Finding Relief Through Acupuncture: Cancer & Chemo

Cancer treatment can involve so much suffering, especially for those receiving chemotherapy. There’s long hours of treatment, nausea, physical side effects such as losing your hair and heavy emotional weight and anxiety.

There can also be great beauty during times like these, when we see what (and who) really matters … when we see past the superficial to the true being inside … when people come together to overcome adversity.

These stories—and there are so many of heroic patients overcoming illness—are so heartwarming. But what breaks my heart as a physician is knowing some of their suffering is avoidable through utilizing Eastern medicine.

Acupuncture is a powerful resource for both treating disease and alleviating cancer-related nausea, pain, numbness and even anxiety. Most of my patients find me after already going through cancer and chemo, and they come to keep their body healthy so that cancer does not return and other ailments can’t take hold. Acupuncture helps cancer patients feel stronger in body, mind and spirit … and helps create hope and give the support many need.

I am proud to be a part of The Sandra J. Wing Healing Therapies Foundation as well as the Tri-Valley Community Foundation and to have volunteered my services to Relay for Life, being of service when and where I can.

There are many fine organizations raising awareness about illness-causing agents and Eastern treatment options. Most recently, I have been corresponding with David Palombo, the National Awareness Coordinator for the Mesothelioma Center (asbestos.com). He writes:

“Acupuncture has been linked to alleviating the nausea associated with chemotherapy and the pain incurred from the constant surgeries that cancer patients undergo. The Mesothelioma Center offers the most comprehensive and current information on asbestos exposure and a complete list of malignant mesothelioma symptoms.”

Their site also points out that when it comes to the treatment of asbestos-related cancers, acupuncture treatments not only relieve pain but make breathing much easier.

We will continue to use this blog to shine a light on patient resources, so feel free to post a comment if you know of something we should spotlight. And if you or someone you love is in pain and suffering from cancer-related treatment, I encourage you to set up a consultation to discuss how Eastern medicine may be able to provide some additional support, healing and relief. It would be an honor to help.