The growing interest in supportive therapies in the treatment of cancer diseases means that patients and doctors are increasingly reaching for methods that alleviate the side effects of conventional treatment and improve the quality of life of the patient. One of the most commonly used forms of complementary medicine is acupuncture – a method derived from Chinese medicine, which involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body (so-called acupuncture points). The aim of this practice is to restore energy balance in the body and stimulate natural self-healing mechanisms. Its effectiveness in reducing pain, nausea and sleep disorders has been confirmed by numerous studies.
In conversation with Ania The Footmaną, a Chinese medicine therapist, We will look at how this method can support people struggling with cancer, at what stages of treatment it is safe and what therapeutic effects it can bring.
In what situations can acupuncture support an oncology patient?
Acupuncture is a safe and effective therapeutic method that can support people undergoing oncological treatment on two levels.
On the one hand, it helps to alleviate the physical side effects of therapy. On the other hand, it supports the patient on an emotional and mental level, reducing tension, stress, and anxiety. Chinese medicine therapies, including acupuncture, are a valuable complement to conventional treatment – they support the body in the regeneration process and improve well-being.
What symptoms or side effects of cancer treatment can be alleviated with acupuncture?
Acupuncture is widely known for its effective pain reduction, but its application is much broader. This method is also worth considering in the case of sleep problems, nausea, vomiting, xerostomia, and digestive disorders such as constipation or diarrhea. In addition, acupuncture can help reduce stress, anxiety, and fear. More and more clinical studies confirm the effectiveness of these methods, which emphasizes their growing importance in supportive therapy.
Can acupuncture be used at any stage of oncological treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, remission period)? Can it interact with conventional oncological treatment methods?
There are cancer treatment centers where Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, are an integral part of a comprehensive approach to treatment. In China, where there is a long tradition of using these methods, they are used at every stage of treatment – even in hospital settings.
In the United States, for example, at Columbia University’s Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, patients can receive acupuncture before or after conventional therapy, with therapists working with a medical team. A similar model exists in Italy, at the Hospital Center of Integrated Medicine at Pitigliano Hospital, where acupuncture is used during both chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
In the case of surgery and the presence of scars on the body, it is worth considering the use of acupuncture after they have fully healed. Stimulation of points in the area of the scar can improve microcirculation, increase tissue mobility and prevent pain that may appear in the changed area
I believe that incorporating acupuncture into oncological therapy should always be done in cooperation with the medical team. For this reason, before starting acupuncture treatments during conventional treatment, I recommend obtaining the consent of the attending physician. I am convinced that cooperation between specialists in different fields can significantly improve not only the effectiveness of therapy, but also the quality of life of people struggling with oncological diseases.
Are there any studies confirming the effectiveness of acupuncture in patientsaboutin oncology?
More and more scientific studies confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture in various areas of medicine. A few selected publications will be given below. For more materials, references to sources or applications of Chinese medicine, please visit my blog www.puls-natury.pl and social media profiles.
It is worth emphasizing that the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognizes acupuncture as an effective method of treating many diseases.
In the context of oncological diseases, the organization Evidence-Based Acupuncture published a report on the treatment of cancer pain. It shows that acupuncture can significantly relieve pain associated with the disease process, as well as support patients in the postoperative period.
Can acupuncture work? dora, one-off or should it rather be a series of regular treatments?aboutIn?
It all depends on the individual case. Sometimes, just one treatment can bring about a significant improvement, e.g. in the case of pain, and for a given person the effect is sufficient. In the case of more complex ailments, chronic diseases or the presence of many symptoms, one should be prepared for a longer therapeutic process. The frequency of treatments is determined individually and depends on the type of problem and the body's reaction after the first few sessions.
Is Acupuncture Painful? How Do Patients Usually Tolerate It??
Acupuncture treatments are usually painless. Some points may be slightly more sensitive during the injection, but any discomfort is usually short-lived and disappears after a few seconds. Please note that the needles used in acupuncture are several times thinner than injection needles. Sometimes clients ask when the treatment will begin, even though the needles have already been inserted. The sensations depend on the sensitivity of the person.
Are there any contraindications to the use of acupuncture?
General contraindications to acupuncture include: blood clotting disorders, significant body exhaustion, metal allergies, acute medical conditions and severe mental disorders.
The first procedure is preceded by a detailed interview and examination. The procedure is performed only if there are no individual contraindications that may go beyond those already mentioned.
