6/6 National Cancer Survivors Day, Let's Talk About How Can We Help

Archive note: This article discusses National Cancer Survivors Day on June 6, 2021.

Clinical context: Acupuncture may be considered as supportive care for selected symptoms alongside oncology care. It does not treat or cure cancer. Treatment and herbal-product decisions should be coordinated with the oncology team.

This National Cancer Survivors Day article from 2021 explores acupuncture in cancer supportive care, with sections on pain, fatigue, hot flashes, nausea, sleep and other concerns patients may wish to discuss. Read on for the article’s symptom guide, research discussion and appointment information at Balance Art Acupuncture in Vienna, Virginia.

Can Acupuncture Help Cancer Survivors?

The answer is yes!

Acupuncture can reduce joint pain caused by drugs called aromatase inhibitors, according to results from a large, rigorous study of this approach in postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer, also acupuncture has been shown to help relieve fatigue, hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, and pain.

Acupuncture has received much attention as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatments for its use in pain relief, reducing side effects, accelerating recovery and improving overall quality of life.

Balance Art Acupuncture offers a nature and holistic therapies to help patients manage cancer and support cancer treatment. This includes acupuncture, herbal supplement, which is used to help cancer patients manage:

• Pain

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fatigue

• Hot flashes

• Dry mouth

• Peripheral neuropathy (pain, numbness or weakness, often in the hands or feet)

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Sleep problems

• Bowel and digestive issue

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the body’s immune system and to encourage the release of pain-relieving endorphins, among other effects, according to information on the National Cancer Institute website. In cancer treatment, it is often a complementary therapy, used in addition to standard treatments.

Is acupuncture safe and effective?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of sterile, single-use acupuncture needles by licensed practitioners in 1996.

According to the National Cancer Institute, clinical trials have found evidence that acupuncture helps some side effects of cancer treatment. So far, studies have found:

• Acupuncture is safe.

• Acupuncture improves immune response.

• Acupuncture relieves pain, fatigue, hot flashes, dry mouth, depression, anxiety and other ailments.

• Acupuncture improves sleep.

• Acupuncture increases nerve function for patients with peripheral neuropathy.

• Acupuncture shows significant evidence of relieving nausea, vomiting and digestive symptoms caused by chemotherapy.

If you’re suffering from cancer that has been destroying your life, now is the time to start planning your journey with acupuncture. If you have questions or need help, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@balancearttcm.com or give us a call at (703)268-5558. As always, we are more than happy to help you.

To schedule a consultation: Book Appointment Online

This article is educational. Care is individualized, and acupuncture does not replace appropriate medical evaluation or treatment.

Balance Art Acupuncture is located in Vienna, Virginia, and welcomes patients from Reston, Tysons Corner, McLean, Fairfax, Falls Church, Arlington, Great Falls and Chantilly in Northern Virginia, as well as Potomac and Bethesda in Maryland, Washington, DC, and surrounding communities.