Acupuncture Relief For Cancer Patients

By Ming Xu, LAc, DOAM

Monterey Institute of Natural Medicine

. https://www.montereyinstituteofnaturalmedicine.org/

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Acupuncture Relief For Cancer Patients

Acupuncture, a component of traditional Chinese medicine, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy or “qi” (pronounced “chi”). While acupuncture does not treat cancer, it has been used to address various signs and symptoms associated with cancer and its treatments. Here’s how acupuncture might help manage these symptoms:

Pain: Cancer itself and its treatments can lead to pain. Acupuncture may provide relief by:

• Stimulating the release of the body’s natural painkillers, called endorphins.
• Modulating pain perception through the release of neurotransmitters.
• Blocking pain signals to the brain through the Gate Control Theory of Pain.

Nausea and Vomiting: Common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea and vomiting. Acupuncture can help by:

• Modulating the brain’s vomiting center in the medulla oblongata.
• Regulating the release of neurotransmitters that influence nausea.

Fatigue: Cancer-related fatigue is common among patients. Acupuncture might help by:

• Improving sleep quality.
• Regulating inflammatory cytokines that contribute to fatigue.
• Enhancing overall energy or “qi” flow.

Hot Flashes: A side effect for some cancer treatments, especially hormonal therapies. Acupuncture is believed to:

• Regulate the body’s temperature control functions.
• Balance hormonal levels, which can contribute to hot flashes.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Acupuncture might help patients experiencing dry mouth from radiation treatments by:

• Stimulating the salivary glands.
• Increasing local blood flow.

Mood and Anxiety: Cancer diagnosis and treatments can be stressful. Acupuncture might:

• Stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can improve mood.
• Induce a state of relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety.

Peripheral Neuropathy: Caused by certain chemotherapies, acupuncture may alleviate these symptoms by:

• Improving local blood flow, facilitating nerve repair.
• Modulating pain pathways to reduce discomfort.

Digestive Issues: Acupuncture can help regulate the digestive system, reducing symptoms like diarrhea or constipation by:

• Regulating gut motility.
• Reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.

Breathlessness: Some patients might experience shortness of breath, and acupuncture might help by:

• Enhancing diaphragmatic muscle function.
• Reducing anxiety, which can exacerbate breathlessness.

The effectiveness of acupuncture can vary from individual to individual, and not all patients will experience the same benefits. Importantly, while acupuncture can be an excellent complementary therapy, it should be used alongside, and not as a replacement for, conventional cancer treatments. It’s always crucial for patients to discuss any complementary therapies with their healthcare providers to ensure they are appropriate and safe.