Neurological & Pain Oriental Medicine Clinic
Peripheral Neuropathy · Peripheral Neuritis · Peripheral Nerve Damage· Peripheral Neuropathy
Incheon Songdo Baekrokdam Oriental Medicine Clinic
It is not simple numbness, but a signal from damaged nerves. Herbal medicine addresses both nerve nutrition and circulation simultaneously.
Do your hands and feet tingle even though tests are normal, and medication only provides temporary relief?If you have only been taking blood circulation supplements, this page may be the answer.
Peripheral neuropathy is not a structural severance of the nerves, butA state of functional starvation and twisted signalingBaekrokdam untangles those twisted signals with herbal medicine.
Core disease information at a glance
- Other names
- Peripheral neuritis, polyneuropathy, Bi-syndrome (痺證)
- Hanja
- 末梢神經病症 (End mal, Branch cho)
- Classification
- Neurological · Pain disorders
- Main symptoms
- Numbness, tingling, burning, or decreased sensation in hands and feet
- Main causes
- Diabetes, aging, stress, nutritional deficiency, aftereffects of chemotherapy
- Diagnosis
- 맥진·복진·문진, 소섬유 신경 손상까지 감별
- Treatment
- Focused on herbal medicine for nerve regeneration and Qi-blood circulation
- Treatment Period
- Basic 3-4 months (6 months or more for chronic cases)
- 진료 방식
- 상태에 따라 대면·비대면 여부를 의료진이 판단
증상부터 생활관리까지
말초신경병증의 세부 안내를 확인하세요
Commonly heard in the clinic
Many patients visit using these expressions
My fingertips and toes keep tingling
My soles burn at night, making it hard to sleep
It feels like I'm floating, as if walking on sand or a cotton quilt
It doesn't feel like my own skin and the sensation is dull
I get sudden pains that feel like being pricked by needles
I'm scared because the sensation of pressing the pedals while driving feels strange
I keep dropping things; is it because I have no strength in my hands?
I've had diabetes for 10 years, and pain in my toes has started
Numbness worsens in winter, making it difficult to go out
The pain doesn't go away even after taking hospital medication
It feels like an electric shock in my fingertips when I type on the keyboard
My feet feel cold and painful even when I'm wearing socks
The tests say everything is normal, but I feel like I'm dying
It's frustrating that they just say it's because I'm getting older
I feel like bugs are crawling on my arms and legs
I feel too sleepy and dizzy when I take neuropathy medication
These are expressions often heard in the clinic. If this sounds like your story, you may want to suspect peripheral neuropathy.
Consult via telehealth →What is peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy refers to thea state where the signaling system is broken due to damage to the peripheral nervescondition where nerves extend from the brain and spinal cord to connect the entire body. When sensations become hypersensitive, pain occurs, and when they become dull, it feels like someone else's skin.
In Korean medicine, this is calledBi-jeung (痺證)이라 불러요. '비(痺)'는 막혔다는 뜻인데, 기와 혈이 제대로 흐르지 못해 감각이 마비되고 통증이 생기는 모든 상태를 포괄합니다.
In particular, dull sensation is calledMa (麻)and tingling and pain are calledWood (木)and combined, they are also referred to asNumbnessMa-mok. The Dongui Bogam also deals deeply with the cause, stating that 'when Qi and blood are deficient, numbness and paralysis occur.'
In Western medicine, diabetic neuropathy is the most common, but there are many cases of idiopathic causes or side effects from chemotherapy. The commonality isMicrocirculatory disorder in peripheral areasthat it accelerates nerve damage.
Nerves are very sensitive tissues and can be damaged by various causes.
말초신경병증 주요 원인, 어떻게 누적되는가
- 1 당뇨병 (혈당 수치)
High blood sugar damages microvessels and allows toxic substances to accumulate in the nerves
- 2 Aging and decline in vitality
As you age, the rate of nerve regeneration slows down and the ability for qi and blood circulation naturally decreases
- 3 Chronic stress
When the balance of the autonomic nervous system is disrupted, peripheral blood vessels constrict, causing a sharp drop in blood flow to the nerves
- 4 Nutritional imbalance
It is likely to occur when there is a deficiency in nutrients essential for nerve recovery, such as vitamin B12
- 5 Chemotherapy and drug side effects
Certain medications can cause direct toxicity to nerve cells, leading to damage
Peripheral neuropathy is characterized by the simultaneous appearance of 'abnormal sensation' and 'decreased sensation'.
