Cancer Support
Some of the very first acupuncture research done in the U.S. was on its ability to relieve nausea caused by chemotherapy. Since then there has been promising research on the use of acupuncture for many cancer-related issues.
At Whole Family Health we work to mitigate side-effects and strengthen your body so that it can fight the cancer more effectively and withstand the rigors of western medical treatments.
Cancer Support
Complementary Care
Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can play an important complementary role for all people who have received a cancer diagnosis. This role differs from patient to patient depending on his or her diagnosis and prognosis. Traditional Chinese medicine is not a cure for cancer. Instead, it helps people feel good enough to make it through their therapy and enjoy a higher quality of life. Acupuncture is effective for:
- Pain control, both post-op and generally.
- Minimizing side-effects from cancer treatment. Chemotherapy induced nausea is the most commonly known. Another example are the hot flashes associated with the use of tamoxifen for breast cancer.
- Minimizing the use of of medications. For example, decreasing the use of narcotics and their side effects of confusion and behavior changes.
- Quality of life issues such as weight loss, poor appetite, diarrhea, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
Promising Research
Most cancer-related research on acupuncture in the United States has focused on symptom relief and quality of life. Studies have examined cancer pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, radiation-induced dry mouth, weight loss, cough, fever, poor appetite, night sweats, hot flashes, fatigue, anxiety, depression and more. In general, these studies have shown positive results, although conclusions have been limited because of poor design or small sample size. However, this should not be interpreted as a sign that acupuncture is not effective, rather that cancer-related research in the United States is still in its early stages and holds a lot of promise. Importantly, there is no evidence that acupuncture in any way decreases the effectiveness of western medical cancer treatments. If you are interested in reading more about the latest research studies on cancer and acupuncture, a good place to start is this document put together by the National Cancer Institute. Written for medical professionals, it covers peer-reviewed studies of cancer-related research into acupuncture, as well as a good overview of TCM theory and practice.
Working Together
The management of cancer is at the forefront of integrated medicine. Many cancer centers around the country routinely offer acupuncture immediately before and after chemotherapy. In China, where TCM oncology departments are more fully integrated with western medicine than in the United States, much of the focus on treating cancer patients is increasing the body’s vital qi. Doctors use acupuncture and herbal medicine to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs and radiation, protect the body from toxic side effects, and increase the patient’s quality of life. At Whole Family Health, we are committed to working together with you and your doctors to give you the best care possible.