There are also situations in which certain areas of the body cannot be punctured, e.g. due to skin infections or previous radiotherapy exposure.
The therapist always decides on the safest method and the decision to perform the procedure, as well as the selection of puncture sites and techniques, taking into account the current condition or even well-being.
Can acupuncture be combined with other natural therapies?
Yes, absolutely. However, it is worth informing the acupuncturist about other therapeutic methods used and when they were last used. Chinese medicine therapists usually do not limit themselves to acupuncture treatments - their approach is holistic and includes support in a broadly understood lifestyle change.
In my daily practice, I teach how to use acupressure on your own, encourage you to work with your breath, suggest simple Tui Na massage techniques for children, and educate on healthy eating habits based on Chinese medicine – all in order to support the regeneration process initiated in the office and provide specific tools for daily self-care. Of course, I always adapt the recommendations to the capabilities and needs of a specific person.
Herbal medicine according to Traditional Chinese Medicine can also provide great support. It is worth emphasizing that there are many methods that - not only originate from TCM - can complement each other perfectly, supporting health and improving general well-being.
What is your experience working with patients? What benefits do you see in patients?aboutin those undergoing acupuncture?
Chinese medicine looks at the person holistically – it doesn’t focus solely on symptoms, but directs us towards understanding the deeper causes of the disorder. That’s why during the first visit I conduct a detailed interview that goes beyond the main complaint – I ask about, for example, the quality of sleep, digestion, emotions, diet, lifestyle, past illnesses. I complete the diagnosis with a pulse and tongue examination – key diagnostic tools in TCM.
In my experience, it is this holistic approach that allows us to accurately capture the root cause of the disorder and effectively address it. It is not uncommon for patients to notice improvement in other areas while working on one area. For many of them, this is quite a surprise.
In my office, I often challenge beliefs such as "this is just how I look" or "I got it from my parents". Often, what is considered hereditary is simply a result of repeated habits and lifestyle. Changing your diet, daily rhythm or the way you deal with emotions can bring about a real improvement in the quality of life. This is when the most lasting effects of therapy can be seen.
Not everyone has the space for this – some people use acupuncture points, e.g. to relieve pain. However, many people, discouraged by the results, decide to continue working – and often it is just a few meetings and gaining knowledge, careful observation of your body and, above all, implementing a few recommendations that give real improvement.
What gives me the greatest satisfaction is observing this change – both the tangible effects during the treatment itself and its long-term impact. When someone is already in a completely different place than when they started the therapy – with a better frame of mind, greater body awareness and a completely different perspective.
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Research – sources:
Acupuncture for cancer-related conditions: An overview of systematic reviews. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711322005190?via=ihub
Safety of acupuncture in oncology: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35262912/
Acupuncture techniques and acupoints used in individuals under chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment of cancer: A systematic review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37382085/
ARIX: a randomized trial of acupuncture v oral care sessions in patients with chronic xerostomia following treatment of head and neck cancer. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23104718/
Acupuncture for cancer-related insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711322002380?via=ihub
Acupuncture for palliative cancer pain management: systematic review. https://spcare.bmj.com/content/11/3/264
Acupuncture for nausea and vomiting: an update of clinical and experimental studies. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16950659/
Acupuncture in the Treatment of Upper-Limb Lymphedema. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3738927/
Acupuncture versus medication for pain management: a cross-sectional study of breast cancer survivors. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6264909/
Effects of acupuncture versus cognitive behavioral therapy on cognitive function in cancer survivors with insomnia: A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32320061/
Other sources:
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/acupuncture-pdq
https://www.onkonet.pl/n_n_akupunktura_nih.php
https://xiahepublishing.com/2835-6357/FIM-2025-00006
https://www.francocracolici.it/francocracolici/images/intregrated-oncology-Ferreri.pdf
https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-cancer-pain/
Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials, The World Health Organization, https://books.google.pl/books?id=vHU0DgAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
Cancer Treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lin Hongsheng, Galaxy, 2024
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Ania Piechula
A certified acupuncturist, enthusiast of Chinese medicine and St. Hildegard's medicine. She began her adventure with acupuncture at the International School of Classical Acupuncture ACUART. Fascinated by dietetics based on Chinese medicine and natural methods of treatment, she constantly explores the richness of traditional medical systems, including at the Institute of Chinese Medicine and Health Prevention.
