Acupuncture for Cancer Thereapy Support

Acupuncture is widely accepted as an effective tool for pain control with none of the side effects of narcotic drugs. Oddly, many folks never think of using acupuncture for cancer pain, post-operative pain, radiation therapy support or cancer after-care support. These are actually ideal situations to employ acupuncture for an immediate amelioration of symptoms.
The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture writes about the specific uses of acupuncture in cancer therapy in the following article: http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/acu_info/articles/cancertreatment.html
My patients have reported their frustration that their oncologist never recommended acupuncture as a complementary therapy to support their treatment. It is not clear why doctors do not think to mention this time honored and research proven therapy. This is so unfortunate because patients may suffer needlessly from pain due to the after-care drugs that they need to be on for extended periods of time post radiation or surgery. These drugs can be prescribed for five years and frequently cause debilitating joint and muscle pain and other unwanted side-effects. In my practice I have seen this pain go away after one treatment and the patient may only need weekly treatments for a few months or bi—monthly treatments to be totally pain-free.
It is also widely known that acupuncture speeds healing and is a valuable tool in hastening recovery from surgeries. Patients also report a generalized sense of well being as a result of having acupuncture. Side-effects from cancer therapies include severe, painful nausea and vomiting which is also easily ameliorated by acupuncture. If you have a loved one suffering unwanted side effects, consider recommending acupuncture.
Another tool helping cancer patients is Qi Gong meditation. This is a simple moving meditation similar to Tai Chi which is taught at our center every other Friday evening. Qi Gong has benefits for anyone but can be particularly valuable in chronic illness because it resets the meridians from the inside in addition to building “qi” (bio-electric energy) for increased energy, better blood circulation and stronger immunity.
There is so much that people can do to help themselves, no matter how chronic the illness. Folks only need support and good information to help them on their healing journey. Help spread the word – Acupuncture works!