Acupuncture

There are various types of acupuncture, but the most common practiced in the United States is a TCM-style acupuncture. This type of acupuncture has been found to be effective for the treatment of chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, peripheral neuropathy, joint pain related to estrogen-blocking medicine, as well as pain and fatigue.

Consider acupuncture for:

• Chemotherapy-related nausea-vomiting
• Post-operative nausea and vomiting
• Joint Pain (related to estrogen-blocking medicine)
• Pain (Cancer, postoperative)
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Fatigue (post-chemo)
• Anxiety
• Irregular bowels
• Hiccups
• Insomnia
• Lymphedema
• Improving vitality
• Radiation induced dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Improved chemotherapy side effects
• Hot flashes

How does it work?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture helps to balance “qi” or “chi.” Qi refers to the energy flow in your body. This energy is sometimes blocked in parts of your body.  Western (allopathic) medicine has not been able to determine the nature of how acupuncture works in the body, though there are theories that it may stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue.

Safety

Acupuncture is generally safe. The risks of acupuncture are low if you have a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner using sterile needles. Minor bruising, or rarely minor bleeding, can sometimes happen where the needle is put in. Sometimes the needles can hurt a little bit when they are put in, but most times it does not hurt at all.

Be cautious using acupuncture if:

• You have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner.
• You have a pacemaker and the practitioner uses acupuncture with electrical pulses.
• You are pregnant: Some types of acupuncture might stimulate labor.

Find a practitioner

Different types of health professionals can be trained to do acupuncture. Some are medical doctors (MDs), some are licensed acupuncturists, and some are naturopathic physicians or Oriental Medical doctors (OMDs). Talk to your primary health care provider to find someone in your area. If your cancer center does not provide acupuncture, or individual treatments are out of reach financially—look for community acupuncture and acupuncture schools that offer acupuncture treatments at more affordable rates.

Chinese herbs are often prescribed in combinations or formulas that include several different plants. The herbal formulas are sometimes in pill or tincture forms, and other times patients are asked to brew the dried herbs at home and drink as teas. Most Chinese herbs, like most botanicals, have not been studied with conventional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some cancer centers or communities may have TCM practitioners who work closely with oncology physicians and are knowledgeable about drug interactions and Chinese herbs. It is recommended that before using Chinese herbs during the active phase of cancer treatment, you speak with all of your providers and ask for referral to a trusted Traditional Chinese or integrative provider to discuss safety and efficacy. Additionally, some Chinese herbal formulas have been found to be tainted with ingredients not on the label, such as heavy metals or pharmaceutical medications. Look for companies that are following Good Manufacturing Practices (usually labeled GMP) to ensure quality.