In this 6-minute video, Ramel Rones, Tai Chi Master, demonstrates Qigong and Tai Chi tapping techniques that may help ease discomforts related to neuropathy, such as pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or the “pins and needles” sensation. Tapping stimulates nerve endings and can be done with your hands or various household items to increase energy and blood circulation throughout the body. Focusing on the breath and emptying the mind from any thoughts is a part of tapping meditation which may also help reduce anxiety and negative thoughts. These tapping techniques are drawn from the ancient philosophies of Qigong and Tai Chi to lead energy and impurities out and away from the body, using the power of the mind for a complete mind-body approach for dealing with neuropathy and its side effects.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of cancer treatment. The techniques employed and/or described in this video may help alleviate symptoms, but there is no clear treatment for neuropathy that will improve nerve damage. It is important to speak with your cancer care team to report any concerns and create a treatment plan that works for you.

This video is part of a comprehensive Neuropathy Toolkit. For more of these types of videos and resources, visit myzakim.dana-farber.org/neuropathy-toolkit