"Pink In Honor Of Breast Cancer Awareness Month", by Audrey, used with permission under CC BY 2.0. Source.

Women At Risk With Breast Cancer: Can Acupuncture Help?

“Cupcake for the Cure” by North Charleston, used with permission under CC BY SA 2.0. Source.

Actually, acupuncture can, and does, provide relief to those suffering with the after affects of chemotherapy and radiation from breast cancer.  Did you know that acupuncture, according to the National Cancer Society:

  1. Alleviates symptoms such as hot flashes (often a side effect of cancer treatment)?
  2. Increases the body’s immune system to assist in quicker healing time (it helps increase T cell count)?
  3. Brings relief from symptoms such as nausea and vomiting (common reactions to certain cancer medications)?
  4. Assists with muscle and joint pain caused by aromatase inhibitors?
  5. Combats fatigue in patients treated for cancer?
  6. Provides stress release?

When I was an intern at my school, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine – NY, I had a few patients with various types of cancer.  Sometimes their main complaint was fatigue, sometimes it was nausea, sometimes it was a specific body pain.  One patient in particular had recently undergone chemotherapy, and was very exhausted.  For her particular case that day, I tried to “give some juice” to her reserves, and build up her immune system.  I was glad to see that she was able to feel a bit better upon walking out the door.

Would you like to learn more about how acupuncture and reiki can help cancer survivors?

Please join me on Friday, February 25th, 2011, as I give a talk on the benefits of acupuncture and reiki to the breast cancer survivors at Women at Risk (WAR), a part of Columbia University Medical Center Breast Service.  WAR is a support group for women who are currently undergoing breast cancer treatment, who have in the past, or who are about to.  But, the talk is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about this subject!

Nancy Singleton, the Patient Navigator and person who conducts the group meetings for the WAR ladies, also welcomes any patients of mine to come talk about their experiences with acupuncture.  Many of the women in the support group have not tried acupuncture, and would love to hear any first hand experience on it.  I will divulge my experience during the presentation, as well, give a needling demo on myself, and present some tools of the trade (moxa, cups, liniments, gua sha horn, and needles, oh my!)  And, yes, once again, I’m breaking out with the powerpoint.  If only Martha Stewart would confirm, “Margarita and her powerpoint presentations:  it’s a good thing!”

“Breast Self-Exam” by Bill Branson, used with permission by National Cancer Institute, released into public domain. Source.

Details of Acupuncture & Cancer Talk:

When:  Friday, February 25, 2011
Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm
Where: 161 Fort Washington
Herbert Irving Pavillion
Basement
New York, NY  10032
Closest Trains: 1, A, C to 168th Street-Washington Heights

Copyright © 2011 by Alcantara Acupuncture & Healing Arts. All rights reserved. You may quote, copy, translate and link to this article, in its entirety, on free, non-donation based websites only, as long as you include the author name and a working link back to this website. All other uses are strictly prohibited.

All information on this website is my own opinion, and not to be taken as medical advice. Reliance on any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk. Please refer to your medical practitioner before making any medical decisions.

2 Comments

  1. mybusinessaddiction
    February 22, 2011

    What you’re doing is so important and inspirational for women all over the world. My mum had a scare a few years ago but thankfully it was benign. Keep up the fantastic work:)! Ciao, K

    Reply
    • Alcantara Acupuncture
      February 23, 2011

      Hello again, Kemi!

      Nice to hear from you. Why, thanks for the supportive words. In fact, I’m working on my keynote (Mac powerpoint) presentation as we speak (well, I suppose not at this very second! :)) I have been learning a lot about all the cancer medications, side effects of chemotherapy, neuropathies, post-operative pain, and am glad that I was able to find some clinical trials and articles to back it all up! I just know the ladies at this group have already been through a lot, and just want to make sure I’m addressing as much as possible.

      I’m glad your mom’s experience turned out to be benign.

      Thanks for the rah rah!
      Margarita

      Reply

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