Cancer treatment can be hard on your body. The side effects can leave you feeling drained and searching for relief. That's why nearly 90% of people with cancer use acupuncture and other complementary and integrative therapies as part of their overall treatment plan.
Thinking of trying acupuncture but not sure if it could work for you? Learn about the potential upsides.
First, a little background on acupuncture as a practice
Acupuncturists treat people by stimulating points on the body, usually using very thin needles. Each needle is about the width of a human hair. Some practitioners also use heat, pressure from their hands or electrical stimulation.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest medical procedures in the world. It can be used for many symptoms, from allergies to chronic pain. It's safe and effective, with few risks or side effects when you work with a qualified practitioner.
How can acupuncture help when you have cancer?
One of the strengths of this complementary medicine practice is that it seems to work on a number of different fronts:
Pain. People with cancer who use acupuncture along with drug therapy tend to have less pain than those who only use medicine. Acupuncture can help whether your pain is from chemo, hormone therapy, radiation or surgery. Cancer survivors who have chronic pain after finishing treatment can benefit from acupuncture too.
Nausea and vomiting. Acupuncture can often relieve nausea and vomiting post-operation and post-chemo. And acupressure could help as well. Ask a practitioner about acupressure points you can use on yourself when nausea starts to creep in.
Menopause symptoms. Hot flashes and other menopause symptoms can come with cancer. The most common treatment for these symptoms is estrogen therapy. But that's not a good option for survivors who have had breast cancer that is hormone receptor positive. Acupuncture has shown to be effective for relieving menopause symptoms with fewer side effects.
Dry mouth. It can come with radiation treatment for head and neck cancer. Research shows that survivors had less pain and improved dry mouth symptoms after four weeks of acupuncture.
Anxiety and depression. They're common when you have a cancer diagnosis, and treatable. Acupuncture can work with other types of treatment to help ease symptoms.
And more. Some people use acupuncture to find relief for insomnia, fatigue, low appetite, and other side effects of cancer and cancer treatment.
Tips if you want to try acupuncture for cancer:
- Nervous? Get the facts. Acupuncture needles are thinner than any needles most people have encountered. Most people find acupuncture sessions to be relaxing.
- Find the right acupuncturist. Many practitioners have done training specific to the needs of people with cancer. Finding someone who understands the ins and outs of cancer treatment can make acupuncture visits easier and more effective.
- Eat 2 hours beforehand. You don't want to be distracted by hunger, or by digesting the spicy curry you just ate.
- Set yourself up for calm. No caffeine right before. No work meeting right after. Acupuncture aims to get you out of fight-or-flight mode and into relaxation.
- Communicate with your practitioner. Share what you're hoping to get out of it. What your worries and fears are. What your cancer treatment has been like. Acupuncture treatment is different for every person, so make it work for you.