuropathy No More neuropathy No More By JODI KNAPP neuropathy is one of the most painful diseases which can make people suffer a lot. Even though medical science has progressed a lot, it could not really found a solution for this condition. This is because the condition is deep routed. You have to make sure that you are changing some of the lifestyle patterns to get relief from the symptoms. The Neuropathy No More is exactly what you need for that. This program is quite helpful and can provide you with all the important information that you will need to ensure better life without the symptoms. 


How does cupping therapy work for neuropathy?

Cupping therapy is an ancient practice that consists of placing cups on the skin to pull in the tissue. The treatment is believed to increase circulation, heal, and ease pain. While cupping therapy is commonly associated with Chinese medicine, it is practiced in some other form throughout cultures and has recently gained popularity in Western alternative medicine.

With neuropathy—a condition involving nerve damage, typically inducing pain, numbness, and weakness, often in the hands and feet—cupping therapy may have some potential benefits. Why cupping therapy is effective and how it can help with neuropathy symptoms are as follows:

1. Improving Circulation and Blood Flow
Cupping therapy subjects the skin to negative pressure (suction), which can perhaps increase blood circulation to the specific area where the cups are positioned. In neuropathy patients, especially those suffering from conditions like diabetic neuropathy, increased circulation can help nourish the nerves and heal damaged tissues.

Improved circulation can also reduce inflammation and ease pain and discomfort typically associated with neuropathy.

2. Reducing Inflammation
Neuropathy also typically involves inflammation of the nerves or surrounding tissues, which in turn exacerbates pain and discomfort. Cupping therapy is believed to help relieve inflammation by stimulating blood flow to the affected area so that the body’s own recuperative processes can reduce swelling and inflammation in the nerves.

Some studies suggest that cupping therapy can also trigger the body to produce certain anti-inflammatory cytokines to manage neuropathy-related inflammation.

3. Relief of Pain
Pain relief is another significant benefit of cupping therapy. Via increased circulation and inflammation reduction, cupping may help reduce the chronic discomfort experienced by neuropathy patients, a symptom which victims of the illness often live with.

The suction that was generated by the cups may further affect the nervous system and might cause the endorphin (natural pain-relieving agents for the body) to be released, helping diminish the pain experience.

4. Stimulation of Nerve Healing
Cupping therapy has been thought to stimulate the nervous system as well as promote cell regeneration. Stimulation of blood flow and release of a number of bioactive compounds during cupping is possibly responsible for healing nerve cells, especially in areas affected by neuropathy.

The treatment can also reduce muscle tension, which at times exacerbates neuropathy symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and weakness.

5. Relaxation and Stress Relief
Stress worsens neuropathy symptoms by leading to muscle tension, inflammation, and nervous system dysfunction. Cupping therapy is also widely used to bring about relaxation and remove mental stress, which may, in turn, help ease some of the neuropathy symptoms.

The deep relaxation effects of cupping may have a balancing action on the body’s pain and stress response, and possibly increase the quality of life in individuals with neuropathy.

6. Increasing Lymphatic Drainage
In addition to enhancing circulatory flow, cupping therapy is also known to stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps the body remove toxins and waste substances. Although this is more commonly attributed to reducing swelling and detoxifying, increased lymph drainage may reduce tissue pressure on nerves, potentially alleviating pain from neuropathy.

How Cupping Therapy Is Administered for Neuropathy
Wet Cupping (Hijama): It is done by making minor cuts in the skin following application of cups to suck out a small quantity of blood. It is supposed to have additional detox actions but is less frequently used for neuropathy.

Dry Cupping: More common than the wet type of cupping employed to alleviate neuropathy. Cups (broadly glass, bamboo, or silicone) are placed on the skin, and suction is created by heating air inside the cups or with a mechanical pump. The cups typically stay in place for 5–15 minutes.

Moving Cupping: On occasion, the cups are moved along the skin after suction has been generated. The modality can be applied to treat larger areas, such as the back or legs, where neuropathic pain or stiffness is more widespread.

Considerations and Cautions:
Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you have neuropathy, especially if it’s diabetic or caused by some underlying disease, you should consult a healthcare professional first before trying cupping therapy. Cupping may be contraindicated in patients with certain medical conditions or skin diseases.

Treatment Frequency: The effectiveness of cupping therapy can vary between individuals, and multiple sessions could be required before significant improvement can be observed. But cupping therapy should always be a component of a complete neuropathy treatment plan, incorporating proper medical management and lifestyle adjustments.

Temporary Bruising: Bruising or red spots can be caused by cupping therapy on the skin and tend to go away within a few days. This is due to the suction, which is a normal side effect.

Key Takeaways:
Cupping therapy can minimize symptoms of neuropathy by enhancing blood flow, reducing inflammation, stimulating nerve recovery, and minimizing pain.

It can also be used to relieve stress and relax muscles, both of which might assist in managing neuropathy.

It is always wise to consult with your healthcare provider regarding cupping therapy to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your specific condition.

If you are considering using cupping therapy for neuropathy or you’d like more detailed information on how it can be integrated into a treatment plan, I’m happy to help with further steps.
Diet plays a significant part in the management of neuropathy, including diabetic neuropathy, but also other peripheral neuropathies that may result from conditions like vitamin deficiency, autoimmune diseases, alcohol consumption, and chronic inflammation. What you eat can contribute to nerve function or the progression of neuropathy, depending on what you consume. The following is how different elements of diet influence neuropathy:

1. Management of Blood Sugar in Diabetic Neuropathy
High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia): One of the most common causes of neuropathy is diabetes, especially if blood sugars are not well managed. High blood levels of glucose over a long duration can damage nerve fibers by inducing inflammation and impairment of nerve function. High-refined carbohydrate diets and foods containing simple sugars can cause uncontrolled blood sugar, and this exacerbates nerve damage.

