Acupuncture & Cancer

Written By Riccardo Galeotti

Acupuncture, an ancient medical practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, has steadily gained recognition in the realm of cancer treatment. Over the years, it has emerged as a complementary therapy that many cancer patients turn to in order to alleviate treatment-related symptoms and improve their quality of life. While acupuncture is not a cure for cancer, it has shown promise in managing various physical and emotional side effects.

Cancer treatment often involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these therapies. These interventions, while essential and necessary for eradicating cancer cells, can cause a range of discomforting symptoms. Nausea, fatigue, neuropathy, pain, anxiety, and depression are just a few examples of the challenges that cancer patients frequently endure along their journey. This is where acupuncture steps in as a potential solution.

Acupuncture treatment can help reduce

  • Pain

  • Fatigue

  • Hot flashes

It can also help improve

  • Sleep

  • Dry mouth

  • Nausea and vomiting

In Chinese Medicine, acupuncture points along channels or meridians help energy flow. Pain and disease occur with blocked Qi. Acupuncture treats by balancing Qi and increasing feel-good chemicals in the brain. Hair-thin needles stimulate acupoints to restore balance and promote healing. Studies show acupuncture relieves pain, reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. It improves sleep and blood flow, reduces inflammation, and affects the brain and body. Certain acupuncture points help with dry mouth and nerve pain. Research explores acupuncture's mechanisms for better treatments.

The Significance of Acupuncture

As the field of oncology continues to progress, the exploration of complementary therapies becomes increasingly important. Among these therapies, acupuncture shines as a potential ray of hope for cancer patients, offering a more holistic approach to their medical journey and alleviating treatment-related symptoms while supporting overall well-being.
Acupuncture is a therapeutic component deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This ancient practice involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. By stimulating these points, acupuncture aims to promote the flow and balance of internal energy, known as Qi.

Clinical trials have lent significant support to the use of acupuncture in the relief of various cancer treatment-related symptoms. Pain, a common and distressing side effect of cancer therapies, has been shown to benefit from acupuncture. Additionally, acupuncture has demonstrated efficacy in reducing treatment-induced nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, fatigue, hot flashes, and nerve pain.
One particular aspect that distinguishes acupuncture is its potential for long-lasting effects. Studies have indicated that the benefits of acupuncture endure well beyond the actual treatment period. This means that patients can experience relief from symptoms even after the acupuncture sessions have ended, providing a valuable ongoing support system in their journey toward recovery.

 
“By adding acupuncture to oncology care, healthcare providers offer cancer patients a holistic and diverse treatment, benefitting their well-being. This therapy targets symptoms and supports their overall health, including physical, emotional, and mental aspects.”
 

As the advancements in oncology continue, the significance of acupuncture in cancer care cannot be understated. Through its ability to alleviate treatment-related symptoms and enhance the overall quality of life for patients, acupuncture emerges as an invaluable component of the evolving landscape of cancer treatment. By embracing this ancient practice, healthcare practitioners open new avenues of hope and healing for those battling cancer.

Research for Acupuncture

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture points are specific areas located along channels or meridians. In this network, called Qi (pronounced chee), which means energy, flows and connects different parts of the body. When Qi becomes stagnant, it is believed to cause pain and disease symptoms. Acupuncture treatments aim to promote the flow of Qi and relieve these symptoms. Additionally, acupuncture is known to stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving substances called endogenous opioids. There are some animal studies have shown that acupuncture induces analgesia through different opioid receptors.

Acupuncture has multiple benefits for the body. It can improve sleep, reduce pain, and enhance nerve signals. By affecting specific receptors in the body, acupuncture can alleviate both sleep disturbances and pain. Additionally, it has been shown to have a positive impact on patients with peripheral neuropathy, enhancing their nerve signals.
Acupuncture has been found to have an influence on various areas of the brain, including those associated with senses, emotions, and thinking.

Research from clinical trials and with functional MRI tests. Results of these studies show acupuncture is safe and effective for treating:

  • pain

  • fatigue

  • insomnia

  • hot flashes

  • dry mouth

  • constipation

  • neuropathy

  • nausea and vomiting

The Journal of Clinical Oncology and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommend acupuncture for cancer pain, fatigue, and hot flashes . Also the Society for Integrative Oncology have released guidelines from to recommend acupuncture for joint pain, musculoskeletal pain, and general cancer pain , and for anxiety.

