By Dr. Naomi E. Campbell, L.Ac., D.A.C.M., March 2024
Acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine are increasingly being used in conjunction with conventional western medicine treatments to treat a wide-range of symptoms associated with cancer. Acupuncture in particular has received much attention for its use in cancer-related pain, neuropathy, fatigue, lymphedema, and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
In cancer patients, acupuncture has been recommended by the American Cancer Society (ACS) for the treatment of cancer and treatment-related symptoms. Pain, nausea, breathlessness, vasomotor symptoms and limb edema have all been found to respond effectively to this treatment modality.
Acupuncture also acts against carcinogens, factors attributable to cancer development, through its ability to reduce stress and enhance immune function.(1) Many cancer centers across the world have begun incorporating acupuncture and other forms of complementary medicine for treating cancer-related symptoms such as pain, nausea, and neuropathy.(2)
Conventional Treatment
Common cancer therapies include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy. While surgery involves the physical removal of tumors, other treatments such as chemotherapy work on inhibiting cell growth and multiplication of cancer cells. These conventional therapies are critical components for a patient’s survival, however often lead to unwanted side-effects for patients such as pain, nausea, fatigue, lymphedema and neuropathy.
Chemotherapy drugs are toxic to both cancer cells and healthy cells, and can cause mild to severe bouts of various symptoms. Hormonal drugs that are used in the treatment of breast cancer, such as tamoxifen, have also been shown to lead to unpleasant side-effects.(3) Complementary care has an important role to play in the mitigation of side-effects associated with western medical treatments for cancer.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is a comprehensive medical system developed over three thousand years ago. The modalities of TCM include acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tuina massage, Guasha, nutrition, lifestyle counseling, and physical exercise (such as Tai Qi and Qi Gong).
The earliest drawings of tumors have been found on turtle shells and "oracle bones" from the eleventh century B.C. Texts dating from 200 B.C. have detailed descriptions of the quality of tumors and their cause. Similar to conventional western medicine, TCM attributes cancer to one or a combination of factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment.
In Chinese Medicine theory, cancer would be an accumulation of external or internal factors that create disharmony in the normal functioning of the body, and combine to produce a diseased state. In ancient texts, it was believed that factors such as extreme cold and intense sadness could also lead to unhealthy conditions such as cancer.(4)
When treating patients, the TCM physician takes a complete analysis of the patient and considers such things as musculoskeletal abnormalities, energy level, body temperature, complexion, sleep, appetite, diet, digestive functioning, emotions, and lifestyle. The physician then selects a group of acupuncture points according to the individual patients needs and patterns of disharmony.
The patient will also be prescribed specific lifestyle, nutritional, and supplemental recommendations. This holistic approach to healing can help the patient to recover and heal synergistically, bringing the body back into it’s natural state of health and harmony.
Acupuncture Benefits for Cancer patients
The insertion of hair-fine, sterile, and disposable needles into the subcutaneous layers of the skin can have profound influences on several regulatory systems.
From a TCM perspective, acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body where energy (“Qi”) collects and flows through the meridians, thereby regulating the overall flow of energy so that the body can return to a state of balance and health.
From a western paradigm, acupuncture works through different physiological mechanisms. Foremost, through the release of neurochemicals and regulation of the vagus nerve, acupuncture induces a state of deep calm and relaxation which alleviates both physical and emotional tensions.
Additionally, acupuncture increases nerve impulses, improves blood flow, and stimulates the release of neurotransmitters to promote a reduction in pain, neuropathy and lymphedema. Acupuncture has neurophysiological affects that can release pain-reducing endorphins and impact the metabolism of serotonin, which improves both pain perception and mood, blood circulation and immune function.(4)
Acupuncture specifically works to relieve nausea by releasing chemicals that control the vomiting center in the brain as well as decreasing acid secretion and inhibiting abnormal gastric contractions.(7) A study by Aldridge (2001) on a series of 40 breast cancer patients, found that acupuncture could reduce nausea and vomiting following surgery and significantly reduce post-operative pain.(6) For advanced stages of cancer, acupuncture can be used in conjunction with other forms of palliative care to significantly reduce the sensation of pain.(5)
Conclusion
The current western medical model is based on a paradigm of reductionism, where the patient is reduced to the sum of their body parts. This means that when treating a patient, there is an inclination to deal with the parts rather than the whole.
Furthermore, the focus in western health care system is in large part based on treatment rather than prevention. While these views have their place, a more pronounced shift towards prevention, treating the whole person, and allowing an individual's natural healing abilities to take part in the healing process is necessary if we desire to promote true healing after cancer treatment.
Acupuncture is a proven, safe, and highly effective complementary therapy for cancer-related pain, neuropathy, emotional imbalances, nausea, and decreased immunity arising from conventional treatments. The integration of complementary medicine with conventional western medicine treatments can make a significant difference in the quality of life & health of cancer patients.
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"Alas! The way of healing is so profound. It is deep as the oceans and boundless as the skies. How many truly know it?"-Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine).(8)
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References
Samuels N. [Acupuncture for cancer patients: why not?]. Harefuah. 2002 Jul;141(7):608-10, 666. Hebrew. PMID: 12187559.
Johnstone PA, Polston GR, Niemtzow RC, Martin PJ. Integration of acupuncture into the oncology clinic. Palliat Med. 2002 May;16(3):235-9. doi: 10.1191/0269216302pm540oa. PMID: 12047000.
Tierney LM, McPhee SJ, Papdakis MA (2004) Current medical diagnosis and treatment 2004. 43rd ed. NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies Incorporated.
Gordon JS, Curtin S (2000) Comprehensive cancer care: integrating alternative, complementary, and conventional therapies. NY: Persus Publishing.
Mak E. Acupuncture in Cancer Treatment. https://annarborholistichealth.com/2015-4-9-acupuncture-in-cancer-treatment/
Li H, Schlaeger JM, Jang MK, Lin Y, Park C, Liu T, Sun M, Doorenbos AZ. Acupuncture Improves Multiple Treatment-Related Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2021 Dec;27(12):1084-1097. doi: 10.1089/acm.2021.0133. Epub 2021 Aug 27. PMID: 34449251; PMCID: PMC8713255.
Samuels N. [Acupuncture for nausea: how does it work?]. Harefuah. 2003 Apr;142(4):297-300, 316. Hebrew. PMID: 12754882.
Ni M (1995) The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine: A New Translation of the Neijing Suwen with Commentary. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, Inc.
Author: Dr. Naomi E. Campbell L.Ac, D.A.C.M.
Balance Acupuncture LLC
Charleston, SC
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