말초신경병증 주요 증상, 환자가 실제로 느끼는 것들
감각 이상 영역
- 찌릿찌릿한 전율, 전기가 오는 것 같거나 바늘로 콕콕 찌르는 느낌
- 화끈거리는 열감, 발바닥이나 손바닥에 불이 난 것처럼 뜨거운 느낌
- 시리고 아린 통증, 얼음물에 담근 것처럼 시리면서 아픈 감각
- 벌레가 기어가는 느낌, 피부 위로 무언가 지나가는 듯한 불쾌한 감각
Sensory loss and motor domain
- Feeling of detachment (numbness), as if the skin belongs to someone else
- Feeling as if walking on sand or cotton
- Loss of strength in hands, frequently dropping objects
- Unable to notice when shoes come off
- Difficulty balancing and frequent staggering
As nerve damage progresses, sensations may actually become duller and strength begins to fade.
These symptomsIf it starts from the fingertips and toes and gradually moves toward the torsoPrompt medical consultation is required.
Chronic Peripheral Neuropathy: Baekrokdam's Approach
Summary, 진통제로 통증 신호만 차단하는 게 아니라, 신경이 스스로 회복할 수 있는 환경을 만드는 게 본질이거든요.
Why Baekrokdam focuses on herbal medicine
The goal of herbal medicine is not just to suppress external symptoms, but to create a body that can recover on its own without medication.
Western neuropathic pain medications (such as anticonvulsants)Plays a role in blocking pain signals from reaching the braindoes. This is why it hurts less while taking the medication, but the pain returns once the effect wears off. Furthermore, many people struggle with side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness.
Herbal medicine aims to improve microvascular circulation around the nerves and replenish bodily fluids.Nerves must receive proper nutrition for sensitized senses to subside and regeneration to begin. The focus is on 'nerve recovery' rather than just 'pain blocking'.
Why it often doesn't show up in tests
Tests look at values and structures, but the essence is often a 'body imbalance' that is not easily captured by tests.
Electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies performed at university hospitalsConduction velocity of large nervesprimarily measure. However, pain experienced by early-stage patients or many others begins in the very fine 'small fiber nerves'. These do not appear well on imaging or electrical tests.
Therefore, just because the test results are normalThe patient's pain is not fake. It is because the 'condition' of the nerve has deteriorated, not its structure. Traditional Korean Medicine reads that 'condition' through the pulse, abdominal tenderness, and systemic symptoms.
그래서 어떻게 치료하느냐, 백록담의 방식
문진·맥진·복진으로 전신을 살피고, 한약으로 주된 원인을 함께 풀어가요.
Nerves reflect the state of Qi and blood throughout the body. Therefore,Treatment that balances the entire bodyis required.
- Pulse Diagnosis (脈診), 기혈이 부족한지(허맥), 어혈이 뭉쳐 있는지(삽맥)를 파악해 처방의 큰 줄기를 잡습니다
- Medical Inquiry (問診), 당뇨 유무, 수면 패턴, 통증의 양상(찌릿함 vs 화끈거림)을 상세히 분석합니다
- Abdominal Diagnosis (Bok-jin), 복부의 긴장도와 압통을 통해 자율신경계의 예민도를 확인합니다
Based on the information identified in this wayHerbs that aid nerve regeneration and herbs that clear circulationwe blend them to suit your constitution. It is not just a single 'medicine for numbness,' but a comprehensive prescription to put your body in a state where it can recover the nerves.
Differentiation branches of peripheral neuropathy observed in clinical practice
Peripheral neuropathy is largely divided into four types depending on the cause and constitution.
Qi and Blood Deficiency Type氣血兩虛
Those with a weak body and low energy, leading to insufficient nutrient supply to the nerves (mainly the elderly or those with wasting diseases)
Treatment Direction: Tonify Qi and Blood (Bo-ik-gi-hyeol)
Blood Stasis and Collateral Obstruction Type瘀血阻絡
Those with turbid blood causing microvascular blockage and severe stabbing pain (diabetic, post-traumatic sequelae)
치법 방향: 활혈거어(活血祛瘀)
Damp-Heat Accumulation Type濕熱浸淫
Those with accumulated waste and heat in the body, experiencing burning sensations and swelling in the soles of the feet
Treatment Direction: Clear Heat and Eliminate Dampness (Cheong-yeol-je-seup)
Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency Type肝腎陰虛
Those with chronic conditions accompanied by dulled sensation and muscle atrophy
Treatment Direction: Nourish Liver and Kidney (Ja-bo-gan-sin)
Depending on the patient's condition, these types are applied in combinationPersonalized prescriptioncomprises.
Step-by-step progress of peripheral neuropathy treatment
- 1개월 차, 순환 개선기
This period focuses on clearing blocked Qi and blood and increasing peripheral blood flow.
- The sharpness of the pain begins to dull gradually
- Initial response where the frequency of waking up at night due to burning sensations decreases
- Overall body condition and sleep quality may improve first
- 2~3개월 차, 신경 재생기
This is the stage where nutrients are actively supplied to the nerves and cell regeneration is supported.
