Enhancing Cancer Care: How Integrative Oncology Support Can Improve Quality of Life

A cancer diagnosis affects more than just the body. It impacts every aspect of your life, from energy levels to emotional well-being. 

While conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are essential, they often come with side effects that make daily life more challenging. That’s where integrative oncology comes in. It includes complementary, supportive therapies that improve a cancer patient’s comfort, reduce symptoms, and enhance overall well-being.

At Minnesota Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Kierstin Beaman, DACM, believes in a whole-person approach to healing. She provides personalized care plans that combine evidence-based integrative therapies with lifestyle recommendations to support your healing journey.

How integrative oncology can support your healing

Cancer treatments can be lifesaving, but they also come with challenges. Common side effects like nerve pain, digestive issues, and extreme fatigue can make daily life difficult. Research has shown that integrative therapies like acupuncture can:

Reduce pain and neuropathy

Acupuncture significantly reduces chemotherapy-induced nerve pain.

Ease nausea and vomiting 

Acupuncture can be highly effective in minimizing nausea caused by chemotherapy.

Combat fatigue

A systematic review published in Phytomedicine revealed that acupuncture helps reduce cancer-related fatigue and improves sleep.

Manage anxiety and stress 

Mindfulness and acupuncture can lower anxiety and depression in cancer patients.

Improve circulation and healing

By increasing blood flow, treatments like acupuncture help deliver oxygen and nutrients to areas in need of healing.

Our goal is to not just treat the disease, but also to support you as a person. We want to help you regain strength, feel more comfortable, and improve your quality of life throughout treatment and beyond.

Cancer symptoms improved through integrative oncology

At Minnesota Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture, we see patients facing a variety of cancer-related challenges, including:

• Chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)
• Pain management
• Fatigue and sleep disturbances
• Anxiety and mood disorders
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Hot flashes and dry mouth
• Medication-induced constipation
• Fertility concerns

If you’re struggling with any of these issues, integrative therapies may help ease discomfort and improve your overall well-being.

Why oncology support matters, even after remission

Beating cancer is a huge milestone, but many patients are left with lasting side effects, some of which they’re told are “permanent.” One of the most common post-treatment conditions is CIPN, which affects about 40% of chemo patients. 

Many believe they have to live with the pain, numbness, or tingling in their hands and feet, but we’ve seen incredible improvements in patients using acupuncture and microcurrent therapy.

The reality is that recovery doesn’t stop when your cancer treatment ends. Whether you’re still undergoing treatment or adjusting to life in remission, our integrative therapies can continue to support your body’s healing process.

How acupuncture and other integrative therapies can help

At  Minnesota Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture, we offer a range of treatments designed to reduce symptoms, promote healing, and enhance overall comfort, including:

Acupuncture

This treatment is proven to help with pain, nausea, neuropathy, and overall recovery.

Electroacupuncture

Electroacupuncture uses gentle electrical stimulation to enhance the effects of acupuncture for nerve-related issues.

Dry needling

By targeting bundles of tight muscles, dry needling relieves muscle pain and tension to improve mobility.

Frequency-specific microcurrent therapy

Frequency-specific microcurrent therapy uses low-level electrical currents to promote tissue repair and pain relief.

Ozone therapy 

Ozone therapy enhances oxygen delivery in the body, helping tissues heal faster, reducing inflammation, and supporting immune function.

Terahertz therapy

Terahertz therapy uses low-frequency waves to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation, supporting recovery and overall well-being. 

Lifestyle changes make a big impact

Beyond these therapies, small lifestyle shifts, like movement, mindful breathing, and nutritional change, can make a significant difference in how you feel. Cancer recovery isn’t just about surviving; it’s about reclaiming your health and vitality.

If you or a loved one is looking for support beyond conventional cancer treatment, Dr. Beaman is here to help. Call Minnesota Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture at 651-964-3868, or book an appointment online today to learn more about acupuncture and other oncology support.