Acupuncture EASES the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

Here are some of the more common side effects caused by chemotherapy:

• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Infection
• Anemia (low red blood cell counts)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Appetite changes
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Mouth, tongue, and throat problems such as sores and pain with swallowing
• Nerve and muscle problems such as numbness, tingling, and pain
• Skin and nail changes such as dry skin and color change
• Urine and bladder changes and kidney problems
• Weight changes
• Chemo brain, which can affect concentration and focus
• Mood changes
• Changes in libido and sexual function
• Fertility problems

Side effects can happen any time during, immediately after or a few days or weeks after radiation therapy. Most side effects generally go away within a few weeks to 2 months of finishing treatment. But some side effects may continue after treatment is over because it takes time for healthy cells to recover from the effects of radiation therapy. Late side effects can happen months or years after treatment. If doses of radiation are high enough, some cells may not be able to repair themselves. As a result, some side effects may last a long time or be permanent.

In general, the side effects of radiation therapy will depend on:

• the type of radiation therapy
• the part of your body being treated
• the amount (dose) of radiation and treatment schedule
• your overall health

Here are some of the most common side effects 

• skin problems: rash,dry or itchy. It may change color (become darker or tanned looking)
• hair loss
• swelling of the brain (increased intracranial pressure)
• seizures
• earaches or difficulty hearing if the ear is in the treatment area
• headaches
• nausea and vomiting
• loss of appetite

Acupuncture could initial self healing process. When the energy flow was altered,it would restore or optimize good health. 

Researches show acupuncture could reduce some symptoms from chemotherapy or radiation therapy such as  

• tiredness and weakness (fatigue)
• vomiting and nausea
• a dry mouth (radiation-induced xerostomia)
• breathlessness
• hot flushes 
• cancer related pains 
• chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
• chemotherapy-related neutropenia
• lymphedema
• ileus
• sleep problems
• cough
• constipation

Some people also say that acupuncture helps them feel relaxed and improves their feeling of wellbeing.

The acupuncture treatment could start before the chemotherapy or radiation therapy starts.  The prior acupuncture treatment could help to prevent and reduce the degree of side effects.

Acupuncture can also apply between sessions of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.