Acupuncture, the
ancient healing modality, is gained increased
popularity among patients with cancer. Survey
studies have suggested that cancer patients
seeking acupuncture treatment for the reasons of
1) reducing the adverse effects of conventional
medical treatments for cancer, such as chemo and
radiation therapies, 2) managing symptoms
associated with cancer, and 3) promoting overall
wellness.
While
conventional medical treatment provides
significant benefit in fighting cancer, adverse
effects are noticeably a common presence. Most
common side effects with chemotherapy are
nausea/vomiting, decreased blood cell counts
(white blood cell, red blood cell and platelets)
and fatigue. Chemotherapy associated
nausea/vomiting can be difficulty to manage.
Anti-emesis medicines often associate with other
unpleasant side effects, such as constipation.
Many studies have found acupuncture effective in
reducing nausea/vomiting, particularly for acute
nausea/vomiting. Acupuncture/acupressure is also
found valuable in preventing nausea/vomiting.
Although only a
few studies have shown the effect of acupuncture
on blood cell counts and fatigue, clinical
observation has found general benefits of
acupuncture on these conditions as well.
Recently, studies have shown positive effects of
acupuncture on peripheral neuropathy (tingling
and numbness at feet and hands) and menopausal
symptoms (hot flush, night sweats) that
associate with chemotherapy.
Patients with
cancer often complain about pain. Acupuncture
can help to control pain by many ways.
Acupuncture has been shown to reduce pain from
both masculoskelatol origin (muscle and joint)
and visceral origin (such as stomach,
gallbladder and bladder). Studies have shown
that acupuncture can help for both acute and
chronic pain.
Patients with
cancer also experience significant mental
stress, such as anxiety and depression. Chronic
stress is known to be harmful for our immune
system, which is vital in fighting with cancer.
Acupuncture has shown a clear effect on reducing
stress and regulating moods. Many patients
reported profound relaxation during acupuncture
treatment. This status of relaxation often lasts
hours to days. Improved sleep quality is also a
commonly reported benefit. Several studies have
found acupuncture relieves anxiety for a variety
of conditions, including anxiety caused by
cancer.
Finally,
acupuncture has been used to promote general
well being for centuries. Treatment protocols
and acupuncture points were recorded in ancient
medical textbooks that claimed benefit of
“preventing hundreds of illness”, “longevity
acupuncture points”, and so on. Modern
researches have revealed some of these claims to
be credit for the beneficial effects of
acupuncture on immune system, circulation,
endocrine system, and nervous system.
For more
information regarding the benefit of acupuncture
in cancer care, please contact
Grant Zhang, Ph.D., CMD, L.Ac, at the River
Hill Wellness Center (410)715-0200.
