How Is Neural Therapy Applied? A Session Step by Step

Neural therapy is an injection treatment in which a local anesthetic (procaine or lidocaine) is applied to specific areas with very fine needles. The aim is not simply to numb a painful spot but to activate the body’s own regulatory mechanisms through the autonomic nervous system. You can read what the method is and its scientific basis on What Is Neural Therapy?; here we explain how the treatment is carried out in practice.

1. First consultation and examination

Treatment starts with listening before any needle is used. Besides your complaint, the physician asks about past surgeries, scars, dental work, chronic infections and vaccinations. These matter in neural therapy because a scar or focus in a distant region can cause symptoms elsewhere through the nervous system. Such foci are called interference fields and are looked for first.

2. Which needle and which substance?

Fine, short needles of the kind used for insulin syringes are usually preferred. The substance is procaine or lidocaine, local anesthetics long used in medicine. The goal is not to give a large amount of medication but to set a small stimulus at the right place, so quantities are generally small.

3. Where is the injection given?

The sites depend on the patient and the complaint. Based on the findings, the physician chooses one or several of the following:

• Intradermal injections: small wheals raised in the skin over the painful region (segmental therapy).
• Scars and vaccination sites: scars suspected to be interference fields.
• Gums and tooth surroundings: when a dental focus is suspected.
• Trigger points and muscle–fascia tissue: for pain of muscular or fascial origin.
• Around nerves and ganglia: when indicated, by a physician with anatomical expertise.

In some cases the treatment may also be given intravenously; this decision always rests with the physician.

4. How long is a session and how many are needed?

A session is often short; its details and frequency are set by the physician according to the type and duration of the complaint and the individual. Some patients notice clear relief within the first sessions, while long-standing complaints may need a plan of several sessions. No result can be guaranteed and responses vary from person to person.

5. What can happen right after the injection?

In some patients, when the right spot is treated, the complaint improves noticeably within a short time — a phenomenon described by the Huneke brothers as the “second phenomenon” (Sekundenphänomen). It does not occur in everyone. Mild tenderness, redness or a small bruise at the injection site may appear and usually resolves quickly.

6. Safety: who should be careful?

Neural therapy is a medical procedure and should be performed by a trained, experienced physician. Tell your physician beforehand if:

• you are allergic to local anesthetics (procaine, lidocaine, etc.),
• you take blood thinners or have a clotting disorder,
• you are pregnant or breastfeeding,
• you take regular medication or have chronic conditions.

Neural therapy does not replace diagnosis or other necessary treatment; it should be considered together with your physician’s assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Does neural therapy hurt?

Because very fine needles are used, most patients describe the discomfort as a mild prick. Sensitive areas such as scars may feel stronger.

Who can perform neural therapy?

Physicians who have completed neural therapy training. For trained physicians see the physician list of the Neural Therapy Association.

For more information see What Is Neural Therapy? and the contact page.