There is a growing body of evidence that show that acupuncture helps manage :

 

  • cancer pain 

  • including persistent neuropathy

  • joint pain 

  • can decrease fatigue

  • help with pain medication use

  • help with sleep

  • cognitive function

  • health-related quality of life

  • nausea and vomiting

  • hot flashes

  • dry mouth from radiotherapy

  • reduce lymphedema

  • postoperative bowel obstruction

 

Cancer patients also struggle with debilitating fatigue, which can greatly impact their day-to-day functioning. In this regard, acupuncture has demonstrated the potential to alleviate fatigue and improve overall energy levels. By tapping into the body's natural resources, acupuncture sessions can enhance vitality and restore a sense of normalcy to a cancer patient's life. Beyond physical symptoms, cancer often takes a toll on the emotional well-being of patients. Anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances are common psychological issues that cancer patients grapple with. In this aspect, acupuncture has shown promise in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms and improving sleep quality. By promoting relaxation, acupuncture can provide much-needed emotional support during a challenging time.

Safety of Acupuncture

While acupuncture is generally safe, it is crucial for cancer patients to seek acupuncture treatments from qualified and certified practitioners who have experience working with oncology patients. Open communication between patients, their oncologists, and acupuncturists is vital to ensuring the integration of acupuncture into the individual's comprehensive cancer care plan.

It's important to note that although acupuncture has shown positive results in managing cancer-related symptoms, it should not be seen as a standalone treatment or a substitute for conventional cancer therapies. Instead, it should be viewed as a complementary therapy that can work in conjunction with standard care to enhance the overall well-being of cancer patients.

Research Articles

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  40. Simcock R, Fallowfield L, Monson K, et al. ARIX: a randomised trial of acupuncture v oral care sessions in patients with chronic xerostomia following treatment of head and neck cancer. Ann Oncol. Mar 2013;24(3):776-783.

  41. Garcia MK, Meng Z, Rosenthal DI, et al. Effect of True and Sham Acupuncture on Radiation-Induced Xerostomia Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. Dec 2 2019;2(12):e1916910.

  42. Bao T, Iris Zhi W, Vertosick EA, et al. Acupuncture for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized controlled trial. Breast Cancer Res Treat. Jul 2018;170(1):77-87.

  43. Cassileth BR, Van Zee KJ, Yeung KS, et al. Acupuncture in the treatment of upper-limb lymphedema: results of a pilot study. Cancer. Jul 1 2013;119(13):2455-2461.

  44. Deng G, Wong WD, Guillem J, et al. A phase II, randomized, controlled trial of acupuncture for reduction of Postcolectomy Ileus. Ann Surg Oncol. Apr 2013;20(4):1164-1169.

  45. Ng SSM, Leung WW, Mak TWC, et al. Electroacupuncture reduces duration of postoperative ileus after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. Gastroenterology. Feb 2013;144(2):307-313.e301.

  46. Meng X, Zhang Y, Li A, et al. The effects of opioid receptor antagonists on electroacupuncture-produced anti-allodynia/hyperalgesia in rats with paclitaxel-evoked peripheral neuropathy. Brain Res. Sep 26 2011;1414:58-65.

  47. Pomeranz B, Warma N. Electroacupuncture suppression of a nociceptive reflex is potentiated by two repeated electroacupuncture treatments: the first opioid effect potentiates a second non-opioid effect. Brain Res. Jun 14 1988;452(1-2):232-236.

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  49. Liou KT, Garland SN, Li QS, et al. Effects of acupuncture versus cognitive behavioral therapy on brain-derived neurotrophic factor in cancer survivors with insomnia: an exploratory analysis.Acupunct Med. Dec 2021;39(6):637-645.

  50. Harris RE, Zubieta JK, Scott DJ, et al. Traditional Chinese acupuncture and placebo (sham) acupuncture are differentiated by their effects on mu-opioid receptors (MORs). Neuroimage. Sep 2009;47(3):1077-1085.

  51. Schröder S, Liepert J, Remppis A, et al. Acupuncture treatment improves nerve conduction in peripheral neuropathy. Eur J Neurol. Mar 2007;14(3):276-281.

  52. Yoo SS, Teh EK, Blinder RA, et al. Modulation of cerebellar activities by acupuncture stimulation: evidence from fMRI study. Neuroimage. Jun 2004;22(2):932-940.

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Riccardo Galeotti https://www.thebodylab.au
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