Cancer treatments often cause pain and uncomfortable side effects that can last well beyond the final treatment. To manage that, many people try to use acupuncture, a method of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a support treatment.
Relieving the side effects of cancer treatment
According to the National Cancer Institute, studies show acupuncture can relieve a wide range of symptoms associated with cancer treatments, including:
- Dry mouth, Dry eyes, Dry skin caused by radiation therapy.
- Fatigue, Anxiety, and Low immunity are common in many cancer patients and are often a side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
- Hot flashes associated with hormone therapy.
- Nausea, vomiting, and other GI symptoms, such as constipation or diarrhea, are caused by chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.
- Pain, including post-operative pain and muscle and joint pain from hormone therapy.
- Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of chemotherapy that causes pain, numbness, tingling, burning sensation in the extremities, and muscle weakness.
- Boost Immune Functions
Radiation and chemotherapy kill tumor cells and, at the same time, damage the body’s healthy cells. Using acupuncture will regulate and strengthen internal organs function, build up the body’s immune ability, promote the good cells to fight against cancer cells, and help the body heal and recover.