Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an effective form of medical treatment that has evolved into a complete holistic health care system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine use this non-invasive treatment method to help people become well and stay well. This integrative cancer treatment involves the insertion of hair-thin sterile needles into the skin at specific locations called acupoints.

The regular use of acupuncture for cancer patients has been known to relieve chronic pain, fatigue, nausea, and other side effects related to treatment and disease. Acupuncture treats the whole person, not just the disease. The practice of acupuncture promotes natural healing by enhancing your immunity and physical and emotional health.

Acupuncture practitioners take a holistic approach to cancer care. Your symptoms are considered as well as your lifestyle, emotional state, and overall health. Your whole being is taken into consideration while you work together to improve your symptoms and manage your side effects. One key to the success of acupuncture treatment is its profound impact on helping the body to relax in order to ultimately overcome other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, tension and stress.

Evidence shows acupuncture as an adjunct to standard oncology therapies can be effective in treating conditions such as:

Pain
Stress, anxiety and depression
Nausea and vomiting
Chemo-induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Hot flashes and night sweats
Fatigue
Insomnia
Constipation and diarrhea
Delayed wound healing
Immune support
Axillary Web Syndrome (cording)
Cognitive function/ mental clarity
Scar tissue

The majority of comprehensive cancer centers incorporate acupuncture into their oncology care. Oncology acupuncture uses research-based point protocols and treatment frequency/duration as the foundation for developing a plan of care. The base protocols are modified based on the individual patient’s diagnosis and unique needs, making each treatment highly personalized. Therefore, it is imperative that your practitioner has advanced oncology acupuncture training.

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects except feelings of relaxation and well-being. As acupuncture begins to reduce symptoms, a patient can learn to cope with and manage the pain and other disease-related ailments more effectively.