The side effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation can leave a person feeling completely depleted emotionally and physically. In addition, the side effects are different for everyone depending on the type of treatment and a person’s baseline strength.
In the clinic, we see a significant number of patients complaining of fatigue, physical weakness, all levels of digestive problems, numbness and pain to name just a few. Because chemotherapy is a treatment just as powerful as the disease it’s supposed to treat, it can depress our Qi- our life force- which fuels the efficient working of all parts of our bodies.
By focusing on strengthening our life force or Qi, acupuncture can help improve some of the fatigue and weakness. In addition, focusing on the Spleen Qi- the organ associated with digestion and utilization of food and drink, acupuncture may help with the many digestive related side effects.
When acupuncture promotes the movement of Qi and blood, it often helps to ameliorate pain. However, just as important as addressing the physical pain and manifestations of cancer treatment, is the importance of helping with the emotional upheaval a cancer diagnosis can bring..
Of the many wonderful benefits of acupuncture, one of the most frequent comments our patients tell us is how calm and peaceful they are after treatments. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is one of the few forms of medicine where treatment side effects are an upside: a sense of calm and well being, improved sleep and movement toward a more positive outlook on life.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine helps with the following issues:
- Neuropathy
- Digestive issues including: Nausea, Constipation, Diarrhea and Acid Reflux
- Fatigue and Insomnia
- Inflammation and Physical Pain
- Anxiety, depression and other Emotional Distress
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