Every single person at some period of his life has a sensation that his skin is crawling or he or she has itching or numbness for no apparent reason. If this has happened to you, then you may suffer from paresthesia.
Paresthesia is an abnormal sensation in the body. This condition can affect any part of the body, but most commonly, it happens in the feet, legs, arms, and hands. The most common symptoms of paresthesia are weakness, numbness, tingling, or burning sensations, but also there can be other symptoms such as problems with mobility and stabbing pain. [1]
The paresthesia can be temporary or chronic. The temporary paresthesia can be caused by a poor sleeping position, poor circulation, exposure to cold and constant pressure on the hands or feet.
There are many causes of chronic paresthesia, such as underlying neurological disorders, repetitive movements, and vitamin or nutrient deficiencies [1].
Every single person can experience temporary paresthesia. As you get older, you have increased chances of getting chronic paresthesia. Also, you can be more prone to this condition if you perform repetitive movements; have a neurological condition like multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune condition or have type 1 or 2 diabetes; or when you drink excessively. The temporary paresthesia is resolving without treatment, but if your paresthesia persists, then you should take medical care. Wearing loose–fitting clothes and shoes can be helpful also. You need to talk with your doctor if you suffer from paresthesia because he or she can tell you which the best natural treatment for you is.
10 Paresthesia treatment
Contents
Exercise
One of the best natural treatments for paresthesia is to do some basic stretches or exercise a little to improve your blood circulation. Also, when you exercise on a regular basis, then this can help you to improve your mobility, and it can prevent many health problems.
Exercise can help to control blood sugar levels, which are very important for diabetics who have increased chances of getting paresthesia. You should enjoy 30 minutes of walking, two times per day. Also, swimming, jogging, or bicycling on a regular basis can help to improve blood circulation. It is recommended to do cardiovascular workouts and aerobic exercises for thirty minutes, five days per week. Also, you can try yoga but learn yoga postures with some expert because he will tell you which the correct postures for your condition are. [2]
B Vitamins
You must provide your body with adequate B Vitamins because they can ensure proper nerve functioning and also they can reduce the discomforting symptoms of paresthesia. When we have a deficiency of B Vitamins, especially Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12, can cause numbness in the body. If you have Vitamin B1 deficiency, then you should eat foods that are rich in Vitamin B1, such as Brazil nuts, wheat bran, and peanuts. If you have Vitamin B6 deficiency, then consume foods that are rich in this vitamin, such as dried fruits, seeds, nuts, yogurt, cheese, milk, and oatmeal. If you have Vitamin B12 deficiency, then you should eat foods rich in this vitamin, such as fortified cereals, low–fat dairy foods, eggs, fish, and meats. Also, you can take Vitamin B – complex supplements after you have talked with your doctor. [3]
Castor oil pack
This is a very effective home remedy that can give you relief from the paresthesia discomfort. This natural cure penetrates deep into the tissues, and it can help to get relief from discomfort. Also, castor oil packs have a balancing effect on the nervous system. You should saturate a thick cotton cloth with castor oil. You should loosely wrap it around the problematic area. You should cover this area with plastic wrap. You should place a heating pod over the wrap for twenty to thirty minutes. You should remove the heat and then let the castor oil stay on the affected area for a few hours, and it is preferred to stay through all night. You should do this natural treatment four or five times a week. [4]
Massage
The massage is a very helpful natural treatment, no matter if you are making it with or without oil. It can help to increase blood circulation, which in turn will lessen the symptoms of paresthesia. Also, the massage can stimulate the nerves, and it can improve their functioning. When you are doing this massage, then you can put some warm olive, mustard, or coconut oil on the affected area. You should massage in circular motions with firm fingers for at least five minutes. You should repeat it a few times per day.
Magnesium
Our nervous system needs magnesium because it helps to function properly, and this is very important for preventing any kind of nerve damage [5]. Also, this mineral can ensure proper blood circulation in the body.
One of the most common causes of paresthesia is low magnesium in the body. You should eat foods that are rich in magnesium, such as low–fat yogurt, dark chocolate, bananas, avocados, soybeans, cold–water fish, peanut butter, oatmeal, seeds, nuts, and dark green vegetables.
You should mix one cup of Epsom salt in warm bath water. You should soak in this bath for twenty minutes, three times a week. There is another option, and that is to spray magnesium oil on your skin after your daily shower and then rinse it off after twenty minutes. You can make magnesium oil at your home. You should boil one cup of distilled water and dissolve one cup of Epsom salt in it. You should allow it to cool and then transfer it to a spray bottle. You can store this oil, and you can use it for up to one month. You can take magnesium supplements, but talk with your doctor before you start taking them.
Warm compress
It is a known fact that those people who suffer from acute paresthesia should apply a warm compress because it can help to increase the blood supply to the affected area and it can give instant relief from the discomfort. You should soak a washcloth in warm water and then wring out the excess water. You should place the warm washcloth on the affected area for five to seven minutes. You should repeat this natural treatment several times a day until the numbness or other discomforts are gone. Also, you can take a warm shower, or you can use a heating pat to alleviate the discomfort.
Ginger tea
This natural cure can help to improve blood circulation, and also it can reduce the symptoms of paresthesia. It has compounds which are having a warming effect on the body which will result in better blood circulation. [6] Also, this home remedy can stimulate the nervous system. You should drink ginger tea two or three times per day. You should boil one tablespoon of thinly sliced ginger in two cups of water for ten minutes. You should strain it, add honey to it and then drink it. There is another option, and that is to take ginger tablets, but this should be done after you have talked with your doctor.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be used as a natural treatment for paresthesia. This has been a part of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. In this technique, thin needles are inserted in and around the affected areas to address the cause of the abnormal sensations. We have many acupoints in our bodies, and when they are stimulated, they can improve blood circulation throughout the body. If you have decided to do acupuncture, then you should go to an expert who is specialized in it. This can take a few sessions to resolve the problem.
Quit smoking
It is known that cigarette smoking can affect the circulation as well as the functioning of the nervous system, and also it increases the risk of paresthesia and other neuropathy complications. Also, smoking has negative effects on our overall health. This is a reason why you should quit smoking totally. You should ask for help from family members and friends, and experts to support you as you quit smoking. Also, you must avoid being exposed to secondhand smoke. [1]
Avoid excessive alcohol
It is known that alcohol can worsen peripheral neuropathy, and it can aggravate the symptoms of paresthesia. Also, alcohol has a detrimental effect on blood circulation and nerve functioning. This is a reason why you should stop drinking totally or at least limit your alcohol consumption. There are some studies in which are said that moderate alcohol consumption is defined as having up to 2 drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. [1]
References
[1] Mahdi S-A, Vafa R-M, Vacarro AR. Underlying causes of paresthesia. Paresthesia. Dr. Luiz Eduardo Imbelloni (Ed.). 2012. ISBN: 978-953-51-0085-0.
[2] Razazian N, Yavari Z, Farnia V, et al. Exercising impacts on fatigue, depression, and paresthesia in female patients with multiple sclerosis. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2016;48(5):796-803.
[3] Leishear K, Boudreau RM, Studenski SA, et al. The Relationship of Vitamin B12 and sensory and motor peripheral nerve function in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2012;60(6):1057-1063.
[4] Grady H. Immunomodulation through castor oil packs. Journal of Naturopathic Medicine. 1999;7(1):84-89.
[5] Kirkland AE, Sarlo GL, Holton KF. The role of magnesium in neurological disorders. Nutrients. 2018;10(6):730.
[6] Bode AM, Dong Z. Chapter 7: The amazing and mighty ginger. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S. (Ed.). 2011.