Cancer is defined as a disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably thus destroying body tissue. Some of the most common types of this disease include lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancer as well as melanoma, leukemia, lymphoma, and basal cell cancer. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States and for both males and females; there is a 1 in 3 chance that you will develop any kind of cancer in your lifetime.

It’s important to know that there are many treatments available to help cure cancer, slow it from spreading, relieve its symptoms and help you live a healthier life.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have been used for thousands of years to treat many conditions. Acupuncture treatment can safely be used to naturally support your body and mind as you undergo conventional cancer treatment.

A highly trained licensed acupuncturist can help support your cancer treatment. There are many factors, including the type and stage (how far it has spread) of the cancer that effect your overall health. Understanding your treatment plan and its potential side effects are very important to the overall treatment success.

As acupuncture is found to be more effective than usual or standard care, it is a key component in helping to decrease pain, which is the most challenging clinical problems in oncology care. Pain affects individuals with advanced cancers and even some survivors. According to the Cochrane Review, “ Forty percent of individuals with early or intermediate stage cancer and 90% with advanced cancer have moderate to severe pain and up to 70% of patients with cancer pain do not receive adequate pain relief.” So why continue to be in pain? Acupuncture can aid in pain management in several different areas.

 

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help play a significant role in the recovery process. The Acupuncturist will work with the patients to best manage the medication side effects and overall well-being. The acupuncturist will create a plan based on the patient’s specific needs throughout the treatment and adjust accordingly, in conjunction with their medical doctor.