Table of contents:
- What is acupuncture?
- Is it true that acupuncture relieves pain in cancer patients?
- Not all cancer treatments can be helped by acupuncture
One study found that cancer patients who underwent acupuncture therapy reported decreased pain or tenderness. Not only that, the nerve pain felt by cancer patients was also felt to be improving. Then, is it true that acupuncture relieves pain in cancer patients?
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the technique of inserting needles into the body. The technique originated in China, and according to the teachings of acupuncture, it will restore health and wellness, especially it is very good for treating pain.
The theory of traditional Chinese acupuncture medicine is based on the theory of flow qi (energy) and blood flowing through certain pathways or meridians in the body. These meridians have been mapped by the Chinese for thousands of years through observation, meditation, practice qi gong and various other observations.
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture therapy can improve flow qi to an area that is deprived of positive energy, and throw away qi negatives from excess areas. In this way, acupuncture can regulate and restore balance qi harmony in the body.
Is it true that acupuncture relieves pain in cancer patients?
Research conducted by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, seeks to determine whether acupuncture can relieve pain in cancer patients, especially head or neck cancer patients who have undergone lymph node surgery in the neck.
This study involved 58 cancer patients who felt pain due to neck surgery. They were divided into two groups, for four weeks. One group of cancer patients received acupuncture treatment therapy, while the other group received the usual treatments for cancer patients, including physical therapy, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
One acupuncture session will usually last 30 minutes. The acupuncturist will insert 10 to 20 very thin needles in certain parts of the body. Most patients will experience pain when the acupuncture needles are pricked. However, there is no risk of injury to the patient.
As a result, cancer patients who received acupuncture therapy experienced a significant reduction in pain compared to patients who only received treatment without acupuncture.
Not all cancer treatments can be helped by acupuncture
Large-scale studies need to be conducted to determine whether acupuncture relieves pain in cancer patients. According to acupuncturists at the United States Cancer Center, acupuncture is only effective for relieving pain associated with tumors and cancer surgery. However, not for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy.
Pain or pain in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, is considered more difficult to relieve pain with acupuncture. It is better before you want to prove acupuncture relieves pain, consult your doctor first.
