Peripheral Neuropathy

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN): This occurs when drugs such as paclitaxel, oxaliplatin, and vincristine directly damage nerve myelin sheaths and axons. Established preventive and therapeutic methods in Western medicine are limited. Evidence for Acupuncture Treatment: Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown a significant reduction in the intensity of pain and numbness in CIPN patients, and the 2023 ASCO guidelines also mention acupuncture as a treatment worth considering. While caution regarding infection is necessary during the immunosuppression phase of chemotherapy, active Korean medicine treatment becomes available after the treatment is completed. Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective chemotherapy is a process in which strong toxicity damages the pathways of Qi and blood and depletes them. In Korean medicine, CIPN is viewed as a state where toxicity blocks the pathways of Qi and blood, preventing their flow. The principle of treatment is to eliminate toxins through detoxification and restore depleted physical strength by replenishing Qi and blood. At Dongjedang, we combine acupuncture and pharmacopuncture with constitution-tailored herbal medicine based on medicinal herbs that reinforce Qi and blood, such as Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica gigas. Particularly since patients are in an extremely weakened state after chemotherapy, a delicate approach is required to restore Qi and blood step by step while adjusting the intensity of stimulation.