Neural therapy is a complementary method that aims to regulate the autonomic nervous system through injections of a low volume of short-acting local anaesthetic — usually procaine or lidocaine — into the skin, muscle, scars or around nerves. The aim is not to numb the area; according to its theory, the local anaesthetic restores the electrical balance of irritated nerve cells. This article introduces the method: what it is, which theory it rests on, where it is reported to be used, its evidence level and who it is not suitable for.
I think it is right to describe the theory of this method and its evidence level separately; in this article they are under separate headings. The overall framework of the methods I use for pain is on the pain treatment page.
Origin and theory
The method was described in Germany in the 1920s by the Huneke brothers and became established in Europe, particularly in German-speaking countries. Its central concept is the autonomic (vegetative) nervous system: the network that governs involuntary functions such as heartbeat, digestion and vascular tone. According to neural therapy theory, previous operations, scars, chronic foci of infection and injuries can become a persistent source of stimulation within this network; such a source is called an “interference field”.
The interference field. According to the theory, an old scar or a chronic focus elsewhere in the body can keep sending signals into the nervous system and sustain pain or dysfunction at a distant site. In neural therapy a low volume of local anaesthetic is injected into these foci; the theory holds that once the stimulus stops, the body’s own regulatory capacity takes over. The “interference field” is a theory: an explanatory model partly supported by laboratory findings but not yet adequately tested in clinical trials 1.
How is it applied?
Physicians who practise the method describe five modes of application: local (at the painful point), segmental (into the skin zone of the related spinal segment, as small intradermal wheals called “quaddles”), regional (around a nerve), into an interference field, and rarely systemic. The volume of local anaesthetic is low; the solution contains no corticosteroid. The general framework reported by practitioners is one or two sessions a week, three to ten sessions in total; the duration depends on how long-standing the condition is.
Deeper applications — around nerve ganglia — require anatomical knowledge and experience. In Türkiye, neural therapy is a method that requires certification under the Regulation on Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practices.
Where is it reported to be used?
The list below records the areas of use reported by practitioners and reviews; it is not a claim of effectiveness.
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain: low back and neck pain, myofascial pain
- Some headaches: migraine and tension-type headache
- Fibromyalgia
- Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhoea)
- Restless legs syndrome
- Chronic pain accompanied by disturbed sleep and anxiety
When a procedure aimed at a specific nerve is needed, a defined nerve block is preferred over neural therapy; for headache that is the occipital nerve block. The block targets a defined nerve; neural therapy targets the segment and the interference field.
Evidence level
In neural therapy there is a gap between the large body of laboratory data on the effects of local anaesthetics on nerves and inflammation, and the small number of clinical trials. A systematic scoping review of the method notes that clinical studies and case series reporting positive results in chronic pain exist, but that large, well-designed randomised trials are needed 1. The authors of that review are affiliated with neural therapy institutions, which should be kept in mind when reading their conclusions. There is also a large case series reporting long-term improvement in patients with refractory chronic pain; without a control group, causation cannot be established 2.
In short: the evidence for the method rests mainly on case series and expert opinion, and it would not be accurate to say its effectiveness “has been proven”. That does not mean the method is worthless; it means the decision should be made with the evidence level in view.
How it differs from acupuncture
Neural therapy can also use acupuncture points, but neural therapy involves medication, whereas acupuncture uses needles only.
The decision depends on the goal: if drug-free stimulation and general regulation are the priority, acupuncture comes to the fore; if targeting a scar or a specific nerve region with local anaesthetic is the priority, neural therapy does. The final choice is made at consultation.
Acupuncture is described on a separate page.
What is reported to be felt during treatment
The needles are very fine and the injected volume is small; what is felt is mild pressure and a brief sting. As the local anaesthetic spreads, the area is briefly numb.
Safety and anatomy
The solution contains a short-acting local anaesthetic and, when needed, saline; it contains no corticosteroid. Bruising, temporary numbness and brief dizziness can occur at injection points. With intradermal application, small wheals lasting a few hours are normal. It is not used in people with a known allergy to local anaesthetics. Because allergic reactions can occur rarely, treatments are carried out under medical supervision.
Who is not suitable
Treatment is not performed, or is postponed, in the following situations:
- Active infection or inflammation in the treatment area
- Autoimmune disease in an active phase
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Known hypersensitivity to the product components
- Uncontrolled chronic illness
- Untreated bleeding disorder or unregulated anticoagulant use
Known hypersensitivity to local anaesthetics is among the reported general contraindications of the method. With undiagnosed pain, a diagnosis comes first.
Suitability is determined by consultation in every case.
Aftercare
Reported course Small raised areas at the injection points lasting a few hours, mild bruising and brief numbness are reported. Because transient dizziness can occur after treatment, a short rest is advised.
Frequently asked questions
What is neural therapy?
A complementary method that aims to regulate the autonomic nervous system through injections of a low volume of short-acting local anaesthetic into the skin, muscle, scars or around nerves. The aim is not to numb but, according to its theory, to restore the balance of irritated nerve cells.
What does “interference field” mean in neural therapy?
According to neural therapy theory, an old scar, operation site or chronic focus can keep sending signals into the nervous system and sustain pain at a distant site; that focus is called an interference field. It is a theoretical explanatory model, not yet adequately tested in clinical trials.
Does neural therapy contain cortisone?
No. The solution contains a short-acting local anaesthetic (procaine or lidocaine) and, when needed, saline; it contains no corticosteroid. Weight gain or hormonal effects linked to corticosteroid therefore do not apply.
Can neural therapy be used in pregnancy?
No. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are among the reported general contraindications of the method.
How many neural therapy sessions are reported?
The general framework reported by practitioners is one or two sessions a week, three to ten sessions in total; the duration depends on how long-standing the complaint is.
Dr. Ömer Fatih Şahin — Specialist in Anaesthesiology and Reanimation Diploma Registration No: 113606
Published: 22 February 2026 · Last updated: 2026-09-21 This content has been medically reviewed by Dr. Ömer Fatih Şahin. This article introduces the method; suitability is determined by medical examination.
References
- Vinyes D, Muñoz-Sellart M, Fischer L. Therapeutic use of low-dose local anesthetics in pain, inflammation, and other clinical conditions: a systematic scoping review. J Clin Med. 2023;12(23):7221. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38068272/ — The authors are affiliated with neural therapy teaching and research institutions.
- Egli S, Pfister M, Ludin SM, et al. Long-term results of therapeutic local anesthesia (neural therapy) in 280 referred refractory chronic pain patients. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015;15:200. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26115657/ — A case series without a control group; the authors work at the method’s academic centre (a university department of neural therapy).