How Acupuncture Supports Cancer
When it comes to choosing “Alternative medicine” therapies in conjunction with Cancer treatments, there are a plethora of options. When choosing a right therapy, one must look at the research literature for assistance. The one treatment option that holds extensive evidence is Acupuncture.
From an evidence-based perspective, the benefits of Chinese Medicine has been reported effective in many bio-medicine driven clinical research.
In this blog, we will explore how scientific evidence from the use of Acupuncture may help support Cancer patients…
Electro-Acupuncture and Malignant Bone Tumor
The University of Minnesota Medical College of Wisconsin report a reduction to “Tumor associated inflammation” in early stage osteosarcoma (malignant bone cancer).
The study was done with the use of electro-Acupuncture (pulsating electrical current to Acupuncture needles). The point was mainly on a common location called ST36. From the research, it was cited that there was a difference in outcome when treatments were more frequent.
The investigators note that, “This regulatory effect may alter tumor vasculature thereby affecting tumor progression and metastasis.” The research also concludes that Acupuncture should be performed in the early stages of osteosarcoma.
Less Hot Flashes in Anti-Estrogen Breast Cancer
A study researched a four-week trial of women using anti-estrogen drugs while receiving Acupuncture. The patients were using Acupuncture three times a week. From the outcome, women undergoing Acupuncture experienced an average reduction in their drug-induced hot flashes by over 60%.
It was concluded that, “Acupuncture is a viable treatment for women with chemotherapy-induced menopause-related hot flashes.” The researchers also noted that, “The findings support Acupuncture as a treatment for hot flashes for women with breast cancer undergoing anti-estrogen therapy.”
Less Pain with Pancreatic Cancer
In a randomized, placebo controlled study, researches used Electro-Acupuncture. They concluded that Acupuncture reduced the abdominal and back-pain associated with pancreatic cancer. There were two groups.
The first group received sham Acupuncture (Fake treatment). The other received a real treatment.
From the study, “The placebo control group showed little to no change in pain levels. The Electro Acupuncture group showed a significant reduction in pain intensity levels. The improvements were measurable after the 3 session-completion and at the 2 day follow-up appointments. As a result of the findings, the researchers conclude that acupuncture is successful in the reduction of pain associated with pancreatic cancer.”
For a free consultation at SOPHIA Natural Health Center to see how we may be able to help with your health concerns, please call our office at (203) 740 – 9300.
Christopher Maslowski, L.Ac., Associate Acupuncturist
SOPHIA Natural Health Center
Reference
Chen, Hao, Tang-Yi Liu, Le Kuai, Ji Zhu, Cai-Jun Wu, and Lu-Ming Liu. “Electroacupuncture treatment for pancreatic cancer pain: A randomized controlled trial.” Pancreatology (2013)
Smeester, Branden A., Mona Al-Gizawiy, Elaine E. O’Brien, Marna E. Ericson, Jennifer L. Triemstra, and Alvin J. Beitz. “The Effect of Electroacupuncture on Osteosarcoma Tumor Growth and Metastasis: Analysis of Different Treatment Regimens.”
Jeong, Young Ju, Young Sun Park, Hyo Jung Kwon, Im Hee Shin, Jin Gu Bong, and Sung Hwan Park. “Acupuncture for the Treatment of Hot Flashes in Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Antiestrogen Therapy: A Pilot Study in Korean Women.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2013)