Oncology Acupuncture
Why Oncology Acupuncture?
Whether you are newly diagnosed and seek symptomatic relief from cancer treatment side-effects, have completed treatment and are looking to get your health back on track, oncology acupuncture is a valuable drug-free adjunct to cancer therapy and recovery. Acupuncture has been shown to benefit cancer-related fatigue, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), cancer-related pain including joint pain (arthralgia), stress and anxiety, sleep and insomnia.
Unlike general acupuncture, oncology acupuncture follows a set of clinically proven protocols to address cancer-treatment side effects -conditions that most general acupuncturists do not often encounter or be appropriately trained for. When administered by a trained acupuncturist experienced in cancer care, acupuncture has few side-effects and does not interfere with conventional cancer treatment.
A trained Oncology Acupuncturist:
- has received further education in the basics of western medical oncology.
- is competent in providing practitioner-to-patient communication in an oncology setting.
- is familiar with cancer treatment regimens and cycles, as well as cancer-specific safety protocols.
- utilises acupuncture treatment plans developed specifically to address the physical and emotional side effects of cancer treatments, plus
the acute and chronic symptoms arising from the cancer itself.
- understands how they fit within the model of providing comprehensive palliative care to cancer patients.
Studies have shown acupuncture to be safe and effective for managing cancer pain, cancer-related fatigue, hot flashes, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Cancer patients who use acupuncture report feeling calmer, more mentally alert, have improved energy and sleep.
Click Here to see previous studies.
Arthralgia or joint pain
Many women with hormone-positive breast cancer are prescribed long-term (up to 10 years) hormonal therapy to reduce risk of cancer recurrence. Arthralgia or joint pain is one of the most common side- effects of this type of medication (aromatase inhibitors). For many, this life-limiting pain can often result in termination of their hormonal therapy prematurely, despite the risk of increasing their cancer
recurrence.
A recent randomised clinical trial showed that among postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer on this hormone therapy, acupuncture resulted in significant reduction in joint pain at 6 weeks Click Here to view the study on this. This means in addition to providing symptomatic relief for breast cancer patients during their treatment, it can also support those who have completed treatment and are then prescribed long-term aromatase inhibitors to stay on the medication for longer by relieving the drug’s side effects.
Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)
CIPN is one of the most debilitating long-term side effects in breast cancer survivors that can last years after their chemotherapy has ended. Peripheral nerves are distant nerves that carry sensations to the brain and control the movement of our arms and legs. They also control the bladder and bowel. CIPN symptoms include tingling sensation, burning or warm feeling, numbness, discomfort or pain, reduced ability to feel hot/cold, and foot cramps. CIPN can affect a person’s daily routine and if severe, can cause more serious problems like changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and dangerous falls.A recent randomised control trial done by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute showed that an 8-week acupuncture intervention compared to usual care led to a significant improvement in neuropathic pain and abnormal sensation.
Click Here to view the study on this.
Oncology Acupuncture is provided at the following location by appointment only:
Brisbane Bayside: 2 Picton Parade, Wynnum QLD 4178.
To book your oncology acupuncture treatment online, please click here (choose Option 3)
Oncology Acupuncture Fee Schedule (AUD):
Initial Consultation & Treatment* (60-75 min): $178
Return Standard Visit* (45 min): $128
Extended Visit (60 min)*: $148
* Please note this is a consultation and treatment for cancer-related symptoms only, e.g. joint pain, fatigue, nausea, sleep issues, chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy, etc.
Note: health fund rebates for acupuncture are available for those with Australian Private Health Funds with Extras cover.