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Acupuncture’s Role in
Cancer Treatment
By Tara Bissell, M.Ac., L.Ac. , Artemesia
Did you know that acupuncture
is endorsed as a valid therapy by the
National Cancer Association and that
The Mayo Clinic now recommends
acupuncture as a way to enhance the
immune system and possibly alleviate
cancer symptoms and cancer-treatment side effects?
It’s true. In fact, a majority in the
western oncology community as well
as many medical insurance companies,
health savings and flexcare spending
accounts now support the use of acupuncture as an adjuvant to chemo and
radiation therapies. The known benefits of acupuncture for cancer patients
can include improved pain management, immune system modulation,
reduction of inflammation, nausea,
dry mouth and dry throat, improved
sleep, reduced hot flashes (common
in female reproductive cancers) and
improved quality of life.
What is it?
Acupuncture is the insertion of
extremely thin, sterile, single-use needles into specific points on the body to
stimulate the body’s healing resources
and bring about greater health and balance in the body’s systems.
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
are unique in that they are personalized therapies; your innate constitution and current health situation are
assessed to select the acupuncture
points and therapies that will be used
in your treatment each time. The
aim is to support you and to assist
your body to regain balance, since
the body’s wisdom knows how to be
healthy once stresses are removed.
As you change and feel better, your
treatments will change to match your
needs. This is not a one-size-fits-all
medical model. Another plus is the
amount of quality time you receive
from your practitioner. You will have
time to talk, ask questions and receive
quality treatment with every visit. Your
feedback is critical.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are so thin
and flexible that they are nothing like
those used in other medical modalities. They are not hollow, so they
can be as thin or thinner than a cat’s
whisker. During a treatment you may
feel nothing at all or you may feel
immediate change/relief or you may
feel a unique sensation. Response to
needle insertion varies from person to
person, from point to point and from
treatment to treatment. Most people
experience deep relaxation and a feeling of restored wellness during and
after treatments. Many even report
feeling quite blissful!
Will acupuncture help
me during
chemotherapy and
radiation?
Acupuncture can enhance the
immune system’s regulatory ability,
provide relief from pain and nausea
and offer an oasis of well-being and
peace while you undergo chemotherapy and radiation. It is appropriate in
&
How do I choose the
right acupuncturist?
Although national regulations
and state medical board licensure
ensure that practitioners receive
proper training and stay current with
their skills, each practitioner is unique
in their style of treatment. Some acupuncturists specialize in treating certain populations and conditions, such
as women’s health or cancer support.
Or they may specialize in certain techniques or modalities within Chinese
medicine, such as herbal medicine,
Japanese acupuncture or sports medicine.
It is helpful to do some
research before scheduling your
appointment to see if you are drawn to
the individual’s approach and personality. Research practitioners’ websites,
blogs and even photos to help select
someone that feels like a good fit for
your needs. Visiting and touring the
clinic, or calling and chatting with the
office staff are also excellent ways to
get a sense of the practice, since most
offices are happy to answer questions
before scheduling an appointment.
Voted BEST Acupuncture Clinic in Lexington!
Are there other
therapies used?
Yes. Many practitioners incorporate
other non-needle therapies such a