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 Acupuncture: Easing side effects from cancer treatment
If you or a loved one has cancer, you know that side effects from treatment can be very difficult to cope with. What you may not know is that acupuncture may help ease some of the discomfort and pain.
This ancient form of therapy may:
- Reduce nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. Many studies show that acupuncture and related treatments — such as acupressure — offer relief.
- Help reduce pain for cancer patients. In one study, participants who had acupuncture were able to reduce or even stop taking standard pain medicine.
- Boost the immune system during cancer treatment. Some studies show an increase in white blood cell activity, which can help the body fight infections.
Stimulating effect
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Trained professionals use disposable hair-thin metal needles to stimulate specific points on the body. According to TCM, this balances the body’s energy, or qi (pronounced “chee”).
“From a Western point of view, acupuncture stimulates some kind of a neural response — instead of what TCM describes as an energy phenomenon,” says Jeffrey D. White, M.D., director of the Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
“We don’t understand what induces the effect,” Dr. White says. “But, some imaging studies have shown that certain sites in the brain are stimulated by needling specific acupuncture points.”
Safety first
Many people find acupuncture relaxing. Others may feel energized by treatment. Most feel little or no pain. But, improper methods or equipment can cause pain and soreness. It’s important that a practitioner use a new set of disposable needles. Used needles can cause infection. Also, disinfectant should be applied to treatment sites.
Complications are rare and can include:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Bleeding at the site of the needle stick
- Convulsions
- Hepatitis B
- Skin infection
- Nerve damage
“If you’re with an experienced person who is needling areas that are safe, it’s a low risk situation,” says Dr. White. “There’s very low chance of serious side effects.”
That’s why it’s a good idea to check your practitioner’s credentials before you get treatment. Most states require a license. You may want to get a reference from a national group. For example, try the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Visit www.nccaom.org to learn more.
Studies don’t support the use of acupuncture as a treatment for cancer itself. So, don’t rely on it alone or delay or avoid medical care. If you’re considering acupuncture, be sure to talk with your doctor first. Also, to learn more, visit these Web sites:
It’s important to note that it may not be covered by your insurance. So, be sure to check if it’s part of your plan before you are treated.
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Looking for complementary or alternative treatments?
Find out more about alternative therapies at myuhc.com. Click “Health & Wellness,” and type “alternative medicine” into the search box.
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