Chemotherapy, while life-saving, often brings challenging side effects like neuropathy—a condition marked by tingling, numbness, or sharp ‘pins and needles’ sensations in the hands and feet. The symptoms interrupt daily activities and heighten the pressure of going through an already demanding experience. Multiple patients undergoing nerve pain treatment receive gabapentin medications yet look for additional complementary approaches to enhance their relief.
However, pinching therapy stands out as a secure method that people are evaluating to relieve pain problems while helping them relax. An expert explains that the straightforward method works together with medical care to support neuropathy patients through symptom reduction while improving their general health status and enhancing sleep conditions.
Understanding Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy
The peripheral nerve damage from chemotherapy drugs triggers neuropathy which generates feelings of pain together with tingling and numbness. The effects of these sensory symptoms last different lengths of time for patients who experience them. People must handle this discomfort effectively to maintain their daily life quality throughout recovery.
What Is Pinching Therapy?
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Pinching therapy involves gently squeezing the skin and muscles in affected areas (like hands, feet, or arms) and their periphery. According to Dr Mickey Mehta, Founder, Holistic Healing by Dr Mickey Mehta, Mumbai, this method offers more than just physical relief.
“Pinching releases stress, increases circulation, and creates a sense of gentle care and compassion from the caregiver,” explains Dr Mehta. “It eases the ‘pins and needles’ effect significantly, especially when paired with gabapentin.”
The method triggers relaxation of the body through stimulation of the vagus nerve. According to the expert, the activation of this nerve produces messages which promote serenity for both nerves and muscles and tissues. The restful state of sleep helps patients during their body repair process.
Benefits of Pinching Therapy
- Brain signals connected to neuropathy lose their focus as a result of gentle pinching.
- The therapy promotes blood flow to cardiac areas which aids in reducing tingling sensation along with numbness.
- An activation of the vagus nerve through this intervention triggers the body's response for relaxation.
- Patient sleep becomes better after they receive this treatment according to numerous reports.
Scientific Support: The Role of Touch
A 2018 study in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that tactile therapies (like massage) reduced neuropathy severity in 60% of cancer patients. Researchers noted that touch-based interventions lowered pain perception and anxiety. Pinching therapy aligns with these findings—its rhythmic, mindful motions may offer similar benefits by calming the nervous system.
How to Practice Pinching Therapy
- The affected areas should receive careful pinching therapy to treat numbness or tingling sensations.
- Minimise your pressure levels when touching patients instead of providing tenderness to their skin.
- The process begins with the pain area before moving toward areas of health.
- The patient needs help using deep breathing exercises while engaged in this treatment.
- Perform this technique daily to generate better long-term benefits.
Combining Pinching Therapy with Medication
While gabapentin remains a frontline treatment, Dr Mehta emphasises synergy, “Gabapentin alone hasn’t always contained symptoms fully. But alongside pinching, patients experience quicker, more holistic relief.” He also emphasised on the caregiver’s role. A caregiver’s compassionate touch is key. The act of pinching not only soothes physically but also emotionally, reminding patients they’re supported.
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Conclusion
The therapeutic method of pinching provides people with an efficient strategy to manage the nerve symptoms caused by chemotherapy treatments. The combination between mindful touch methods and gentle techniques provides patients dual advantages through symptom alleviation of tingling and numbness as well as emotional and psychological benefits. Before beginning any new treatment check with your healthcare provider but investigate this calming technique to improve your comfort as you recover. The simplest ways sometimes deliver the most significant results.