CANCER TREATMENT SUPPORT
USING ACUPUNCTURE IN CANCER TREATMENT
A frequently asked question in my clinic is, "How is acupuncture useful in supporting patients having cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery?"
The answer is that acupuncture can support patients whilst receiving treatment for cancer in many ways. Clinical trials have demonstrated that acupuncture is effective for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Research studies also suggest acupuncture can be helpful in managing cancer-related pain, chemotherapy-related neutropenia, cancer fatigue and radiation-induced xerostomia. Acupuncture, an ancient-medical treatment originating in China, is gaining acceptance as a valid intervention as an adjunct treatment for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
My own clinical experience in treating cancer patient with various chemotherapy and/ or radiotherapy induced symptoms supports what the research suggests that acupuncture can be very beneficial in managing the various side-effects from such treatment. A common presentation that I see in my clinic is peripheral neuropathy, nerve damage to the peripheral nervous system, especially in the hands and feet, such as numbness, tingling, or pain. This can be a disabling side effect of cancer treatment. Generally, after few treatments of acupuncture, I have seen patients improve dramatically, enabling them to achieve significant improvement in their mobility, substantially improving their quality of life. This is particularly so when the neuropathy has affected the feet or lower legs. Another common presentation that I see in my clinic is hot flushes affecting both men and women undergoing chemotherapy. Again, after few treatments of acupuncture this condition can be substantially reduced.
How acupuncture works? In terms of ancient wisdom of Chinese Medicine, any chronic illness causes an imbalance to the body's organs that leads to depletion of vital energy for the body to function optimally. Acupuncture works to supports patients undergoing cancer treatment by increasing blood flow and vital energy throughout the body. The mechanism of action of acupuncture has been of great interest to many researchers. Numerous studies of acupuncture suggest that its' effect is primarily based on stimulation of the neuroendocrine system involving the central and peripheral nervous systems.
The degree of beneficial results from acupuncture treatment is dependent on various clinical factors such as presenting symptoms, clinical staging, timing of acupuncture treatment in the course of the illness and areas of involvement. Generally, acupuncture is very effective, safe and well tolerated.
In my clinic, I also strongly promote nutritional medicine using food in a medicinal way and nutritional medicine supplements to boost immune response in cancer patients and support optimal digestive health including elimination of significant bloating and bowel irregularities. Combining both ancient Chinese medicine wisdom and Western nutritional medicine can greatly improve overall health and wellbeing for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Please call if you would like to discuss further.
HOW ACUPUNCTURE WORKS
In terms of ancient wisdom of Chinese Medicine, any chronic illness causes an imbalance to the body's organs that leads to depletion of vital energy for the body to function optimally. Acupuncture works to supports patients undergoing cancer treatment by increasing blood flow and vital energy throughout the body. The mechanism of action of acupuncture has been of great interest to many researchers. Numerous studies of acupuncture suggest that its' effect is primarily based on stimulation of the neuroendocrine system involving the central and peripheral nervous systems.
The degree of beneficial results from acupuncture treatment is dependent on various clinical factors such as presenting symptoms, clinical staging, timing of acupuncture treatment in the course of the illness and areas of involvement. Generally, acupuncture is very effective, safe and well tolerated.
In my clinic, I also strongly promote nutritional medicine using food in a medicinal way and nutritional medicine supplements to boost immune response in cancer patients and support optimal digestive health including elimination of significant bloating and bowel irregularities. Combining both ancient Chinese medicine wisdom and Western nutritional medicine can greatly improve overall health and wellbeing for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Please call if you would like to discuss further.