Acupuncture and Cancer Treatment
Acupuncture has proven very helpful when integrated into a Western treatment approach for cancer. The side-effects of chemo and radiation cancer treatments can be alleviated by acupuncture. The stress and emotional strain of the illness and its treatment can also be reduced with the use of acupuncture.
Recent evidence in clinical research indicates that acupuncture is beneficial for chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, and cancer pain. Other preliminary data also suggests acupuncture might be effective for chemotherapy-induced leukopenia, postchemotherapy fatigue, radiation therapy-induced xerostomia, insomnia, and anxiety.* Current practice guidelines recommend acupuncture as a complementary therapy for uncontrolled nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy.**
There are many personal stories of people undergoing cancer treatment along with acupuncture. Here is one:
For more information on cancer and acupuncture, see:
Acupuncturists Stepping Up to the Cancer Challenge
Acupuncture Cools Breast Cancer Hot Flashes
Acupuncture benefits those with chemo-induced neuropathy
