Support Conventional Cancer Treatment Centers to Approach to Integrated Comprehensive Cancer Care 

At Acupuncture Integrative Oncology Institute, we are dedicated to enhancing the well-being of breast cancer patients through evidence-based acupuncture treatments. Supported by research from the National Cancer Institute and the Society for Integrative Oncology, our therapies effectively address chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, pain management, and hormone therapy side effects such as hot flashes. Our experienced practitioners provide holistic care designed to reduce cancer-related fatigue and improve the overall quality of life. 

 

Acupuncture is a safe and effective complementary therapy for managing many side effects associated with breast cancer treatments, such as pain, nausea, hot flashes, and fatigue. It is not used to treat the cancer itself.

 

Benefits for Breast Cancer Patients

Research and clinical guidelines from institutions like the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) support the use of acupuncture for a variety of treatment-related symptoms:

 

• Nausea and Vomiting Acupuncture is recommended alongside anti-sickness medication to help manage chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

• Pain It can help relieve various types of pain, including musculoskeletal pain and joint stiffness caused by aromatase inhibitors (a type of hormone therapy), post-surgical pain, and general cancer-related pain.

• Hot Flashes Studies have shown that acupuncture significantly reduces the frequency and severity of hot flashes, a common side effect of hormone therapy, and these effects can be long-lasting.

• Fatigue Acupuncture has been found to be an effective treatment for cancer-related fatigue and can improve overall energy levels.

• Neuropathy It can alleviate symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet).

• Anxiety and Sleep Disturbances Acupuncture can improve sleep quality and help manage anxiety and stress associated with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

• Quality of Life Overall, studies indicate that acupuncture can improve the general quality of life for breast cancer patients and survivors.

 

Safety and Considerations

When performed by a qualified, licensed practitioner, acupuncture is generally safe and associated with minimal side effects, such as minor bruising or temporary dizziness.

 

Important Precautions:

1. Consult Your Oncologist Always discuss using any complementary therapy, including acupuncture, with your oncology team first.

2. Find a Qualified Practitioner Seek a practitioner who is fully licensed, in good standing with their state's medical board, and experienced in treating cancer patients. Many NCI-designated cancer centers offer acupuncture services in their integrative medicine departments. You can find certified acupuncturists through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

3. Medical Conditions Certain conditions may require modified protocols or make acupuncture unsafe, such as having an extremely low white blood cell count or taking unmedicated blood thinners.

4. Herbal Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine often incorporates herbal remedies, which may interact with conventional cancer treatments; be sure to disclose all medications and supplements to your medical team and acupuncturist.

 

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