Peripheral Neuropathy

There are known to be over 100 causes of peripheral neuropathy. Major causes include diabetes (the most common), chronic alcoholism (accompanied by nutritional deficiencies), vitamin B12, B1, and B6 deficiencies, autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, neurotoxicity from anticancer drugs (vincristine, paclitaxel, etc.), hypothyroidism, renal failure, heavy metal exposure, and hereditary Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Idiopathic cases (of unknown cause) account for 20–30% of cases and must be differentiated through blood tests, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography. Regardless of the diverse causes, the common mechanisms in Korean medicine are a deficiency of Qi and blood and stagnation of the Qi and blood pathways. Alcohol, toxins, and nutritional deficiencies damage the spleen and stomach (digestive system), weakening the very foundation for Qi and blood production. Autoimmune causes exhibit a pattern where Yin deficiency (heat resulting from a lack of body fluids) and虛熱 (heat resulting from a lack of body fluids) in the liver and kidneys disrupt the Qi and blood pathways. Depending on the patient's condition, cases are categorized into those with a deficiency of Qi and blood, those where dampness and blood stasis block the pathways, or those with a deficiency of Yin energy in the liver and kidneys. Acupuncture and pharmacopuncture are used to open the flow of Qi and blood in the corresponding pathways, while herbal medicine tailored to the patient's constitution is used to reinforce organ functions. When combined with the treatment of the underlying disease, the speed of symptom relief accelerates.