Acupuncture in the Treatment of Cancer

In the United States, acupuncture integrated with western medicine has provided an important collaborative resource to increase the effective care of cancer patients. Acupuncture has been fully supported by the National Institute of Health (NIH) to be used as part of a “total treatment plan” for cancer. Acupuncture has also been recommended by the American Cancer Society (ACS) for the treatment of cancer and treatment-related symptoms.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers the cause of most cancers is Chi (vital energy) stagnation, or energy loss, which congeals phlegm and creates blood stagnation masses, in conjunction with heat toxins. External (toxins and environment) and internal (long time emotional stress, overwork, improper lifestyle and diet) stimulus are the main factors which block Chi flow. Acupuncture works by stimulating various points in the body, clearing these blocked pathways through which Chi naturally flows.

Acupuncture is a much more natural, alternative approach to achieving good health and an overall improvement in the quality of life in the treatment of cancer patients. It has been found extremely effective in the following specific ways, because it:

Eliminates or treats nausea and vomiting from chemo-radiotherapies. Studies show UCLA School of Medicine significantly reduced nausea and vomiting among chemotherapy patients when they were pre-treated with acupuncture, and it is now routinely administered before, after and between chemotherapy sessions. Acupuncture not only treats side effects from chemo-radiotherapies but also supports patients by helping them enhance immune functions which encourages them to remain on schedule with their treatment protocols.

Significantly controls malignant pain resulting in a reduced need for narcotics. Acupuncture points stimulate the nervous system and release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and activate the body’s innate ability to repair itself. Acupuncture plays a big role in improving the quality of life in late-stage cancer.

Helps severe dry mouth as a side effect of chemo or radiotherapies. Auricular treatment (needles placed on the ear) regulates the autonomic nervous system by activating the salivary glands. In addition, Chinese herbs replenish yin energy (body fluids) and restore organ function.

Enhances immune functions. Chemo and radiation treatments inhibit certain functions of the body’s own immune system. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs boost and strengthen the body’s immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells, natural killer cells, B-cells and red blood cells, which help patients recover better and complete their chemo or radiation therapies.

Suppresses cancer growth, spread and recurrence. Studies show Chinese medicine has great value in prevention by inhibiting cancer cell synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins, cancer division, and cancer gene expression, thus blocking cancer formation and recurrence.

Dr. Lin Zhou has 20 years of clinical professional experience in the TCM field, and has been researching and practicing specifically in the treatment of cancer patients for the past nine years. She studied extensively with her professor, Dr. Liu J.X., a well-known and respected Oncologist in China, at the hospital affiliated with the prestigious Shanghai University of TCM where she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree. Dr. Zhou works with each of her patients individually; designing personalized assessments and continuing treatment plans throughout the healing process. In addition, Dr. Zhou educates as she treats, recommending specific exercise plans, dietary and lifestyle changes/enhancements to promote healing and prevent cancer recurrence. Her goal is to integrate the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbs with western treatments to increase the effectiveness of medical care and support her patients in their effort to achieve complete well-being.