Acupuncture Can Help Reduce the Side Effects of Cancer Treatments

Treatment for cancer is essential to combat the disease, but it can come with a slew of uncomfortable side effects that negatively affect your quality of life.  From nausea and fatigue to pain and emotional distress, these challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. 

Cancer care’s goals are to fight the disease and help patients cope with treatment. Acupuncture stands out as a powerful tool in cancer care because it helps you manage side effects and boosts overall well-being. 

While there are many supportive therapies available for those going through cancer treatment, acupuncture stands out as a gentle yet powerful option when it comes to addressing these side effects. At Minnesota Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Kierstin Beaman, DACM, uses acupuncture to offer relief and support to cancer patients undergoing treatment. 

Read on to learn more about how acupuncture can help you or a loved one going through cancer treatment.

Understanding the challenges of cancer treatment

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery take a toll on the body, triggering a range of adverse effects. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, while fatigue and pain can persist throughout various stages of treatment. 

Emotional distress, including anxiety and depression, add to the physical burden, making cancer treatment a difficult, albeit necessary, process.

How acupuncture can help

Acupuncture, a healing technique rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote balance. 

Acupuncture is believed to trigger the release of endorphins and other neurochemicals, which can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation.

The specific ways in which acupuncture eases cancer treatment side effects include:

Helping with nausea and vomiting

Acupuncture can help alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. By targeting specific points on the body associated with the digestive system and nausea relief, acupuncture can provide significant relief for patients experiencing these troublesome and uncomfortable symptoms. 

Reducing pain and overall discomfort

Acupuncture can be effective in reducing pain and discomfort associated with cancer treatments and the disease itself. By targeting points related to pain relief and relaxation, acupuncture treatments can help soothe sore muscles, alleviate joint pain, and improve overall comfort levels for patients undergoing treatment.

Boosting energy and a sense of well-being

Fatigue is a common complaint among cancer patients, and it can linger long after treatment ends. Acupuncture offers a natural way to boost energy levels and promote overall well-being by addressing underlying imbalances in the body's energy system. Through the stimulation of key acupuncture points associated with vitality and rejuvenation, Dr. Beaman can help combat fatigue and restore a sense of balance and vitality to cancer patients' lives.

Providing support for emotional health

Cancer diagnosis and treatment can take a significant toll on your emotional well-being. Patients often suffer from feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. As many as one in three people who get a cancer diagnosis experience emotional distress as a result. 

Acupuncture has calming and grounding effects that can offer much-needed emotional support to help patients cope with the psychological challenges of their journey. 

If you or a loved one is undergoing treatment for cancer, consider acupuncture as a complementary treatment. As part of a comprehensive supportive care plan, acupuncture can provide invaluable relief, helping you achieve greater comfort, resilience, and hope despite your diagnosis. 

Call Minnesota Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture at 651-272-7998, or book an appointment online today.