Can Acupuncture Help With Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects?

Acupuncture and breast cancer. How does it work and why should you do it? It is a hot topic as many of the hospitals around the nation are working to integrate their services to provide acupuncture. As an acupuncturist in Orange County with experience treating oncology patients, I can tell you that the acupuncture can help relieve breast cancer symptoms.

In addition to my work at Life Point Acupuncture in Orange County, I occasionally give educational talks at cancer survivor group meetings at Mission Hospital, Hoag Hospital, and Saddleback Memorial Hospital. Some of my patients are currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. One of my patients had so much success with breast cancer support acupuncture treatments that she shared her story with Conquer Magazine.

She originally saw me to treat the post-mastectomy pain in her left shoulder and over the years we found many other complications that we could successfully treat. "I have been able to obtain outstanding results through acupuncture for other problems as well, such as high blood pressure, asthma, back pain, and joint pain caused by the aromatase inhibitors that I take to lower my risk for cancer recurring," says Ginger Modiri.

How Does Acupuncture Help Breast Cancer Symptoms?

1) Activation of the bodies natural opioid system: Evidence shows that acupuncture causes the release of opioid peptides. These opioid peptides bind to pain receptors and decrease pain and inflammation in the body. These opioid peptides also at as hormones delivered to a variety of target tissues. This explains why acupuncture can treat such a wide variety of ailments.

2) Stimulation of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland: Studies suggest that acupuncture stimulates the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.  The pituitary gland is often described as the "master gland." It produces a battery of hormones that collectively influence all cells and virtually all physiological processes in the body. The hypothalamus is the gland that has the ability to suppress or stimulate the pituitary glands production of hormones. 

3) Change in secretion in neurotransmitters and neurohormones: Studies also suggest that acupuncture alters our brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. 

4) Enhances and regulates the immune system: Randomized controlled trials on oncology patients suggest that acupuncture  prevents the drop in white blood cell count (leukopenia) and boosts the production of all vital immune system cells while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Acupuncture Decreases Joint Pain

A recent study led by the researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania in the journal, Cancer, shows that acupuncture decreased the joint pain of 50% of the breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors. It also proved a signifiant reduction in overall fatigue, anxiety, and depression in their patients. This study proves the significant role that mental health plays in pain management. As I always say, a happy mind makes for a happy body. 

Acupuncture has also been proven to relieve many other complications that breast cancer patients and survivors face:

  • hot flashes

  • neuropathy

  • night sweats

  • hair loss

  • nausea & vomiting

  • leukopenia (low white blood cell count)

  • decreased immunity

  • difficulty concentrating (chemo brain)

  • weight gain

If you or someone you know is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer, it might be time to give acupuncture a try. Give us a call to learn more or schedule an appointment below.

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