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Acupuncture and cancer care

People often choose to have acupuncture as a complementary therapy alongside conventional cancer treatment, finding it helpful with the symptoms associated with the cancer and the side effects of its treatment. For example:

  • Tiredness & fatigue

  • Pain

  • Bitter taste in mouth

  • Changes in digestion

  • Depression

  • Emotional changes

  • Loss of appetite

  • Hot flushes

  • Numbness / peripheral neuropathy

  • Nausea & vomiting

  • Constipation or diarrhoea

  • Dry mouth

  • Insomnia & sleep problems

  • Anxiety

It is safe to have acupuncture before, after or alongside conventional cancer treatment, such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and ongoing drug treatment. Because traditional acupuncture works on balancing the whole body, people find acupuncture to be supportive and strengthening, both physically and mentally, during and after cancer treatment.

 

It is important to note that whilst people may have acupuncture for their symptoms and the side effects of conventional treatment, acupuncture is not used to address the cancer itself and does not replace conventional cancer treatment. 

Want more information on acupuncture and cancer?

Cancer Research UK provides independent information on the use of acupuncture as part of cancer care, which can be found at the link below:

 

Cancer Research UK.

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The British Acupuncture Council provides an accurate and unbiased information sheet on acupuncture and cancer care, including research evidence. Please click here.

 

 

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