What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment that involves the stimulation of acupuncture points (with or without the insertion of needles).
It aims to restore the balance of energy, known as qi, which flows through meridians (channels) in the body. When qi becomes blocked or unbalanced, it can disrupt physical and emotional functions. This can be rebalanced by acupuncture.
Benefits of Acupuncture During and Post Cancer Treatment
Acupuncture can help address the side effects associated with cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Nausea
Fatigue
Insomnia
Muscle Aches
Headaches
How Acupuncture Works
Disposable, single-use sterile needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body to help restore balance and activate the body's natural healing responses.
This process:
- Stimulates the nervous system
- Improves circulation and reduces inflammation
- Releases endorphins (natural painkillers)
- Helps regulate stress and promotes overall well-being
What to Expect: The Acupuncture Process
1. Initial Assessment
Before starting acupuncture, your doctor will:
- Discuss your symptoms and goals
- Check for any medical conditions that may affect your suitability
2. Personalised Treatment Plan
A treatment plan will be designed based on your condition. The duration of the treatment may last from a few weeks to 3 months, depending on the complexity of your case.
3. During a Treatment Session
- Sterile needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points
- Depending on the individual's condition, mild electrical stimulation and/or an infrared heat lamp may be used as part of the treatment
- Ear acupuncture points may also be stimulated by needles or ear seeds (seeds from the Vaccaria plant)
A session lasts about 20-30 minutes and is usually done weekly or fortnightly.
Most patients feel little or no pain and you should be able to relax during the session.
Manipulation of the needles may give rise to a "de-qi" sensation which can be experienced as numbness, dull ache, or tingling at the needle sites that may radiate along the corresponding meridian.
Yes - accupuncture is generally safe when performed by a qualified and licensed practitioner. At NCCS, all acupuncturists are experienced in working with people undergoing cancer care.
You may not be suitable if you:
- Have certain skin conditions or bleeding disorders
- Have difficulty lying still for long during treatment
Your suitability will be carefully assessed by the acupuncturist before starting treatment.
The effects of acupuncture can vary from person to person.
Some patients notice improvement after 1-2 sessions, while others may only notice change after a few more treatments.
It depends on factors such as:
- Type and severity of your symptoms
- Your overall health and response to treatment
- Whether acupuncture is being used alone or alongside other therapies
Yes, but you should always speak with your oncologist and seek his/her recommendation first. Our acupuncturists will work closely with your healthcare team to ensure that it is safe for you to receive acupuncture.
Request an Appointment
If you would like to learn more about how Integrative Oncology may help in your cancer journey, please consult your primary physician for a referral to our NCCS Integrative Oncology Clinic.
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