Blood Sugar Control: A healthy diet with low glycemic index foods (that produce slower, more gradual rises in blood sugar) can help keep blood glucose in check and potentially prevent diabetic neuropathy. Good sources include foods high in fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids.

2. Vitamin Deficiencies and Neuropathy
Certain vitamins are necessary to assist with maintaining the nerves’ health. Deficiencies of these vitamins will cause or increase neuropathy:

Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 deficiency is the most common nutritional cause of neuropathy. Vitamin B12 is required for the formation of myelin, the sheath of nerves. Without adequate B12, nerves are harmed and tingling, numbness, and weakness are experienced. Meat, fish, eggs, dairy foods, and cereals with added vitamin B12 are sources of vitamin B12.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Thiamine deficiency is usually associated with alcohol neuropathy. Damage to nerves through thiamine deficiency may lead to feelings of burning or tingling sensations in the feet and legs. Thiamine is found in whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Vitamin B6: Though essential for the functioning of the nerves, overconsumption of vitamin B6 also causes neuropathy. A deficiency of B6, conversely, causes nerve damage. Adequate intake of food with high content of B6 foods like poultry, fish, potatoes, and fruits that are non-citrus can help with the upkeep of nerve function.

3. Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are both known to lead to nerve injury. Processed foods and saturated fats are pro-inflammatory, but certain foods can lower it:

Anti-inflammatory Foods: Fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel, and sardines) that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, brightly colored fruits and vegetables (e.g., berries, spinach, and bell peppers) that are rich in antioxidants, and green tea, dark chocolate, and olive oil that are rich in polyphenols are all foods that are anti-inflammatory and reduce inflammation and nerve damage caused by oxidation.

Turmeric and Ginger: Both spices contain curcumin and gingerol, compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These can help soothe the pain and inflammation associated with neuropathy.

4. Healthy Fats for Nerve Health
Healthy fats are important for maintaining the integrity of nerve cell membranes and nerve function overall:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These polyunsaturated fatty acids have anti-inflammatory compounds and are essential for nerve function. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and oily fish (such as salmon and mackerel) are all excellent sources.

Monounsaturated Fats: Olive oil, avocados, and nuts are full of these fats, which help to maintain healthy nerve function by providing good blood supply and reducing inflammation.

5. Reducing Insult to Brain Cells
Alcohol use can indeed damage nerves and lead to alcoholic neuropathy. Alcohol also leads to interference with vitamin uptake, primarily B1 and B12, leading to a deficiency that worsens symptoms of neuropathy. Reducing or abstaining from alcohol is vital in managing neuropathy, especially alcohol-induced neuropathy.

6. Healthy Weight Maintaining
Obesity alone can increase an individual’s risk of developing neuropathy and will likely worsen symptoms by inducing stunted circulation as well as even further inflammation. Weight loss diet or maintenance can help reduce the risk of worsening neuropathy symptom development and can lead to overall better overall health.

7. Magnesium and Calcium for Nerve Function
Magnesium: Magnesium is a necessary mineral that supports nerve function and muscle relaxation. It has been shown to reduce nerve pain in neuropathy. Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are magnesium-rich foods.

Calcium: Calcium is responsible for nerve transmission and muscle function. A diet rich in calcium-containing foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified plant milks may help support nerve health.

8. Gut Health and Neuropathy
Recent research suggests that nerve health can be affected by gut health through the gut-brain axis. An anti-inflammatory diet that is high in fiber and fermented foods will help to quell inflammation and promote overall nerve health. Fermented foods, yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut and prebiotic foods like onions and garlic can aid in maintaining gut health.

9. Hydration and Neuropathy
It is important to drink plenty of water to keep the nerves healthy as dehydration will increase neuropathy symptoms, especially for people with diabetes. Proper hydration keeps the nerve function and circulation going, reducing the risk of tingling, numbness, or cramping caused by neuropathy.

10. Foods to Avoid
There are foods that will exacerbate neuropathy symptoms:

Refined Carbohydrates and Sugars: Refined-carb and high-sugar diets can worsen blood sugar management and inflammation, both of which contribute to neuropathy.

Trans Fats and Saturated Fats: These fats promote inflammation and can contribute to progressing nerve damage.

Processed Foods: Processed foods, which are often filled with unhealthy fats, added sugars, and little vitamins and minerals, need to be avoided.

Conclusion
Diet plays a crucial role in neuropathy management, whether diabetic neuropathy or neuropathy from other causes. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in vitamins (particularly B vitamins), healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber can promote nerve health, reduce inflammation, and prevent or minimize neuropathy symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar levels, and reducing alcohol intake are also extremely crucial elements in managing neuropathy. Always consult a healthcare provider or a dietitian for personal dietary counseling based on the etiology and character of neuropathy.

Neuropathy No More neuropathy No More By JODI KNAPP neuropathy is one of the most painful diseases which can make people suffer a lot. Even though medical science has progressed a lot, it could not really found a solution for this condition. This is because the condition is deep routed. You have to make sure that you are changing some of the lifestyle patterns to get relief from the symptoms. The Neuropathy No More is exactly what you need for that. This program is quite helpful and can provide you with all the important information that you will need to ensure better life without the symptoms.