Acupuncture in the treatment of cancer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, and cure.
What is the cause of cancer? Our immune system is designed to attack and kill cancer and precancerous cells on a daily basis. Some people’s defenses break down and can’t keep up with killing the cancer cells. Reasons for the lack of immune response can include toxic or viral damage, genetic predisposition, unique traits of the cancer cells that stump the immune system, poor nutrition, high stress, and other factors.
Acupuncture has been seen to retrain the immune system and brain toward a successful antagonistic approach to dangerous cell growth. As a Licensed Acupuncturist, I work with patients to prevent cancer by keeping their immune system strong. I also work with patients who have cancer to strengthen their immune system so that it can attack the cancer cells and decrease the symptoms of cancer or allopathic treatments such as chemotherapy or surgery. Acupuncture increases endorphin production, our natural pain relievers, to decrease inflammation and pain. Acupuncture restores and rebalances the body to reduce nausea, improve digestion, and reduce swelling. This allows a patient to minimize the use of medications and reduce their side effects. Because acupuncture helps the digestion to absorb nutrients and build blood, I have helped people improve their circulation, retain their hair during chemotherapy, and reduce neuropathy.
Although less publicized in the United States, acupuncture is used in China and Taiwan to kill cancer and prevent the renewed growth of tumors by re-engaging the immune system. In Acupuncture Today, October 2003, Dr. Fuda explains that he does daily acupuncture before tumor surgery and for two weeks afterward, because with tumors the “cancer cell ‘signal’ is stronger than the healthy human cell.” With these regular acupuncture treatments, the healthy human cells can be reprogrammed to have the stronger signal so that the tumor won’t come back.
In addition, acupuncture is helpful with depression, anxiety, and other emotions that come up during cancer. It also helps alleviate sleep problems, boost energy, and give a sense of well-being. Acupuncture helps to balance the five emotions: connecting with your passions in life, getting nourishment from your experiences, being inspired, having the will to pursue your passions, and going with the flow. These five emotions truly help the healing process.
Our goal as Licensed Acupuncturists is to help you be healthier and happier. At whatever stage you are in your life, the sooner you come in, the better. I do always say though, “Better late than never!” And I look forward to seeing you soon!