Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy save lives, but those necessary interventions often lead to debilitating side effects. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce nausea, pain and lymphedema, as well as vasomotor symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats, that often follow that care. Herbal and dietary therapies may also be recommended and support the vitality necessary for fighting and preventing cancer.
Relatively recent research supports the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine as a safe and effective way to treat the side-effects of radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. Specifically, studies show acupuncture is especially helpful in addressing:
- Pain associated with cancer
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and the weight loss that often follows
- Hot flashes, night sweats, and other vasomotor symptoms
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Lymphedema
We’ve also learned more about what effects acupuncture has. We now know that acupuncture:
- Increases the number of T-lymphocytes in peripheral blood
- Enhances platelet count and prevents leukocyte depletion from chemotherapy
- Mediates the anti-inflammatory effects of neuropeptides and cytokines
- Increases the activity of natural killer (NK) cells
- Increases phagocytosis of leukocytes
- Mediates analgesia through opioid peptide release
We still don’t understand exactly how acupuncture does all of the above but blood samples taken before, during and after acupuncture clearly show each.
Herbal medicine, dietary therapy and nutraceuticals like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) from green tea, curcumin from turmeric, DIM (diindolymethane) from cruciferous vegetables and resveratrol from grape skin, can all be very helpful in preventing the recurrence of cancer. Different types of cancer respond to different herbs, foods and nutraceuticals. We work with you to develop a dietary and herbal approach that works to support a robust immune system and vibrant overall health.
