Subscribe Latest Edition

Acupuncture and Cancer Patients

Editorial Staff

"Another potential role of acupuncture in patients with cancer is the palliation of chronic pain. Several case reports and series suggest that acupuncture may provide relief when conventional measures fail to control chronic pain resulting from underlying disease or conventional treatments (surgery or radiation). However, RCTs are needed to confirm the value of acupuncture in the management of chronic cancer-related pain.

"... In summary, RCTs to date, although limited in size, suggest that it is certainly reasonable to accept the use of acupuncture in conjunction with standard antiemetics to control chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting and that recommendation for this purpose might be considered. Fewer data are available on the use of acupuncture in palliation of chronic cancer-related pain, but it seems reasonable to accept this approach if patients elect to try it.

Resource

  • Weiger W, Smith M, Boon H, et al. Advising patients who seek complementary and alternative therapies for cancer. Annals of Internal Medicine 2002;137:899-903.
April 2003
print pdf
Trending
Your Practice / Business
Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics in Acupuncture
Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics in Acupuncture

Acupuncture, a key pillar of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been practiced for thousands of years to promote healing and restore balance within the body. However, with rapid technological advancements reshaping health care, acupuncture is entering a new era. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics is revolutionizing diagnostics, treatment precision, education, and research – enhancing patient outcomes like never before.

Aram Akopyan, MD, LAc
Acupuncture & Acupressure
Acupuncture and Neuroplasticity: A Promising Treatment for PTSD
Acupuncture and Neuroplasticity: A Promising Treatment for PTSD

Interestingly, although lots of attention has recently been given to the role psychedelic medicines employed in therapy could play in healing PTSD and trauma generally, new research has just been published showing acupuncture can also be of significant help in alleviating this widespread disorder, and may act similarly to psychedelics on a particular quality of our brains to heal and remodel themselves: neuroplasticity.

 |  Digital Exclusive
Benjamin Hawes, DAcCHM, LAc, Dipl. OM
Chronic / Acute Conditions
The Emerging Role of Nicotine in the Integrative Treatment of Long COVID
The Emerging Role of Nicotine in the Integrative Treatment of Long COVID

Long COVID has challenged conventional medical paradigms. There is certainly a growing need for therapies that bridge traditional pharmacology with integrative strategies. Among the more unconventional options, nicotine – delivered via low-dose transdermal patches – has surfaced as a potential tool. While the idea may sound wacky, emerging evidence and clinical anecdotes suggest it warrants exploration.

Bill Reddy, LAc, Dipl. Ac.