CANCER TREATMENT SUPPORT: ACUPUNCTURE IS AN EFFECTIVE OPTION IN WACO, TEXAS

Cancer is a devastating illness that affects millions of people worldwide. While traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can be effective, they often come with a range of side effects that can be difficult to manage. This is where acupuncture comes in as a complementary therapy for cancer support.

How Acupuncture Can Help with Cancer Support

Numerous studies have been conducted on the use of acupuncture for cancer patients. Evidence demonstrates that acupuncture is safe and effective in treating many cancer and cancer treatment-related symptoms such as chronic pain, hot flashes, fatigue, neuropathy, nausea and vomiting, xerostomia, and dysphagia. Here are some of the key findings:

Acupuncture can help manage cancer-related pain

One of the most common symptoms experienced by cancer patients is pain. Studies have found that acupuncture can be an effective therapy for managing cancer-related pain. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and improving physical functioning in breast cancer patients.

Acupuncture can reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting can be debilitating for cancer patients. However, studies have found that acupuncture can be effective in reducing these symptoms. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that acupuncture was effective in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in a variety of cancer patients.

Acupuncture can improve quality of life for cancer patients

Cancer and its treatment can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. However, studies have found that acupuncture can improve quality of life for cancer patients. For example, a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that acupuncture was effective in reducing fatigue and improving overall quality of life in breast cancer patients.

Acupuncture can boost the immune system

Cancer treatments can weaken the immune system, leaving patients more vulnerable to infections and other illnesses. Acupuncture has been found to boost the immune system and improve overall health. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture increased the number of white blood cells in cancer patients, which can help to strengthen the immune system.

Acupuncture can reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients

Cancer can be a stressful and anxiety-provoking experience. Studies have found that acupuncture can be effective in reducing anxiety and depression in cancer patients. For example, a study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture was effective in reducing anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients.

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session

During an acupuncture session, your acupuncturist will conduct a detailed exam, will make a diagnosis, and then will insert thin needles into specific points on your body. You may feel a slight prick or tingling sensation when the needles are inserted, but acupuncture is generally a comfortable experience. Your acupuncturist may also use other techniques, such as cupping, gua sha, infrared heat, or red light to enhance the benefits of the treatment and, depending on the details of your situation, may recommend Chinese herbal medicine or nutritional supplements.

Acupuncture sessions typically last between 45 and 60 minutes, and you will need multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. Your acupuncturist will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.

You can read detailed answers to common questions about acupuncture here. 

Is Acupuncture Safe for Cancer Patients?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe for cancer patients, as long as it is performed by a licensed and trained practitioner. However, there are some precautions that should be taken. For example, acupuncture should not be performed on areas of the body that have been treated with radiation therapy, as this can increase the risk of skin irritation and infection.

It is also important for cancer patients to discuss acupuncture with their healthcare team before starting treatment. Acupuncture may interact with certain medications, and it is important to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for each individual patient.

Risks from omitting orthodox medical care

Receiving any form of treatment without also receiving orthodox Western medical care can be inherently risky, since undiagnosed disease may go untreated and could worsen. Patients, especially those with cancer, should view acupuncture as a complement to rather than alternative to conventional medical treatment.

Finding a Qualified Acupuncturist

If you are interested in trying acupuncture to help manage side effects from your cancer treatment, it is important to find a qualified practitioner. Look for someone who is licensed and certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). 

Licensed Acupuncturist in Waco, Texas

If you are interested in trying acupuncture to help manage the side effects from your cancer treatment and are located in the central Texas area, our expert acupuncturist can help you. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she has helped thousands of patients in Waco, Texas and the surrounding areas to find relief through acupuncture and other modalities. Contact us today — we are happy to answer your questions and would be honored to welcome you to our family of satisfied patients.

Conclusion

Acupuncture can be an effective complementary therapy for cancer support. It can help to manage the side effects of traditional cancer treatments, boost the immune system, and reduce stress and anxiety. If you are a cancer patient interested in trying acupuncture, be sure to talk to your healthcare team to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you.

Citations

  • Molassiotis, A., Sylt, P., Diggins, H., & Theaker, C. (2007). Acupuncture for cancer-related pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4), CD007753. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007753.
  • Ezzo, J., Richardson, M. A., Vickers, A., Allen, C., Dibble, S. L., Issell, B. F., . . . Zhang, G. (2006). Acupuncture-point stimulation for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 24(3), 490-497. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2005.03.0283.
  • Johnstone, P. A., Polston, G. R., Niemtzow, R. C., Martin, P. J., Guarnieri, C., Grem, J., . . . Fox, I. (2002). Integration of acupuncture into the oncology clinic. Palliative Medicine, 16(3), 235-239. doi: 10.1191/0269216302pm545oa.
  • Molassiotis, A., Sylt, P., Diggins, H., & Theaker, C. (2007). Acupuncture for cancer-related pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4), CD007753. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007753.
  • Lu, W., Rosenthal, D. S., & Acquaye, A. A. (2013). Acupuncture for cancer pain and related symptoms. Current Oncology Reports, 15(6), 549-557. doi: 10.1007/s11912-013-0343-8.
  • Greenlee H et al. (2017) Clinical practice guidelines on the evidence-based use of integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment. CA Cancer J Clin 67(3):194–232 
  • Javdan B, Cassileth B (2015) Acupuncture Research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 8(3):115–121
  • Zia FZ et al. (2017) The National Cancer Institute’s conference on acupuncture for symptom management in oncology: state of the science, evidence, and research gaps. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr. 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgx005