We live in a time of amazing advancements. We've placed humans on the Moon as well as discovered novel energy sources, and have treated many illnesses. However, the possibility of finding a cure for cancer could be elusive. Even with billions of dollars invested in research each year, the disease still affects most people.
While there isn't evidence that shows that acupuncture helps treat or prevent cancer. It can certainly assist in relieving certain cancer-related symptoms and the side effects of treatment.
It helps to manage certain side effects from treatments like radiation, Chemotherapy, surgery therapy, and hormone therapy.
How does acupuncture function in managing adverse effects of cancer treatment?
1. Pain
Pain is among the most common reported Side effects associated with cancer & cancer-related treatments. The increasing evidence suggests that the survival rate for people with cancer is tied to effective pain management.
Research has shown that acupuncture stimulates nerves which in turn releases natural substances like morphine (endorphins) within the brain and spinal cord, which plays a significant role in easing pain.
Acupuncture releases serotonin as well. Serotonin can relieve pain that can help promote a sense of well-being.
Acupuncture also helps manage below side effects caused by cancer-related treatments.
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2. Cancer-related fatigue.
Fatigue following Chemotherapy can be challenging to manage as it could have a massive impact on a patient's daily life. It can last for several years.
The ACU.FATIGUE trial of 2012 involved 302 participants. It examined acupuncture as a treatment for fatigue after chemotherapy treatments to treat breast cancer.
The study's results revealed that it reduced fatigue and improved the women's overall health.
3. Chemotherapy-induced insomnia.
Insomnia is the issue with sleep initiation, duration, or the quality of sleep experienced even when you're exhausted.
Acupuncture Enhances the nocturnal endogenous production of melatonin and nitric oxide synthase activity, which assists in maintaining the normal functioning in brain tissue that controls sleep. It also regulates concentrations of neurotransmitters (or their modulators) like serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline GABA and neuropeptides Y. It also alters the brain's mood chemistry to decrease sensitivity to stress and pain, as well as promotes relaxation, and also deactivates the analytical brain, which causes anxiety and insomnia.
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- How Can Acupuncture Help Relieve Insomnia?
4. Neuropathy induced by Chemotherapy.
Numerous studies have focused on acupuncture to treat the symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy. Some of the symptoms include Numbness, tingling, and the sensations change between the feet and hands.
If you suffer from cancer symptoms or cancer treatment-related side effects, acupuncture is worth your time.
Consult our doctors at Ayushyaa Clinic – Bangalore's highest-rated & best Acupuncture clinic.
At Ayushyaa Clinic, safety comes first, and our highly qualified doctors are here to ensure the best experience possible for your specific case. We use the best quality imported sterile disposable needles (silver/copper) for the procedure every time, ruling out any possibility of health hazards.