Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are recognised as integrative therapies in the support of cancer patients in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and China. In Sydney Australia, acupuncture has been researched and used in major hospitals to address symptoms associated with cancer treatments. Trained at the Mater hospital, our practitioner provides a supportive role for cancer patients going through chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.
Randomised controlled trials and research studies have demonstrated acupuncture to be effective in the management of :
- Nausea and vomiting
- Immune function
- Fatigue
- Depression and anxiety
- Hot flushes
- Urinary and sexual dysfunction
- General and joint pain
- Radiation induced dry mouth
- Chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain
What to expect during an Acupuncture Treatment?
Fine sterile needles are inserted into energy channels to stimulate blood flow, activates brain and hormonal functions (Ref: 3). Needles are retained for 20 to 40 minutes. A warming technique, moxibustion, and electrical stimulation may be used to strengthen the effect of the needles. Infra-red lamp therapy is placed above the body to improve relaxation and circulation. Magnesium oil and herbal patches may be applied to ease tension and pain.
How many treatments are required?
Generally 8 to 12 treatments are recommended as a course for optimal results. However, it varies from one individual to another. Some may need less while others need more depending on the type of cancer, the cancer treatments applied and the patient’s constitution.
Do the needles hurt?
When the needle is inserted into the skin, there may be a quick sting which goes away soon after it goes past the surface. Then a special needling sensation may be felt as numbness, heaviness or electrical. These are valid sensations to have. Called the ‘arrival of Qi’, this signifies an establishment of a neurological pathway. An energy channel is being stimulated.
Evidence-based Cancer Research Findings of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
- Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy therapies can damage the vital substances, Qi, Blood, Fluids and the organ functions. Patients may experience fatigue, nausea, vomiting, joint pains, hair loss, skin lesions, oedema and immune system decline. TCM may lessen the side effects and toxicities of these therapies and improve the clinical outcome of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. TCM used together with chemotherapy was reported to have significantly increased the survival rates and improved quality of life.
Reference 1: Jie Lu et al. Traditional Chinese medicine and cancer: History, present situation, and development. Thoracic Cancer, National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health. 2015 Jun 16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4567000/
- Acupuncture may reduce the side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea, vomiting, anxiety, fatigue, hot flushes and certain types of pain according to Cancer Council website, New South Wales.
Reference 2: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/living-well/complementary-therapies/body-based-practices/acupuncture/
- Research suggests that the needles stimulate the nervous system and the connective tissues in the body to provide pain relief and relaxation to the body. Numerous studies of acupuncture suggest that acupuncture stimulates the neuroendocrine system involving the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Reference 3: Weidong Lu et al. The Value of Acupuncture in Cancer Care, National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health. 2008 Aug. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2642987/
