Can acupuncture help ease side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments?
/
Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation are often concerned about managing the side effects of cancer treatment. The good news is acupuncture can help.
Acupuncture has long been recognised for its therapeutic effects, and recent studies show its promising role in alleviating some of the side effects experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.
Precautions for first-time chemo patients
If you’re receiving chemotherapy or radiation for the first time, it's important to note that you might not feel well enough to attend an acupuncture appointment on the same day as your treatment.
For these patients, it’s often recommended to schedule acupuncture the day after your chemo or radiation session, allowing your body some recovery time.
How acupuncture can help while undergoing cancer treatment
If you're undergoing cancer treatment and struggling with side effects such as nausea, vomiting, pain, fatigue, or insomnia, acupuncture may provide some relief.
It’s a complementary therapy that can work alongside your prescribed treatment to ease discomfort and improve your quality of life.
What the research into acupuncture and cancer shows
There is growing scientific evidence supporting acupuncture’s effectiveness for cancer patients:
Nausea and vomiting: A 2016 study found that breast cancer patients experienced a reduction in nausea and vomiting when treated with auricular acupressure.
Fatigue: Another 2016 study showed that laser acupuncture and acupressure helped reduce fatigue in cancer patients.
Insomnia: Research from 2019 demonstrated that acupuncture was effective in reducing insomnia among cancer patients.
Pain relief: In 2020, a study revealed that acupuncture reduced pain and the need for pain medications in cancer patients.
This information comes from a Physician Data Query published by the National Cancer Institute, which is dedicated to providing patients and families with up-to-date, research-based information to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Is acupuncture right for you?
If you believe acupuncture might help ease your cancer treatment side effects, don’t hesitate to book an appointment at our Prospect clinic. We can work together to help restore your energy and bring some comfort back into your day.
Your local acupuncturist,
Dr. Voula Tep
References:
Tas D, Uncu D, Sendur MA, Koca N, Zengin N. Acupuncture as a complementary treatment for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2014;15(7):3139-44. doi: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.7.3139. PMID: 24815460.
