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Nerve pain — whether it's the burning, tingling, or numbness of peripheral neuropathy, or the sharp, electric quality of neuralgia — works differently than ordinary pain. It originates from nerve tissue that's been damaged, compressed, or irritated, and it often persists long after the initial cause is resolved. Acupuncture may help by calming overactive nerve signals and improving circulation to affected areas — both of which can make a meaningful difference in how the pain feels day to day.
At our Chelsea clinic in New York City, we see people with nerve pain that has been difficult to manage through medication alone, as well as those looking for a well-tolerated complement to their existing care. It's one of the more complex pain conditions we treat, and one that tends to respond well to a consistent course of acupuncture.
With nerve pain, the nervous system becomes sensitized — firing pain signals even when there's no ongoing injury. Research suggests acupuncture may help reduce this central sensitization by influencing how pain signals are processed in the spinal cord, giving the nervous system a chance to reset.
Damaged or compressed nerves need blood flow — oxygen and nutrients are essential to nerve repair and function. Acupuncture stimulates local circulation in the areas being treated, which may help slow further deterioration and support the body's ability to recover.
Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins and other naturally occurring pain-relief compounds. For people with chronic nerve pain, this can offer a degree of relief that's distinct from what medication provides — and without the side effects that often come with long-term pharmaceutical use.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy — the burning, numbness, and tingling that often develops in the feet and legs — is one of the most common forms of nerve pain we see. A 2023 randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found significant reductions in neuropathy-related complaints after acupuncture, with lasting effects at follow-up.
Lingering nerve pain after shingles, or along specific nerves like the trigeminal nerve, can be difficult to reach with standard treatments. Research on acupuncture for these conditions is growing, and some people find meaningful relief — particularly when conventional options have provided only partial help.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a well-studied area of acupuncture research. Ongoing clinical trials at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center are specifically investigating acupuncture's role in reducing CIPN pain, and early results have been encouraging for cancer survivors dealing with long-term nerve symptoms.
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We see nerve pain in many forms at Olo — and we take time to understand yours before we begin.
Acupuncture stimulates the body's natural pain-relief response — releasing endorphins, reducing inflammatory markers, and calming the nervous system signals that amplify pain. Whether the source is muscular, neurological, or inflammatory, this is a well-researched area of acupuncture and a foundation of how we treat at Olo.
Many conditions — from chronic pain to anxiety to hormonal imbalance — are rooted in a nervous system that's stuck in overdrive. Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic response, shifting the body out of fight-or-flight and into the rest-and-repair state where the body can rest and recover. Many patients notice a calming shift during treatment.
In Chinese medicine, the body is treated as an integrated system — not a collection of isolated symptoms. A tension headache, a disrupted sleep cycle, and a low-grade digestive issue may all reflect the same underlying pattern. Treating the root rather than just the symptom is why results from acupuncture often extend beyond symptom relief.
If you've never had acupuncture before, you're in good hands. We take time at your first visit to understand your full health picture, explain what to expect, and design a treatment plan around your specific needs. Most first-time patients are surprised by how comfortable — and how calming — the experience is.
Whether you're looking to reduce your reliance on medication, complement an existing treatment plan, or simply prefer a more natural approach, acupuncture offers a well-researched, well-tolerated path. It works through the body's own systems — not by overriding them.
Acupuncture isn't only for acute problems. Many patients at Olo come in regularly for maintenance — monthly sessions to manage stress, support energy, and keep the patterns that cause problems from building up. Think of it the way you'd think about exercise or sleep: a consistent practice that compounds over time.
Our team of licensed acupuncturists holds master's and doctoral degrees from accredited programs, with over 3,000 hours of training each. Nationally certified and licensed by the State of New York, they bring diverse specialties and approaches — so your care is always matched to your needs.
We offer a range of pricing options — from our full-price treatments to sliding scale rates — so that quality care is within reach. No insurance? No problem. We keep rates reasonable for cash-paying patients, and our full price list is always available online.
A number of health insurance plans in New York City cover acupuncture. We accept insurance appointments and are happy to help you understand your coverage. Not sure if you're covered? Learn more about insurance at Olo.
Olo has been a neighborhood fixture since 2011 — conveniently located between Chelsea and Flatiron, a short walk from Penn Station and multiple subway lines. Online scheduling is available 24/7, and our front desk team is here to make every visit as easy as possible.
Our community room offers acupuncture in a shared, peaceful space — comfortable reclining chairs, soft lighting, and a calm atmosphere. It's accessible, effective care in a setting that feels welcoming rather than clinical.
For patients who prefer a fully private setting — or whose treatment requires it — we offer individual treatment rooms. The same high standard of care, in a one-on-one environment.
Acupuncture is generally well-tolerated alongside medication for nerve pain. It doesn't interfere with most pharmaceutical treatments and can be used as a complement to your existing care plan. If you are managing a serious or progressive neurological condition, let your practitioner know so they can coordinate appropriately with your other providers.
Nerve pain typically responds more gradually than acute musculoskeletal pain. Many people notice some change within the first few sessions, but a meaningful course of care usually involves eight to twelve visits. Your practitioner will assess your progress and adjust the treatment plan as you go.
Acupuncture appears to influence nerve pain through several pathways: it may reduce central sensitization — the nervous system's tendency to amplify pain signals — stimulate local blood flow to nerve tissue, and trigger the release of the body's natural pain-relieving compounds. A 2023 review published in Frontiers in Neurology summarized the evidence on these mechanisms and found they operate at both peripheral and central levels of the nervous system.
Research has shown promising results for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, and radicular nerve pain. Results vary from person to person, and acupuncture is often most useful as part of a broader care approach rather than a standalone solution.
Acupuncture may help reduce the burning, tingling, and numbness associated with peripheral neuropathy. A 2023 meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Neurology found that acupuncture was more effective than sham treatment for reducing pain intensity in people with neuropathic pain, with adverse events described as mild and reversible. It tends to be most effective when used consistently over several sessions.
We'll take time to understand your health history and what's brought you in — then build a plan around you.
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