Cancer Care

Cancer care is a crucial component of cancer treatment and recovery, focused on addressing the effects of cancer treatments and helping patients regain optimal health. In this journey towards recovery and long-term well-being, acupuncture can be a promising approach to support cancer survivors.

Acupuncture offers unique benefits for addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of cancer patients.

At California Mobile Acupuncture, we assist cancer patients in reclaiming their vitality and well-being. Our team helps alleviate the side effects of cancer treatment and supports the overall health of cancer survivors as they navigate life beyond cancer.

Effects of Cancer Treatment

The aftermath of cancer treatment can be challenging, as patients often face a range of physical, emotional, and practical concerns.

Physical effects: Various types of cancer treatments can lead to physical issues, such as pain, fatigue, neuropathy (nerve damage), and changes in appetite and weight.
Emotional and psychological effects: Cancer patients usually experience anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, and adjustment issues.
Cognitive effects: Many patients may experience memory and concentration issues after and during cancer treatment. These cancer-related cognitive issues may also be known as “chemo brain”.

Effects of Chemotherapy & Radiation Therapy

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are two common treatments used to fight cancer. While they can be effective in killing cancer cells, they also have many side effects that can affect various parts of the body and overall health.

Some common aftereffects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy include:

Nausea & vomiting: Chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy can irritate the stomach lining and cause digestive issues. This can lead to nausea and vomiting.
Fatigue: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause intense exhaustion during and after the treatment. Sometimes, fatigue may persist for weeks or months after treatment completion.
Weakened immune system: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause a change in the blood count level. It can reduce the production of red and white blood cells (WBC). A low WBC count can increase the risk of infection, while a low RBC count leads to anemia.
Chemo brain: Some patients may experience cognitive changes during and after chemotherapy, often known as chemo brain. Symptoms can include difficulty with remembering or processing information and multitasking.
Changes in appetite and digestion: Chemotherapy can affect the taste buds, leading to changes in taste perception and appetite. Moreover, radiation therapy may affect the digestive system, leading to diarrhea or constipation. These symptoms may occur during treatment and persist for some time afterward.
Peripheral neuropathy: Chemotherapy can cause nerve damage that causes tingling, burning, weakness or numbness, and pain in the hands and/or feet. These symptoms can impact balance, coordination, and fine motor skills.

Acupuncture for Cancer Care

Acupuncture can be used alongside conventional cancer care to help improve the overall well-being and quality of life for cancer patients. It can help ease various side effects of cancer treatments and enhance the overall treatment experience. These include:

Pain management: Acupuncture is well-known for its effectiveness in managing pain by stimulating the release of endorphins - your body's natural painkillers. It can help alleviate both acute and chronic pain, whether it is related to surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments.
Stress & anxiety: Cancer diagnosis and treatment can cause significant stress and anxiety among patients. Acupuncture has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
Nausea & vomiting: Acupuncture has been shown to effectively reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting by targeting specific acupuncture points associated with the digestive system. This stimulation helps regulate reflexes contributing to nausea and vomiting.
Chemo brain: Acupuncture may help in improving cognitive function by enhancing blood flow to the brain, reducing inflammation, and promoting neural repair and regeneration.
Peripheral neuropathy: Acupuncture can help manage numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet caused by peripheral neuropathy. Targeting acupuncture points related to the nervous system and circulation can alleviate neuropathic symptoms and enhance nerve function.

Improving the Immune System

Acupuncture can be helpful in boosting immunity by regulating the immune system's function. This includes enhancing anticancer and anti-stress immune responses and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.

Acupuncture therapy supports the body's natural healing systems and strengthens the overall body's resilience to fight against viruses and pathogens. Moreover, acupuncture promotes blood circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluid, which plays a crucial role in the body’s immune function.

Enhancing the Overall Quality of Life

Acupuncture can enhance the overall quality of life for cancer patients by addressing physical symptoms, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation. It helps in several ways, which include:

Boosting energy levels: Acupuncture stimulates the body's natural energy pathways, helping cancer patients feel less fatigued and participate more actively in daily activities.
Improving sleep: By regulating circadian rhythms and promoting relaxation, acupuncture can address sleep disturbances experienced by cancer patients. It can also help with hot flashes and night sweats.
Reducing stress & worry: Acupuncture alleviates emotional distress, allowing patients to cope more effectively with the psychological challenges of cancer treatment.
Supporting digestive health: Acupuncture regulates digestive function and enhances appetite, contributing to improved gastrointestinal comfort and nutritional intake.

Cancer Care with California Mobile Acupuncture

California Mobile Acupuncture brings the healing power of acupuncture to your doorstep, offering convenience and comfort during your recovery journey.

Our in-home acupuncture services eliminate the need for travel, reduce stress and fatigue, and allow for personalized, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs. We are committed to giving you a convenient, comfortable, and accessible therapeutic experience wherever you are.

For a free 15-minute phone consultation, call us at (949) 228-9588 or request an appointment online.