(content from CNN)

 

Acupuncture – A complementary treatment for cancer patients

Alfred Man, R.TCMP, R.Ac

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which treats patients using the insertion of very thin and sterilized needles into specific points on the body. According to TCM theory, a network of vital energy or Qi/Chi circulates throughout the body along various pathways or meridians. The Qi flows like an electric current, with different meridians regulating different internal organs of the body such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. Acupuncture points are located along the meridians, and the technique offers a powerful way to restore imbalances in the Qi.

When the Qi is obstructed due to a variety of internal and/or environmental factors such as emotional stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, external trauma, environmental pollution, substance abuse, etc., negative symptoms begin to appear.  Acupuncture treatment involves accessing the Qi by needling certain access points. This increases the flow of Qi, gradually removing the obstruction and restoring the body to a healthy state.

The role of acupuncture in cancer treatment

Acupuncture has been recognised as an excellent complementary treatment for cancer patients by the World Health Organization, and other Cancer Institutes and agencies in North America, Europe, and Asia. It is not a replacement for traditional Western treatment, but will complement these treatment methodologies.  Acupuncture treatment is expected to improve a patient’s immune response, which can accelerate surgical recovery, make chemotherapy and radiation treatment more effective, and help patients better withstand the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation exposure.

By minimizing standard of care side-effects, acupuncture treatment can contribute to a patient’s emotional stability and help them feel more confident about their battle with cancer.  Studies have shown that early acupuncture treatment can better prepare patients for standard of care treatment and helps to overcome some of the aggressive side-effects, hence enabling them to continue and complete the treatment in a more satisfactory manner.  The following paragraphs highlight some of the key benefits offered by acupuncture.

 

Boosts the immune response

Studies have shown that acupuncture stimulates a significant increase in the production of several types of cytokines, interferons, white blood cells, red blood cells, and NK- cells. It minimizes immune system and bone marrow suppression due to chemotherapy and radiation. In addition, it restores weakened immune functions and strengthens internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, and spleen.

Overcomes fatigue

Lethargy is one of the most common complaints for patients undergoing cancer treatment(s).  Acupuncture helps to rebalance the distribution of physical and mental energy, and unblocks the Qi to boost one’s overall energy level.

Reduces stress

Being diagnosed with cancer is an extremely traumatic experience.  Patients experience sleeplessness, constant anxiety and distress, and more.  Acupuncture can help patients to feel more relaxed and in control of their emotional state, which leads to a more optimistic outlook towards their recovery.

Controls pain

Morphine-based pain killers are very effective at minimizing physical pain. However, they also come with some unpleasant side-effects such as constipation, nausea, drowsiness, and even confusion. Acupuncture can be used to stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary center, which then activates the release of endorphins, a natural pain killer, to reduce the level of pain. As a result, the need for artificial pain-killers is reduced.

Improves quality of life

Acupuncture rebalances the yin and the yang of the body, creating harmony between the mind and the body.  By rebalancing the yin-yang, the negative side-effects of standard cancer treatments such as nausea, poor appetite, having a dry mouth, chemo-induced neuropathy can be eliminated or mitigated.  Patients will experience an improved sense of well-being, which will aid them in persisting to a successful conclusion of their treatment.

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