Acupuncture for the Cancer Patient

Acupuncture provides a valuable complimentary therapy for the reduction of the symptoms and stresses of the cancer patient. In addition to its well known effectiveness at reducing many pain syndromes, reducing insomnia and anxiety and moderating digestive complaints, a great deal of research illustrates the importance of acupuncture in the holistic approach to cancer management:

  • Reduction of nausea and emesis with acupuncture, electroacupuncture and acupressure both on its own, and alongside pharmaceutical anti-emetics
  • Improvement in white blood cell counts in patients receiving chemotherapy
  • Reduction of pain and improvement of mobility in the cancer patient
  • Reduction in radiation-induced xerostomia and related dysphagia
  • Chemotherapy-induced fatigue
  • Reduction of vasomotor symptoms in men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer

Judging from the amount of current research, the list of recognized benefits that acupuncture can provide will continue to increase.

Answers To Frequently Asked Questions:

At the Center, we use the highest quality acupuncture needles. These needles are sterile, single-use only and are hair-thin. Clients rarely feel more than a slight pinch upon insertion, which quickly fades away. Acupuncture sessions are deeply relaxing, and many clients fall asleep during their treatment.

hair-thin needles

We use only sterile, hair thin, single-use needles of the highest quality. Patients experience relaxation and usually fall asleep during treatment.

Our Licensed Acupuncturists

Rebecca Rice and Christopher Reilly use acupuncture to treat patients here at the Center. Rebecca and Chris are both New York State licensed acupuncturists, nationally certified and have developed a reputation for their effective acupuncture-based healing techniques.

After a discussion of your prescribed chemotherapy or radiation schedule or other cancer therapy program, your practitioner will develop an appropriate acupuncture treatment plan that is mutually agreeable.

Naturopathic Medicine in the Management of the Cancer Patient at the Center for Integrative Health and Healing:

In coordination with Dr. Stram, treatment plans are developed for the cancer patient with the goal of enhancing conventional cancer therapies (chemotherapy and radiation) and include:

  • Review of caloric and diet history; establishing individualized nutrition assessment and dietary plans to optimize energy levels and maintain lean body mass

Supplementation therapies including vitamins, herbs and botanicals to:

  • stimulate and increase immune system function
  • encourage cellular repair and regeneration
  • accelerate the process of recovery
  • provide preventative immune support
  • inhibit disease progression
  • enhance treatment efficacy
  • bolster cancer-fighting capacity

Our Special Team Approach to Your Health Care

At the Center, our practitioners have the opportunity to consult with complementary practitioners and medical doctors about your health concerns and the progress you are making. These practitioners are always available to you as well.

We take great pride in our staff’s special team consulting approach to the care of our patients, giving you the best that Integrative Medicine has to offer.

Integrative Medicine

Integrative Medicine, practiced here at The Center, is based on a more caring practitioner-client partnership which incorporates the best of conventional Western medicine with alternative and complementary Eastern therapies resulting in a safer, more natural, whole body approach to stimulate the body’s natural healing potential.

Click here to read about all Cancer Care therapies.

Make An Appointment

Call Nadine or April at The Center at 518.689. 2244 to make an appointment or Click Here to Contact Us by Email.

References

Ezzo J et al. Acupuncture-point stimulation for chemotherapy-induced nausea induced vomiting. J Clin Oncol. 2005 Oct 1; 23(28): 7188-98

Shen et al. Electroacupuncture for control of myeloablative chemotherapy-induced emesis: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2000 Dec 6; 284(21): 2755-61

Matulonis U et al. Randomized trial of acupuncture versus sham control for prevention of myelosuppression in patients with gynecologic malignancies. J Clin Oncol. 2007 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings (Post-Meeting Edition). Vol 25, No 18S (June 20 Supplement). 2007: 19524

Alimi D et al. Analgesic effect of auricular acupuncture for cancer pain: a randomized, blinded, controlled trial. J Clin Oncol. Vol 21, Issue 22 (November), 2003: 4120-4126

He JP et al. Pain -relief and movement improvement by acupuncture after ablation and axillary lymphadenectomy in patients with mammary cancer. Clin Exp Obstet Gyn. 1999; 26(2): 81-4

Johnstone PA et al. Acupuncture for pilocarpine-resistant xerostomia following radiotherapy for head and neck malignancies. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2001 June 1; 50(2): 353-7

Rydholm M, Strang P. Acupuncture for patients in hospital-based home care suffering from xerostomia. J Palliat Care. 1999 Winter; 15(4): 20-3

Blom M et al. Acupuncture treatment of patients with radiation-induced xerostomia. Eur J Cancer B Oral Oncol. 1996 May; 32B(3): 182-90

Vickers AJ et al. Acupuncture for post chemotherapy fatigue: a phase II study. J Clin Oncol. 2004 May 1; 22(9): 1731-35

Hammar M. et al. Acupuncture treatment of vasomotor symptoms in men with prostatic carcinoma: a pilot study. J Urol. 1999 March; 161(3): 853-6

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