Supportive Acupuncture Care During 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 occur during treatment, immediately after, or days to weeks later. Most side effects generally ease within a few weeks to two months after treatment ends, as healthy cells recover. Some late side effects can appear months or years later, and if radiation doses were high, some effects may last a long time.

In general, the side effects of radiation therapy 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 is believed to support the body’s natural healing process by helping to restore balanced energy flow.

Research suggests acupuncture may help relieve certain symptoms related to 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
• lymphedema
• ileus
• sleep problems
• cough
• constipation

Some people also find that acupuncture helps them feel more relaxed and improves their sense of well-being.

Acupuncture can begin before chemotherapy or radiation therapy starts, and may also be given between treatment sessions. Starting early may help reduce the severity of side effects and support recovery.

A note on safety: if you are currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, please share your treatment schedule and recent blood test results (such as platelet or white blood cell counts) with us before your session, so your treatment can be planned safely.