Cancer Care
How Can Acupuncture Help Me?
Currently one in three people are likely to contract cancer in their lifetime. However cancer is not a single disease with a single cause or type of treatment - there are over 300 different malignancies, each with its own unique presentation. Conventional treatment methods are diverse, using various chemotherapy drugs, hormonal injections and several types of high energy radiation systems. Acupuncture is useful in all stages of cancer and can be used alongside conventional treatments, to minimise the side-effects and reduce the likelihood of recurrence in early stages, and then to promote health, improve quality of life and prolong life.
Focus of Treatment for Cancer Care:
1. Symptoms and side-effects: Acupuncture is well-known as a powerful tool for pain control. It is also used in reducing the side-effects of chemo- & radiation therapy such as nausea, constipation, breathlessness, hot flushes & sweats and limb oedema. In some cases, patients may be able to reduce the dosage of pain medication leading to further reduction in side-effects.
2. Strengthening the immune system: The body's first line of defence is the immune system - acupuncture can help to restore the immune system to combat the ravages of both the cancer and the toxicity of the various treatment protocols.
3. Provide emotional/spiritual strength. Acupuncture can help to put the patient "in a better place" by inducing a deep state of calm and relaxation, helping to alleviate physical and emotional tensions.
What Will Happen On My First Visit?
At your first consultation, the acupuncturist needs to assess your general state of health. You will be asked about your current symptoms and treatment you are receiving for your cancer, your medical history, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns, emotional state and so on. This enables the acupuncturist to build up a holistic picture of who you are, from which your symptoms can be put into context in order to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony of the cancer (in Chinese medical terms) and hence give you the most effective treatment. The acupuncturist will use a number of techniques to assess how the energy is flowing in your body, including feeling your pulses on both wrists, noting their quality, rhythm and strength. The structure, colour and coating of your tongue also gives a good guide to your physical health.
What Does It Feel Like?
Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to those used in injections and blood tests. They are much finer (typically 0.2mm) and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation can be described as a tingling or a dull ache and is momentary. During treatment, patients commonly feel a pleasant feeling of relaxation.
How Often Will I Need Treatment?
Each person is unique, and therefore the number of treatments required depends on the individual. Some change is usually felt after four to five treatments, which are normally given weekly to begin with. Sometimes the effects of treatment are dramatic, and only one or two treatments are required. With other patients, the effects are more subtle and they may need treatment over several months.
Should My Doctor Know?
Many hospitals and surgeries support the use of acupuncture for cancer care and so you should tell your doctor you are planning to receive acupuncture treatment. The acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but your doctor should be consulted first regarding any change of prescription.