Acupuncture and Cancer Treatment
Keep your cancer symptoms at bay with acupuncture
Studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce many of your side effects, both physical and emotional, that occur during treatment and into survivorship. This can improve quality of life and help keep treatment on track.
For many people cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy, can cause such intense side effects that they are forced to slow or take a break from treatment, potentially allowing the cancer time to grow or spread. Acupuncture has been shown to help treat and manage many of the side effects associated with cancer treatment, including:
- chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)
- pain
- chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)
- hot flashes
- dry mouth
- stress and anxiety
- fatigue
What to expect at your first acupuncture appointment.
Your first appointment can be anywhere from one hour to one-and-a-half hours long. Follow-ups range from 45 minutes to an hour. Your acupuncturist starts by discussing your history and lifestyle, as well as your personal health goals. We are concerned about the wellness of your whole being, not just your cancer diagnosis. You may answer questions related to things such as your sleeping habits, diet, and emotions.
Your acupuncturist may also take your pulse and examine your tongue. These tools can help them gain a better understanding of the overall health of your body. Once paired with your medical history, they will be able to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
Do not fear acupuncture needles!
The average needle used in acupuncture is only the size of three human hairs. Many acupuncture needles can fit within an average hypodermic one. During needling, you may experience a variety of unique sensations and once they have been placed, patients often begin to relax or even fall asleep.
Henry Ford’s Center for Integrative Medicine acupuncturists are highly qualified and board certified. We additionally staff some of the few Doctors of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) in the state of Michigan, including a specialist in supportive oncology.
Schedule an acupuncture treatment at one of our convenient locations near you. Call (833) 246-4347 today.