Oncology Acupuncture: Enhance Wellbeing & Relieve Pain

Ensuring patient have quality sleep is incredibly important during and after treatment to allow the body to heal. Oncology acupuncturists often ask the following questions regarding sleep: How many hours of sleep do you get each night? Do you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep? Do you wake up rested? Do you wake up due to night sweats?

All of these questions establish a differentiation to help formulate a treatment plan. It is often a goal to finish daily tasks without feeling fatigued. Acupuncture can support not only insomnia but also improved quality of sleep

Acupuncture can support the body’s immune system by not only stimulating the body’s immune response but also regulate the body’s stress response and calm inflammation in the body. From a Traditional Chinese medicine perspective, acupuncturists often say “everything is connected”. If sleep is improved, stress is able to decrease, digestive health improves for increased nutrient absorption, we will see immune function increase.

Common side effects from cancer treatment or secondary medications from cancer treatment negatively affect the digestive system. Constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux, bloating and hemorrhoids are all common complaints acupuncturists regularly hear. Through acupuncture, education on acupressure points patients can do at home, along with food therapy recommendations, many symptoms can be managed.

It is recommended to communicate with your oncology acupuncturist to develop a treatment plan that coordinates with your cancer treatment. Staying ahead of symptoms with acupuncture and ancillary care not only improves quality of life but can encourage patients to continue their cancer treatment. 

Acupuncture, a practice originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine, involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system. It can be a valuable tool to manage cancer-related symptoms like pain relief and treatment side effects. In the United States, there is significant research growing in the field of integrative oncology and acupuncture. It is not only complementary medicine, offered in private acupuncture clinics but also integrative medicine, practiced in hospitals, rehab clinics and cancer centers.

The Society of Integrative Oncology defines integrative oncology as “a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilizes mind and body practices, natural products, and lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments.” Some of these therapies include acupuncture, physical therapy, massage, nutrition, talk therapy, esthetics, and movement therapy. All integrative oncology practitioners have advanced education in their field in oncology, and they work in collaboration to ensure the patient receives comprehensive care.

Oncology acupuncturists work alongside oncologists and other oncology-focused practitioners. Their role is to support patients with any concerns or side effects (like chronic pain) that may affect the mind and body while working in a collaborative effort alongside the oncology team.

Oncology acupuncture uses evidence-based research, a practitioner’s clinical experience and the patient’s personal concerns and values to formulate an individual treatment plan. Those who would benefit from an advanced trained acupuncturist are either going through cancer treatments or have gone through cancer treatment and are seeking support in treating side effects.

During the initial session, the acupuncturist will visit with the patient to learn a complete medical history. Patients will then receive an acupuncture treatment as well as a treatment plan that may include food therapy recommendations, mind-body and meditation suggestions along with movement/lifestyle modifications. Similar to physical therapy, many concerns require a series of sessions to see improvement. 

While acupuncture is incredibly safe when performed by a licensed acupuncturist, there are some contraindications that must be considered during and after cancer treatment.

1. If lymph nodes have been removed or damaged due to treatment, it is imperative this is communicated to your acupuncturist. If you are at risk or have been diagnosed with lymphedema, your acupuncturist will want to know this so they can modify treatment. Do not receive a style of acupuncture called “dry needling” or “trigger point acupuncture” in the quadrant of which lymph nodes have been removed or damaged.
2. Communicate with your oncology acupuncturist if you have a low platelet count.
3. Although risk of infection is incredibly low, if your white blood cell count is low and/or you are experiencing acute leukopenia, consult with your acupuncturist prior to your appointment to ensure it is safe to receive treatment.
4. Ensure you eat prior to receiving acupuncture. Acupuncture treatment can lower blood pressure due to its relaxation effects. If a patient is fasting, there is a greater chance of experiencing low blood pressure.