Going through cancer treatment is one of the most demanding experiences a person can face. While chemotherapy and radiation are doing the important work of fighting cancer, the side effects — nausea, fatigue, pain, and emotional distress — can make each day feel like an uphill battle.
That’s where integrative care comes in. Increasingly, oncologists at major medical centers are recommending acupuncture as a supportive therapy alongside conventional cancer treatment.
The Science Behind It
Acupuncture has been recognized as an effective treatment for chemotherapy-related nausea, and is now offered at many leading cancer centers. A specific acupoint on the lower arm — known as PC6 — has been identified as particularly effective for reducing nausea and vomiting related to cancer treatment.
Beyond nausea, one of the most significant — and least talked about — benefits of acupuncture for cancer patients is relief from cancer-related fatigue. This isn’t just ordinary tiredness; cancer-related fatigue is a deep, often debilitating exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest and is notoriously resistant to treatment. Multiple systematic reviews now support acupuncture as an effective treatment option.
While managing cancer, Acupuncture also helps with:
- Treatment-related pain — including joint pain from hormone-blocking therapies like aromatase inhibitors used in breast cancer treatment
- Stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm — by calming the nervous system
- Sleep disruption — a near-universal challenge during cancer treatment
A Safe, Gentle Support
Acupuncture is a non-invasive, drug-free therapy that doesn’t interfere with cancer treatments. It’s gentle, it requires no recovery time, and for many patients it becomes one of the few hours of the week where they feel calm and cared for.
You’re already doing the hard work. Let us help make it a little more bearable. Our providers have been caring for people undergoing cancer treatment for decades and are well equipped to walk you through this process.
Contact us to learn how we support cancer patients through treatment.
Whether you’re new to Jennum O’Hara Acupuncture or have been in our care for years, this welcome packet has useful information for how to get the most out of your treatments with us.
Keep this to refer back to when a new symptom arises or you receive an unfamiliar treatment.
As always, reach out to us with any questions or concerns!