Holistic treatments for nerve issues involve incorporating diet and acupuncture treatments to improve damaged nerves. Many health conditions, such as diabetes, spinal issues and trauma, can lead to nerve neuropathy, which is a loss of motor or sensory function of extremities. There are holistic ways to help modest damage heal and regain full functionality of peripheral nerves. Note that holistic remedies should not replace medical therapies prescribed by your doctor. Always discuss new therapy programs with your medical provider prior to beginning them.
Diet Supplements
There are several dietary supplements that can help improve nerve conduction. One of the primary vitamins used by the body in nerve function is thiamine, otherwise known as vitamin B1. While taking a B1 supplement sounds easy enough, the problem is having the body absorb enough of the supplement to make a difference. According to MCVitamins.com, the reason is that B1 is a water-soluble vitamin. Getting the thiamine through a fat-soluble version called Benfotiamine is a good alternative to help the body improve the absorption, thus helping improve nerve function.
Another supplement that helps nerve function and regeneration is St. John's Wort. According to Linda Diane Feldt, NCTMB, Holistic Health Practitioner is a particularly good nerve pain reducer because it contains the compound Hypercium Perforatum. Additionally, a study reported by Kathleen A. Head in 2006 showed that Omega-3 fatty acids increased nerve conduction velocity, where olive oil did not. You can obtain these fatty acids by consuming cold water fish such as tuna, mackerel, salmon and herring. It is also in walnuts and flax seeds. Another study conducted by the Wayne State University School of Medicine suggests that acetyl-l-carnitine is able to improve nerve regeneration and pain reduction when given twice daily doses of 500 and 1,000 mg/day.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Eastern medical practice that uses what are called energy meridians throughout the body to increase circulation and improve health. The energy within the body is referred to as "chi" and connects organs and body parts. Acupuncture works to treat the symptoms, the pain and health of the damage peripheral nerve region. A study conducted at the Heidelberg School of Chinese Medicine showed that acupuncture can improve nerve conduction. If there is a blockage, this prevents energy flow from getting to the afflicted region. A trained acupuncturist will diagnose your problem and select points on your body to implement acupuncture needles to stimulate the chi. Many people experience a warm sensation around the needles and even an electrical flow between needle points when having an acupuncture treatment, though the treatment should not be painful.
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