Cancer affects a large percentage of the U.S. population. Many of us have either battled it ourselves or know someone who has. Although it may sound like a monolithic disease, cancer can be unique from each situation to the next according to the type of cancer involved and the stage at which it is diagnosed. Typically, it involves what the Mayo Clinic calls “the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue.” And cancer can metastasize, spreading to other systems in the body, if it is not caught in time.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be frightening experience, and the journey to recovery is often long and arduous. But there are many therapies available, including acupuncture treatment, that can help alleviate many of the most painful aspects of the disease as well as the after-effects of surgery and chemotherapy. Acupuncture in particular is well suited to provide individualized treatment for the specific ailments from which a cancer patient may suffer.
Chief among the cancer-related symptoms that patients often experience are vomiting and nausea; acupuncture can help reduce their frequency and severity. Acupuncture can also control pain and boost the immune system’s response, which is especially important during a time of healing and recovery. Because of these benefits, acupuncture treatments can also sometimes reduce the need for chemical therapies and other medications that would otherwise be prescribed.
It is not uncommon for cancer patients to experience depression, anxiety, fear, stress, or insomnia. Fatigue is also a frequent complaint. These are all ailments that acupuncture is well suited to treat, as it restores the proper flow of energy throughout the body by promoting better circulation, lowering your heart rate, and relaxing you through the release of endorphins. This can have the effect of improving your mood and overall sense of well-being, making it easier for you to find balance and serenity while undergoing treatment.
More people are beginning to include acupuncture as part of their cancer care plan. Many hospitals now house acupuncturists in their oncology departments, for example, and we treat cancer patients here at Rivertown Acupuncture as well. If you or a loved one has cancer, it may be worth your while to discover how acupuncture can help treat your symptoms, boost your energy, and give you the positive outlook you need to make a strong recovery.
