Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is based on the theory that the human body is an organic whole that is connected by energy (Qi-pronounced “chee”) pathways called meridians (Jing Luo in Chinese). This practice involves the insertion of very fine, single-use needles into strategic points on the body. These points located long the meridians activate the body’s natural healing potential to help manage a variety of conditions.
What are the benefits of Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been shown to ease the side effects of nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, fatigue, anxiety, depression and immune suppression that can often accompany cancer treatment. Our goal is to help patients manage the side-effects of their cancer treatment, so they can stay strong throughout treatment and recovery.
A recent study of post-menopausal breast cancer patients demonstrated that acupuncture is as effective as drug therapy in reducing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Acupuncture has also been shown to relieve joint pain and stiffness in post-menopausal breast cancer patients who are taking aromatase inhibitors.
What should I expect during an Acupuncture session?
Your acupuncturist will take time to review your medical history and discuss your chief complaints with you. They will then place needles in specific locations to alleviate your main side effects. Typically, needles remain in the patient for approximately 30 minutes.
Most patients report feeling very calm and peaceful during acupuncture. Some patients report a numbness, achiness or tingling, these sensations are normally an indication that your body is responding to the treatment. Some patients even fall asleep!
At the completion of the treatment, the acupuncturist will remove all needles and review your current physical, mental, and emotional state.
What types of sessions are offered?
Individual Appointments
A traditional, private acupuncture session. Eligible patients are able to have 4 appointments with our program. Appointments are available at the Pluta IOWC and the Wilmot Cancer Center.
Group Acupuncture
Group (or Community) acupuncture is the practice of treating patients together in a large room. This differs from traditional acupuncture, where treatment is administered in a private room setting. A group setting allows great access to acupuncture services by allowing a larger number of patients to be treated at one time. We can currently accommodate 4-6 patients in a group with staggered arrival times to ensure a personal check-in with the acupuncturist before needles are placed. Sessions are 6 weeks long with 2 appointments per week (12 appointments total). These sessions are offered throughout the year and require a commitment to the full program.
We offer two groups for this program, each supported by recent guidelines for symptom management:
- Aromatase Inhibitor induced joint arthralgias (pain) – Breast cancer patients only
- Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) – Any WCI patients
How can I make an appointment?
Discuss with your oncology provider to see if you are eligible to receive acupuncture. Acupuncture is only available to WCI patients in active treatment (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy) and patients must be experiencing oncology related symptoms/side effects that may be improved by acupuncture. If eligible, your provider will place a referral, and the IOWC scheduler will give you a call. Appointments cannot be scheduled without a referral.
Who are the Acupuncturists at the Pluta IOWC?
Visit our staff team page and meet our Acupuncturists!
Other Touch Programs
Massage
Oncology Massage Therapy is the use of modified, conventional massage techniques to better support a person with a current or previous history of cancer. Adjustments considered for an oncology massage session include, but are not limited to, massage pressure, patient positioning, site restrictions and session length.
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