- Sensations that felt like someone else's skin begin to return gradually
- The range of tingling sensations tends to shrink toward the extremities
- Temperature of hands and feet stabilizes and the feeling of sensory abnormality decreases
- 3~4개월 차, 안정 및 유지기
회복된 감각을 고착시키고 재발을 방지하는 시기예요.
- Significant reduction in discomfort during daily activities (driving, walking, working)
- Checking the body's own circulatory power while gradually reducing the dose of herbal medicine
- Maintaining the condition through lifestyle corrections (stretching, diet)
Nerve recovery progresses gradually, like climbing stairs, and the speed may vary depending on an individual's underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes).
If diabetes has been long-term or sensation has already been completely lostmay require consistent management for over a year, but the most important thing is not to give up.
진료를 더 구체적으로 시작하려면
말초신경병증 진료 전에 준비하면 좋은 정보
검사·진료 자료
기존 검사·진료 자료가 있다면: 말초신경병증과 관련해 받은 신경전도·근전도검사, 혈액검사(혈당·비타민 등) 결과와 신경과 진료기록·처방전
복용 중인 약
현재 복용 중인 약은 처방전·약 봉투·약 이름 사진 또는 복용 목록으로, 건강기능식품과 함께 정리해 주세요
증상과 변화
관찰해 오면 좋은 변화: 저림·화끈거림·감각 저하가 시작된 부위와 좌우 차이, 밤·보행 시 변화.
증상 예시 자세히 보기
말초신경병증과 관련해 느끼는 증상(찌릿찌릿한 전율, 전기가 오는 것 같거나 바늘로 콕콕 찌르는 느낌·화끈거리는 열감, 발바닥이나 손바닥에 불이 난 것처럼 뜨거운 느낌·시리고 아린 통증, 얼음물에 담근 것처럼 시리면서 아픈 감각)의 빈도와 강도도 함께 적어 주세요
이전 치료 반응
이전 치료의 반응: 치료명과 기간, 좋아진 점·남은 불편·중단한 이유·이상반응, 다시 악화된 시점을 함께 적어 주세요
이전 치료 뒤에도 불편이 남거나 다시 반복되나요? 지금까지 받은 검사·치료와 그 뒤 달라진 점을 적어 주세요. 거리가 있어 내원이 쉽지 않아도 먼저 문의하시면 의료진이 대면·비대면 중 적합한 진료 방식을 안내합니다.
Diseases often confused with peripheral neuropathy
These are diseases that look similar to peripheral neuropathy but have different treatments.
Paralysis or sensory loss occurs on one side of the body (including the face) and happens suddenly. Peripheral neuropathy often occurs symmetrically starting from the tips of both hands and feet.
Numbness caused by compression of spinal nerves, appearing along specific nerve segments. Peripheral neuropathy is characterized by appearing overall, like the area where gloves or socks are worn.
There is a strong urge to move the legs, mainly at night. In peripheral neuropathy, pain or sensory abnormalities persist regardless of movement.
Leg pain is severe when walking and improves with rest. Peripheral neuropathy tends to worsen during rest or at night.
Peripheral Neuropathy treatment reviews
Peripheral Neuropathy FAQ
말초신경병증에 좋은 음식은 무엇인가요?
당뇨가 있다면 혈당을 안정적으로 관리하고 단백질·채소·통곡물을 포함한 균형식을 유지하세요. 비타민 B12 등은 결핍이 확인된 경우에만 보충하고 고용량 B6와 과음은 신경 손상을 악화시킬 수 있어 주의해야 합니다. 백록담에서는 혈허·어혈·담습과 냉열을 함께 살핍니다.
How does Korean medicine view peripheral neuropathy?
In Korean medicine, this is categorized as Bi-syndrome (痺證) or Ma-mok (麻木). It is viewed not simply as numbness, but as a state caused by blocked circulation of Qi and blood or a lack of nutrient supply to the nerves themselves. Therefore, we perform 'Geosa-bujeong' treatment to clear blockages and aid in the regeneration of damaged nerves.
My tests show no abnormalities, so why am I in so much pain?
That is exactly the most frustrating part for patients with peripheral neuropathy. 'Small fiber neuropathy,' where microscopic nerve branches are damaged, can appear normal on general EMG or NCS tests. Our role is to identify pain and sensory abnormalities that tests cannot detect through Oriental medical diagnosis (abdominal and pulse examination).
I have diabetes; is it possible to take herbal medicine?
Yes, of course. In fact, for diabetic neuropathy, clearing 'turbid blood (blood stasis)' is as important as blood glucose management. It can be taken alongside diabetes medication and can help slow the progression of nerve damage by improving microvascular circulation.
How long is the expected treatment period?
Nerves are tissues with a slow recovery rate. Usually, 3 to 4 months are set as the intensive treatment period. For elderly patients who have had the condition for several years or have severe sensory loss, long-term management from 6 months to a year may be necessary.
