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Treating the Side Effects of Chemotherapy with Acupuncture

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Alternative Medicine released a report in support of this ancient Chinese art. The NIH concluded there was enough evidence to bolster the theory that acupuncture does work for the treatment of symptoms experienced with Chemotherapy. In the acupuncture paradigm, any chronic disease process depletes the energy level in the organism. Such depletion can be ameliorated, at least temporarily, by tonification, a process of imparting energy into the system. This is deemed necessary for more durable, successful pain control. It can also add to the patients’ sense of well being and decrease the malaise associated with any chronic disease, especially cancer.

Acupuncture San Diego helps treat the following symptoms experienced during chemotherapy:

  • Post-operative pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Increases energy

Research

For instance, at UCLA, Joan Shen, PhD, performed a pilot study with 30 female breast cancer patients who were undergoing bone marrow transplants and receiving anti-nausea drugs. The women were divided into three groups: those who received “correct” acupuncture; those who received acupuncture, but at the “incorrect” points on the skin; and those who received no acupuncture. The group with correct acupuncture experienced less vomiting and nausea after chemotherapy, Dr. Shen found.

Seeking Treatment?

Marc Sklar at Acupuncture San Diego uses a multidisciplinary approach including acupuncture, herbology, biomedicine, nutritional and lifestyle recommendations to treat all his patients. Marc Sklar holds his Masters in Science and Traditional Oriental Medicine being locally trained and licensed. He also holds his National Certification in both Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

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