Cancer Support

A cancer diagnosis can be life-changing and may bring significant physical, emotional and psychological challenges. Treatment itself; including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and hormone therapy, can also result in unwanted side effects that affect quality of life.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are not used as an alternative to cancer treatment. I strongly encourage all patients to follow the advice and treatment recommendations of their oncologist and medical team.

Instead, my role is to work alongside conventional oncology care, supporting the person through treatment and helping to manage some of the symptoms and side effects they may experience.

Acupuncture During Cancer Treatment

Acupuncture is increasingly used as part of integrative oncology care. Depending on the individual and their treatment, acupuncture may be used to support symptoms such as:

• Nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment

• Cancer-related pain and musculoskeletal discomfort

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Cancer-related fatigue

• Hot flushes associated with hormone therapy

• Poor sleep

• Stress and emotional wellbeing

Treatment is always individualised according to the person’s diagnosis, current cancer treatment, symptoms and overall health.

Supporting the Person, Not Treating the Cancer

I am not using acupuncture to treat or cure the cancer itself. That is the role of your oncology team.

Instead, my focus is on supporting you as the person going through cancer treatment—helping manage treatment-related symptoms, supporting quality of life and providing a calm and supportive space during what can be an incredibly demanding period.

Is Acupuncture Safe During Cancer Treatment?

Acupuncture can often be incorporated safely into cancer care, but treatment needs to take into consideration the person’s blood counts, immune status, medications, surgery, lymph node removal, radiation treatment and other individual factors.

I encourage patients to let their oncologist know they are receiving acupuncture, and I am always happy to communicate with your medical team where appropriate.

If you are undergoing cancer treatment and would like to discuss whether acupuncture may be appropriate as part of your supportive care, please get in touch!