Being part of the cancer treatment team at Central Vermont Medical Center is truly an honor. Cancer of any form at any stage is a challenging diagnosis for most people. The staff at our local treatment center values complementary therapies such as acupuncture for cancer care, as well as massage therapy (and others) as supportive tools to help manage anxiety, fatigue, pain, or any other symptom that may come up from the disease or the treatment process.
Because of my particular interest in supporting these patients, I’ve undergone various training in using acupuncture in oncology care. One program that I’ve learned a lot from is TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Academy, which runs the world’s most comprehensive Oncology Acupuncture online program. Recently the academy posted this list of “10 Reasons Why Acupuncture is Good for Treating Cancer Patients” which they’ve given me permission to share here:
10 Reasons Why Acupuncture is Good for Treating Cancer Patients
By TCM Academy Oncology Acupuncture Team
Acupuncture is a safe and effective form of treatment for cancer patients. This ancient healing practice has been used for centuries to support the health and well-being of individuals facing a variety of health conditions, including cancer.
Here are 10 reasons why acupuncture is good for treating cancer patients:
- Acupuncture can help alleviate the side effects of Western treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. It can help reduce nausea, fatigue, and pain, and improve overall quality of life.
- Acupuncture can boost the immune system, which is crucial for cancer patients. By improving immunity, acupuncture can help the body fight off infection and illness, and support the healing process.
- Acupuncture can reduce inflammation in the body, which is a common problem for cancer patients. Inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms, and can interfere with the body’s ability to heal. Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health and well-being.
- Acupuncture can improve circulation, which is essential for cancer patients. By increasing blood flow, acupuncture can help deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells, support the healing process, and reduce the risk of complications.
- Acupuncture can promote relaxation and reduce stress, which are important for cancer patients. Stress can interfere with the immune system and make it more difficult for the body to heal. Acupuncture can help patients relax and cope with the challenges of cancer treatment.
- Acupuncture can improve sleep, which is crucial for cancer patients. Sleep is essential for the body to repair and regenerate, and is important for overall health and well-being. Acupuncture can help patients fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly.
- Acupuncture can help with emotional and psychological issues, which are common for cancer patients. The stress and uncertainty of cancer can cause anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. Acupuncture can help patients cope with these issues and improve their overall mental health.
- Acupuncture is a safe and gentle form of treatment, which is important for cancer patients. Many cancer patients are sensitive to medications and other treatments, and may be at risk of complications. Acupuncture is a low-risk form of care that is well-tolerated by most patients.
- Acupuncture can be customized to meet the individual needs of each cancer patient. Acupuncture practitioners are trained to assess the unique needs of each patient and tailor their treatment accordingly. This personalized approach can help ensure that patients receive the most effective care possible.
- Provide a holistic approach to cancer care. By incorporating acupuncture into a comprehensive treatment plan, patients can benefit from the best of both worlds and maximize their chances of recovery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, acupuncture is a valuable tool for treating cancer patients. It can help alleviate the side effects of Western treatments, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health and well-being. By offering a safe, gentle, and personalized approach to care, acupuncture can play a valuable role in supporting cancer patients on their journey to recovery.
Disclaimer
Acupuncture is a wonderful complementary therapy for cancer patients, but it is not a cure and should not be considered a replacement for Western medical treatment.