How Can Acupuncture Help Cancer Pain?

How can acupuncture help cancer pain?

An estimated 40-85% of cancer patients suffer from pain, making it one of the most common symptoms of the disease. Tumor growth and anticancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, can cause significant discomfort for cancer patients. Fortunately, acupuncture has a proven track record of helping to reduce cancer pain. Most importantly, acupuncture can be applied at multiple stages of cancer treatment, giving it long-term relevance as a form of pain-management. So how exactly does acupuncture help mitigate cancer pain? Read below to find out more.

What causes cancer pain?

In traditional Chinese medicine, we believe that pain results from blockage or imbalance of Qi and/or blood. Stagnant Qi tends to produce a more diffuse pain that comes and goes, while stagnant blood can cause sharp pain in a fixed location -- this sometimes leads to more serious disease over time, including cancer. The causes of cancer-related blood stagnation include: 

• Physical trauma, tumors, or surgery

• Side effects of medication 

• Side effects of cancer treatments, such as radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery 

• Emotional stress, tightening muscles, and decreasing blood flow over time

• Feeling too fatigued or weak (having low Qi or energy), making it difficult to move and circulate the blood

• Imbalances, such as too few nutrients, too much sugar, or too little sleep, damaging cells and impairing circulation

How can traditional Chinese medicine reduce cancer pain?

As practitioners, our goal is to correct or balance Qi and blood flow, enhancing wellness in the body overall and reducing cancer-related pain. Additionally, we consider whether psychological and emotional issues might be a source, or rather the result, of cancer-related pain. Managing cancer is emotionally draining, which can change your perception of pain as your emotions intensify. We aim to understand the complex web of your physical and emotional pain, as this is critical to identifying effective ways to mitigate your cancer-related pain. 

Is acupuncture a proven treatment for cancer pain?

Acupuncture has entered the mainstream of supportive cancer care in the United States. In fact, 73% of NCI Comprehensive Cancer Centers offer acupuncture treatments. Mounting evidence shows that acupuncture plays an important role in reducing pain. A recent study of 592 breast cancer survivors suggested a patient preference for acupuncture over pain-management drugs. Fears around side effects and the addictive qualities of certain drugs may cause patients to gravitate toward more holistic solutions, including acupuncture. 

When’s the best time during cancer treatment to try acupuncture?

Acupuncture can be used at many stages of cancer treatment. This includes pain following surgery, neuropathy related to chemotherapy, and chronic pain that patients may experience after their cancer treatments have concluded. If you’re experiencing mild pain during cancer treatment, acupuncture alone could be enough to resolve your discomfort. In cases of more extreme pain, acupuncture can be used alongside opioids as a form of pain management. Clinical trials have shown promising results in acupuncture’s ability to reduce pain, which includes nerve and joint pain caused by cancer treatments, in addition to other forms of chronic pain. One of acupuncture’s primary advantages is its ability to be used throughout the duration of cancer treatment, as well as post-treatment. Acupuncture can be a safe, holistic alternative to pain medications, one that has long-term physical, emotional, and psychological benefits. 

What happens during an acupuncture treatment?

Acupuncture is generally a pain-free, extremely pleasant experience that is grounded in hundreds of years of history. If you’re anxious about the process, look no further! Read below to find out what to expect during an acupuncture appointment:

• The Basics: Treatment typically starts with only a few needles. These are tiny, extremely fine needles that your practitioner will put into your skin. The needles shouldn’t cause any pain, though you may feel a heavy sensation, or slight tingling. These are left in place for about 10 to 30 minutes. Depending on how you respond to the needles and your specific set of symptoms, the practitioner may use more needles over the course of the appointment and/or in future appointments.

• Other Techniques: Depending on your needs, a practitioner may turn or gently flick the needles in order to stimulate nerves. Alternatively, they might send an electrical current into the needles using an electric pulse-generating device. This is known as “electroacupuncture” and involves electrical stimulation into what are called “acupoints.” Heat estimation is another technique sometimes used, which involves attaching hot “moxa” (an Asian herb substance) to the needle. Moxa may also be used on acupoints without a needle. 

• After the Appointment: You will likely experience feelings of relaxation and calm following your appointment. In some cases, a practitioner may leave a very small needle in the skin to provide longer-term pain relief. Ear acupuncture involves needles or small acupressure beads inserted into the outer portion of the ear, which may stay in place for a few days after the appointment. Acupuncture is also sometimes supplemented with herbal treatments catered to your specific symptoms.

Managing physical and emotional pain during cancer treatment can be challenging, but acupuncture shows significant promise in helping to relieve pain. Our team is dedicated to helping you manage your cancer-related pain, and we’re here to walk you through every step of the process. To find out more about acupuncture and how it might help your cancer pain, feel free to schedule a consultation. 

We look forward to connecting with you!