Tingling and Numbness

Tingling (also called paresthesia) and numbness are abnormal sensations often described as pins and needles, crawling, or complete lack of feeling in an area of the body. These sensations can be momentary—like when a limb “falls asleep”—or chronic, which may signal deeper nervous system disruption or circulatory issues.

• Location of Symptom

  Tingling and numbness can occur anywhere, but are most common in:

  Hands and fingers

  Feet and toes

  Arms and legs

  Face or lips (less common)
  If only one side of the body is affected or symptoms spread, it may suggest more serious neurological involvement.

• Physiological Breakdown

  Nerves are like the electrical wiring of your body. When they’re compressed, inflamed, undernourished, or poorly circulated, they can’t transmit signals properly. Imagine a frayed phone charger — it might still charge, but inconsistently. In the same way, nerves affected by poor blood flow, inflammation, or metabolic stress may send incorrect signals (tingling) or none at all (numbness). Depending on the root cause, symptoms may appear gradually (e.g., diabetes) or suddenly (e.g., pinched nerve), and may resolve within minutes or persist for months.

• Common Signs

  Pins-and-needles sensation

  Numb patches on skin

  Electric-like jolts with certain movements (e.g., neck or spine)

  Weak grip or frequent dropping of items

  Worsens with sitting, sleeping, or repetitive posture

• Rudimentary Root Causes

  Poor circulation to nerves (e.g., cold/depression tissue state)

  Pinched nerves (e.g., herniated disc, tight muscles)

  Mineral deficiencies (e.g., B12, magnesium)

  Blood sugar imbalance or diabetes

  Chronic stress or trauma compressing nerves

  Overuse of stimulants or antidepressants

  Inflammation from autoimmune conditions

  Hormonal shifts impacting nerve sensitivity

  Mold exposure or heavy metal toxicity

  Poor posture or sleep ergonomics

• Underlying Tissue States

  The following tissue states may represent underlying imbalances contributing to this symptom:

  Cold/Depression: Reduced nerve conduction, poor circulation

  Wind/Tension: Nerve irritation from tight fascia or overstimulation

  Dry/Atrophy: Loss of myelin sheath or nutrient-depleted nerve endings

• Organ Systems Affected

  Nervous System

  Circulatory System

  Musculoskeletal System

  Endocrine System (especially with diabetic neuropathy)

Are you consuming enough B-vitamins and electrolytes? Have you had a history of spine, neck, or joint injuries? Do symptoms get worse after stress or long periods of sitting? Have you been exposed to mold, heavy metals, or toxic environments? Are your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day? Do your symptoms improve with warmth, movement, or massage? If you'd like guidance identifying your root cause or building a nervous system support plan, reach out for a personalized consultation.

Disclaimer

Each person’s condition has a unique root cause, and lifestyle, diet and herbal remedies must be tailored to the individual. The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized care. If you’d like support in understanding your specific situation, please reach out to me for guidance. Persistent tingling or numbness—especially if it's worsening or one-sided—should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.