Oncology Support
At Enliven, the importance of maintaining good health and overall well-being informs all my work. Acupuncture is a time-tested and proven therapy that has been used for centuries to alleviate various health issues and promote balance within the body. There has been a growing interest and thus research into acupuncture and how it can help deal with the many chronic conditions that are on the rise in the US.
Within the field of oncology, research has demonstrated that there are multiple symptoms that respond favorably to acupuncture. For people going through the cancer journey it can offer not only relief but a sense of balance.
Here are the main areas with research that suggests the use of acupuncture is beneficial:
- Pain Management: Acupuncture has shown promise in reducing cancer-related pain, including pain associated with tumors, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Some studies have reported that acupuncture can provide pain relief and improve the quality of life for cancer patients. Many insurance companies will cover acupuncture when used for pain.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Acupuncture has been investigated for its potential to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Research suggests that acupuncture may help control these side effects. Many insurance companies will cover acupuncture when used for nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.
- Increased Saliva production for head and neck cancers. This is an exciting arena as studies have used MRI to show increased activity in the areas of the brain associated with saliva production and release with simultaneous increase in oral saliva production.
- Fatigue: Cancer-related fatigue is a common side effect of both the disease and its treatment. Some studies have indicated that acupuncture may help alleviate cancer-related fatigue and improve energy levels.
- Anxiety and Depression: Acupuncture may be beneficial in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in cancer patients. It is often used as part of a holistic approach to address the psychological aspects of cancer and its treatment.
- Hot Flashes: Acupuncture has been explored as a non-pharmacological option for managing hot flashes in breast cancer survivors, particularly those who cannot or do not wish to take hormone replacement therapy.
- Immune Function: Some research suggests that acupuncture may have immunomodulatory effects, potentially supporting the immune system during cancer treatment.
- Quality of Life: Acupuncture may improve overall quality of life for cancer patients by addressing various physical and emotional symptoms associated with the disease and its treatment.
