Cancer Support
We are committed to helping cancer patients improve the quality of their lives. Returning the body to a state of balance is a preventative concept that compliments pathology based Western medicine.
How Can I Benefit from Acupuncture if I Have Cancer?
Herbal Medicine and Supplements with the Cancer Patient
Antioxidants with the Cancer Patient
Prevention: Living Cancer Free
How Can You Help Me Recover From Surgery?
Acupuncture and the Cancer Patient
Q. How Can I Benefit from Acupuncture If I Have Cancer?
A. Acupuncture as part of an integrated cancer treatment strengthens the body and reduces the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and invasive procedures. Acupuncture research shows that it helps with all of the following:
Side Effects of Chemotherapy and Radiation
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Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
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Radiotherapy-induced complications
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Cancer-related dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
- Bone marrow suppression
- Suppressed immune system such as shingles
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Poor appetite
General Symptoms
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Cancer-related pain
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Relaxing the nervous system to treat emotional distress. (According to the Wellness Community this is the most common and under-reported side effect of cancer.)
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Treatment-related hot flashes
- Post surgical complications
- Restorative care post-treatment
Q. Is There Any Downside to Acupuncture for the Cancer Patient?
A. No. Complications from acupuncture are extremely rare. In fact, many who receive acupuncture report pleasant side effects such as improved sleep, and a pleasant feeling of calm.
Q. How Many Times Per Week Should I Be Treated?
A. This depends on the severity of symptoms. For example, severe nausea and anorexia from chemotherapy can be treated daily when symptoms are most severe. If a patient has hot flashes for which he/she cannot take medication treatment 2 or more times a week is beneficial. Others with less severe symptoms are usually seen 1-2x per week.
Herbal Medicine and Supplements
Q. Should I Be Taking Herbs And Supplements During Chemotherapy?
A. During chemotherapy some herbs can be helpful to ameliorate side effects. Research has shown certain nutrients are of vital importance to prevent metabolic collapse, and maximize nutrient absorption while at the same time improving the efficacy of chemotherapy.
Q. Should I Be Taking Antioxidants?
A. During chemotherapy and radiation the question is not necessarily should you use antioxidants but instead which antioxidants, in what combinations and at what doses and frequencies? For example, taking Co-Q10, magnesium and taurine along with Adriamyacin and Bleomycin is vitally important to protect against the toxicity of these drugs on the heart. Studies with Vitamin E during administration of Cisplatin have shown protective effects against the drug toxicity while at the same time improving efficacy.
Prevention: Living Cancer Free
After treatment it is very important to optimize health so that there is an unfavorable environment for the cancer to return. One way we do this is with testing to determine the best interventions to reduce metastasis or recurrence.
Some of the functional balances that we look are as follows: High circulating insulin levels cause tremendous oxidative stress, which can lead to chromosomal instability. Essential fatty acid balance (Omega 6:3 ratio) when correct reduces inflammation and the cell signaling that causes angiogenesis. High levels of copper (in soy for example) have been found to promote angiogenesis.
Q. How Can You Help Me Recover From Surgery?
A. Our Surgery Recovery Protocol will help you recover quicker with less pain and side effects. We use a homeopathic, herbal and nutraceutical protocol to help patients going through the rigors of surgery.
Please call or email for a consultation at 310-473-7474.