Is it possible to be prescribed herbal medicine through telemedicine?
네, 가능합니다. 백록담은 비대면 진료 시스템을 갖추고 있어, 직접 오시기 힘든 거리에 계셔도 상세한 전화 문진을 통해 진료 후 처방이 결정되면 조제·수령 방법을 안내드립니다.
Is this different from cold hands and feet (Raynaud's/cold hypersensitivity)?
Simply being cold is different from 'tingling and pain.' If cold hands and feet worsen to the point where nutrient supply to the nerves is cut off, it can progress to peripheral neuropathy. However, if tingling or burning sensory abnormalities have already begun, nerve damage itself should be suspected and treated.
What is the difference between peripheral neuropathy and a simple blood circulation disorder?
When hands and feet tingle, people often think it is just a blood circulation problem. However, peripheral neuropathy is a disease that occurs due to a problem with the nerve transmission system itself, not the blood vessels. Since there are many cases with clear causes, such as diabetic neuropathy or chemotherapy side effects, combining Oriental medical treatment to help recover damaged nerves rather than just taking circulation agents can be helpful in alleviating symptoms.
The soles of my feet feel burning and like insects are crawling; is this peripheral neuropathy?
Yes, burning sensations in the soles of the feet, numbness, and abnormal sensations like insects crawling are representative symptoms of peripheral neuritis. In particular, symptoms tend to worsen at night, which can interfere with sleep. Since these Bi-syndrome or Ma-mok symptoms can lead to increased numbness in the hands and feet if left untreated, it is necessary to open the circulation of Qi and blood through acupuncture and herbal medicine tailored to your constitution.
Neurological diseases to consider alongside peripheral neuropathy
Check other symptoms related to nerve and circulation problems.
근거와 검토 정보
말초신경병증 안내에 참고한 자료
아래 자료는 질환의 일반적인 정의·증상·검사·안전 기준을 확인하는 데 사용했습니다. 백록담의 진료 관점은 이 자료의 결론을 그대로 옮긴 것이 아니며, 개인에게 적용할 때는 진찰과 검사 결과를 함께 봐야 합니다.
콘텐츠 검토 기준일:
- NINDS, 말초신경병증
이 자료에서 확인한 범위원인 교정·신경병성 통증·근력과 보행 기능을 나눈 치료 원칙
- 미국 국립당뇨병·소화기·신장질환연구소(NIDDK), 당뇨병성 신경병증
이 자료에서 확인한 범위말초신경병증에서 당뇨를 원인 후보로 확인하고 감각 저하가 있을 때 발 상처·궤양을 매일 살펴야 하는 판단 근거
- NHS, Peripheral neuropathy treatment
이 자료에서 확인한 범위당뇨·비타민 결핍·원인 약물 치료와 신경병성 통증·근력 저하 관리
- Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Pathogenetic Mechanisms (PMC9967934)
이 자료에서 확인한 범위정의·일반 의학정보에 관한 연구의 설계·결과와 해석 범위를 확인하기 위한 원문
함께 보면 좋은 문서
다음으로 보면 좋은 자료
현재 보고 있는 문서Peripheral Neuropathy
관련 주제와 진료 정보를 이어서 확인하면 이해가 더 빠릅니다.
이 페이지의 요약과 검수 정보
검수 의료진
최연승 한의사 Chief Director
페이지 요약
말초신경병증은 손발 저림·화끈거림·감각 저하나 통증이 나타나는 신경 손상으로 당뇨·약물·영양·자가면역 등 원인을 찾는 것이 중요합니다. 일반 근전도나 신경전도검사가 정상이어도 작은 신경 가지가 손상된 소섬유 신경병증일 수 있어 증상 양상과 원인 검사를 함께 봅니다.
이 페이지가 다루는 내용
- 무엇을 설명하나요
- 손발이 저리고 화끈거리는데 근전도는 정상이라면 말초신경병증일 수 있나요?
- 어떤 상황을 다루나요
- 손발 저림·화끈거림·감각 이상이 지속되거나 당뇨가 있는 분을 위한 내용입니다.
- 무엇을 구별해서 보나요
- 검사에서 보이는 큰 신경 손상뿐 아니라 일반 검사로 놓칠 수 있는 소섬유 손상까지 고려합니다.
- 어떻게 이해하면 되나요
- 근전도·신경전도검사가 정상이어도 화끈거림과 통증이 지속되면 소섬유 신경병증과 당뇨·약물·영양 등 원인을 함께 살펴야 합니다.
핵심 내용
- 말초신경병증은 저림과 감각 이상을 일으킬 수 있습니다.
- 소섬유 손상은 일반 근전도·신경전도검사에서 정상일 수 있습니다.
- 당뇨병성 신경병증에서는 혈당 관리가 중요합니다.