Treating the Side Effects of Cancer Therapy.
“ I heard that acupuncture can help ease and/or eliminate a number of cancer treatment side effects. Is this true?”
As if the side effects of cancer weren’t bad enough, the methods used to treat cancer patients carry an enormous array of side effects of their own.
Thanks to its effectiveness at killing cancer cells, chemotherapy is one of the more common cancer treatments.
Cancer treatments often cause pain and uncomfortable side effects that can last well beyond the final treatment. To manage that pain, many people turn to acupuncture, a method of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
According to TCM, pain stems from a blockage in the body’s flow of energy (called qi). Acupuncture balances the flow of energy and relieves pain by addressing specific pressure points on the body (called acupuncture points or acupoints).
Acupuncture for cancer-related pain
This very serious technique works as part of an integrative approach to cancer. Integrative oncology is patient-centered cancer care that uses mind and body practices, natural products, and lifestyle modifications alongside conventional cancer treatments.
The main beneficial effect of acupuncture on the side effects of cancer treatment is the reduction of chemotherapy-induced nausea and pain.
Relieving the side effects of cancer treatment
Every person responds to cancer treatment differently.
If the treatment damages healthy cells, the result can be side effects ranging from mild to severe. Finding ways to manage treatment side effects is important. When symptoms are under control, you’ll enjoy a better quality of life and remain on schedule with your treatments.
The holistic method of acupuncture offers a natural remedy for side effects that may eliminate the need for narcotics or other medications. According to the National Cancer Institute, studies show acupuncture can relieve a wide range of symptoms associated with cancer treatments, including:
- Nausea and vomiting, caused by chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy
- Pain, including postoperative pain and muscle and joint pain from hormone therapy
- Peripheral neuropathy, a common side effect of chemotherapy that causes pain, numbness and muscle weakness in the hands or feet
- Hot flashes, associated with hormone therapy
- Dry mouth, caused by radiation therapy
- Fatigue, common in many cancer patients and often a side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Acupuncture | Complementary and alternative therapy
Medical research shows that acupuncture works by stimulating nerves. It releases the natural morphine-like substances (endorphins) in the spinal cord and brain. This relieves pain. Acupuncture also releases serotonin. Serotonin is a pain reliever which can promote a feeling of wellbeing. The release of these substances can reduce cancer symptoms.
People with cancer might have acupuncture to relieve sickness. This can be because of chemotherapy or other cancer drugs.
The study involved cancer survivors suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain (pain in bones, joints, ligaments, tendons or muscles). Participants found more pain relief from acupuncture than from their usual care. The two types of acupuncture studied include:
- Auricular acupuncture: Small needles are inserted into the ears and remain in place for three to four days.
- Electroacupuncture: Needles are inserted at the point of pain, connected to a mild electric current, and left in place for 30 minutes
Almost 35% of cancer survivors experience chronic pain (pain on most days) years after their treatments end. But one out of every two survivors is undertreated for that pain. A recent study shows that acupuncture may offer a solution.
The Power of Acupuncture
Acupuncture ensures the proper flow of Qi, the energy force of the human body.
This age-old practice is a very useful tool for managing cancer side effects. It focuses on restoring the energy flow that cancer treatments disturb.