Acupuncture and Comprehensive Cancer Care
It is estimated that in the United States, 60-80% of cancer patients seek out some type of alternative or complementary therapy while undergoing conventional cancer treatment. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have been used for centuries in the treatment of cancer and is widely used today along with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery as part of a comprehensive approach to the treatment of cancer.
Over the last 15 years a great deal of research has been conducted showing the benefits of acupuncture as a complementary therapy. This body of research shows that acupuncture is beneficial in:
- Reducing chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting
- Increasing energy levels and reducing fatigue
- Reducing the effects of early induced menopause in breast cancer patients
- Reducing constipation and diarrhea
- Reducing chronic pain and numbness
- Improving the patient’s sense of well-being and reducing stress
Acupuncture has become such a valuable tool in the treatment of cancer that it is widely used today at some of the finest cancer treatment centers in the United States such as Harvard’s Dana Farber Cancer Institute, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Holistic Complementary Cancer Treatment
At Abounding Qi, we have worked with many cancer patients in a supportive role so that our patients are able to experience a much better quality of life both during and after their conventional treatments. The most optimal outcomes are achieved by patients who receive acupuncture treatments throughout their chemotherapy cycles in order to reduce side-effects and support each patient’s treatment goals. Acupuncture treatments are also extremely beneficial throughout a radiation cycle and we work with our patients to determine how our treatments will best fit into their conventional medicine regimen. In addition, acupuncture treatments are beneficial both pre- and post-operatively and most patients report decreased pain and improved recovery times with treatment.
Cancer patients who are considering the use of complementary therapies should always consult with their physician before starting any new treatment and discuss the options available to them.
For more information on complementary therapies used in the treatment of cancer, see the National Cancer Institute’s website or the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine’s website. In addition, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s Integrative Medicine Service maintains a large database outlining the latest research on complementary therapies and cancer care.