Unlocking the power of natural remedies
Alternative cancer treatment
At Nature Acupuncture & Rehab, we offer alternative cancer treatments that can alleviate the side effects of mainstream cancer treatments such as nausea and constipation. Our approach includes energetic acupuncture, which repletes energy levels, re-establishes homeostasis, and un-blocks energy flow, as well as distinct meridian acupuncture that directs healing energy to specific organs affected by cancer. We use a variety of techniques, including needling trigger points, percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and osteo-puncture, to tonify the body and enhance pain control. Our treatments can provide temporary relief and improve patients’ overall sense of well-being.
Acupuncture as an Alternative Cancer Treatment
» Minimizing pain caused by cancer through acupuncture
» Managing side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, weight loss, fatigue, depression, xerostomia (dry mouth), and anxiety
» Boosting white blood cell count
» Enhancing immune and lymphocyte cell activity through acupuncture.
Acupuncture can help reduce a variety of symptoms, including:
» Nausea or vomiting
» Hot flashes
» Shortness of breath
» Fatigue
» Pain
» Anxiety
» Nerve problems
» Joint disorders, such as osteoarthritis
» Dry mouth
» Lymphedema (swelling of your arm or hand that may occur if your lymph nodes were removed)
Alleviating Chemotherapy Side Effects with Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy for cancer patients of all ages who may be experiencing the negative effects of traditional treatments. In palliative cancer care, acupuncture has been evaluated as an intervention to reduce cachexia and unintentional weight loss and has been associated with increased appetite. Different types of acupuncture have been found to alleviate pain, fatigue, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), as well as xerostomia following head and neck radiotherapy.
Acupuncture as a Post-Cancer Treatment Option
Acupuncture is an effective aftercare option for cancer patients experiencing a variety of symptoms after treatment. In breast cancer patients, acupuncture has been shown to alleviate joint pain and stiffness caused by aromatase inhibitors, leading to improved physical well-being. It has also been found to significantly improve fatigue, anxiety, and depression, as well as arthralgia compared to usual care.
For patients experiencing hot flashes, acupuncture has been found to be as effective as standard care, with electroacupuncture (EA) potentially being more effective than gabapentin and having fewer side effects. In prostate cancer patients, early phase studies have shown that acupuncture may relieve hot flashes. However, the effects of acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes in non-cancer patients are mixed.
Acupuncture has also been found to improve pain and overall well-being in lung cancer patients, as well as alleviate peripheral neuropathy associated with conditions such as diabetes, AIDS, and chemotherapy. While acupuncture did not reduce postoperative ileus from standard surgery, EA did reduce postoperative ileus and analgesic use after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer.
Acupuncture for Cancer Treatment-Related Symptoms
Clinical trials have shown that acupuncture can be a useful complementary therapy to relieve pain, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, fatigue, and hot flashes caused by cancer treatments. Additionally, acupuncture is being evaluated for its potential to stimulate appetite and reduce unintended weight loss and physical wasting.
Cancer Risk Factors
GENETICS
Certain gene mutations and some inherited conditions are considered stomach cancer risk factors. They include:
BRCA1 & BRCA2: Inherited mutations on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are often associated with higher risks for breast cancer. Individuals who have inherited these genetic mutations are also at an increased risk for stomach cancer
E-cadherin/CDH1: Though rare, people who inherit this genetic mutation have a 70 to 80 percent chance of developing stomach cancer in their lifetime. Also, women with this genetic defect have an increased risk of breast cancer.
Lynch syndrome: This condition may also be referred to as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), a genetic condition that runs in families. More commonly, this condition is associated with an increased risk for colon cancer. HNPCC also predisposes people to stomach cancers.
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP): This syndrome causes polyps in the colon, stomach and intestines. Often caused by mutations of the gene APC, this syndrome greatly increases a person’s risk of colorectal cancer and may play a small role in increasing a person’s stomach cancer risk.
LIFESTYLE
Smoking: There is evidence linking cigarette smoking to many types of cancer, including stomach cancer. Smokers have been found to be at greater risk of developing cancer than non-smokers.
Diet: Scientists believe that eating foods preserved in these ways may play a role in the development of stomach cancer. On the other hand, fresh foods (especially fresh fruits and vegetables and properly frozen or refrigerated fresh foods) may protect against this disease.
Working in the coal, metal or rubber industries: Chemicals that are released in these environments have been linked to the development of stomach cancer.
OTHER CONDITIONS
H. pylori infection: Doctors have found that a long-term H. pylori infection may lead to inflammation and pre-cancerous changes to the stomach lining. In fact, stomach cancer patients typically have a higher incidence of H. pylori infections than people who do not have stomach cancer.
Pernicious anemia: Some people with pernicious anemia may have gastric polyps, which can increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Epstein-Barr virus infection: According to the American Cancer Society, Epstein-Barr virus is found in the cancer cells of about 5% to 10% of people with stomach cancer.