Acupuncture has received much attention as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatments for its use in pain relief, reducing side effects, accelerating recovery and improving quality of life. It can be used to address many of the concerns that come up during and after chemotherapy, radiation, biological therapy and surgery. Studies have shown that, for many patients, treatment with acupuncture either relieves symptoms or keeps them from getting worse.

Acupuncture successfully helps:

• Ease nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth, night sweats and hot flashes
• Stress, anxiety and fatigue
• Pain management
• Boost the immune system and increase white blood cell count

Ease Nausea and Vomiting

The effect of acupuncture on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting has been studied over the past 20 years, and clinical evidence gathered to date has been favorable. Current practice guidelines recommend acupuncture as a complementary therapy for uncontrolled nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy

Peripheral Neuropathy

Studies have suggested that acupuncture is safe and effective treatment for peripheral neuropathy. A side effect of chemotherapy, peripheral neuropathy is the uncomfortable sensation of “pins and needles” or burning pain (especially at night) in the hands or feet. This is caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system, which transmits information from the brain and spinal cord to every other part of the body.

Pain Management

In clinical studies, acupuncture reduced the amount of pain in some cancer patients. In one study, most of the patients treated with acupuncture were able to stop taking drugs for pain relief or to take smaller doses.

If you need support for the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation or recent surgery, please call (512) 338-8810 or contact us to schedule your appointment with Karen.