Treating Cancer with Acupuncture
Centuries ago, acupuncture emerged as one of the leading medical treatments in East Asian medicine, and for 2000 years, Chinese medicine practitioners have regarded it as a highly effective treatment for countless life-threatening diseases.
Modern scientific research also validates and promotes the use of acupuncture to treat several chronic illnesses and allergies, particularly cancer.
What does it involve?
Acupuncture treats several symptoms of cancer, especially the pain and the side-effects of treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. The treatment involves the insertion of thin needles in certain body points, which are removed after a specific duration of time has lapsed. It aids in reducing several physical symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, exhaustion and anxiety. Doctors often use it alongside popular anticancer treatments, medicines and radiotherapy.
How does it work?
According to ancient Chinese medicine, our body contains several channels, or meridians, which allow the flow of Qi, also known as energy. Acupuncture is a technique that enhances or restores this flow of energy, and promotes good health throughout the body. It basically works by stimulating our nerves and allowing the release of natural substances that cut down the symptoms contributing to cancer.
Research reveals that it allows the natural release of serotonin and endorphins, a natural morphine-like compound, within the brain and spinal cord, which aids in relieving pain and anxiety.
How is it beneficial?
Acupuncture is getting popular amongst cancer patients as it aids in reducing the side-effects of cancer medicines, chemotherapy and radiation. It also relieves symptoms such as breathlessness, exhaustion and fatigue, dry mouth and hot flushes. Patients experience a relaxed state of mind.
Course of Treatment
The practitioner begins by inquiring essential knowledge about the physical and mental well-being of the patient, along with the basic routine, health ailments, cancer symptoms, treatment side-effects and prescribed medicines.
A course of treatment is created based on the needs of the patient, and if you have a chronic ailment, such as cancer, you’ll have to schedule several sessions a month. After around 3-6 sessions, you will begin experiencing beneficial results.
Procedure
The practitioner will indulge disposable needles, made with stainless steel, within your skin, and the number of needles depends on your symptoms and response rate. You are likely to experience a tingling sensation, however, the procedure is painless and the needless will be left in place for at least half an hour.
The needless are gently turned to stimulate our nerves, and in certain cases, the practitioners also attach weak electrical currents, a technique that is referred to as electro-acupuncture.
Possible Side Effects
It is a safe and painless procedure, however, in very few cases, practitioners have noted minor bruising and bleeding. Certain patients report a temporary increase in pain, which is followed by a sharp decline, while others have reported dizziness, faintness and fatigue. However, if you lie down and have the treatment, these symptoms are highly unlikely to occur. In very rare cases, nearly 1 in 200,000 treatments, patients can experience a severe infection or a punctured lung.