Can acupuncture help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy?

Can acupuncture help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy?

by | Jul 15, 2018 | Chinese Medicine

As we all know, acupuncture offers a vast number of benefits – but exciting new research suggests it could also help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy treatment in cancer patients.

According to Cancer Australia, it is estimated that up to 138,321 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australia in this year alone and many will be required to undergo chemotherapy treatment.

While symptoms vary from person to person, chemotherapy treatment is generally considered to be an unpleasant experience. Side effects can often include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, hair loss, muscle soreness, reduced concentration, mood changes and many more.

However, acupuncture can offer some much-needed relief and improve cancer patients overall health and wellness as they undergo their rigorous treatment.

Reduce nausea

One of the most notable changes which chemotherapy patients may experience after an acupuncture session is a reduction in nausea and improved sense of wellbeing.

Reduce muscle soreness

Another great way that acupuncture treatment can also help chemotherapy patients is by reducing muscle soreness and nerve tingling, allowing patients to continue on with their daily lives and exercise routines.

Reduce anxiety

A diagnosis of cancer can be incredibly confronting and it’s common for patients to experience feelings of anxiety. Regular acupuncture treatments can help lower patients anxiety levels and allow them to focus on their recovery.

Recent studies indicate that for the best results, a regular acupuncture plan should be followed with sessions up to twice per week.

An experienced practitioner will be able to customise an individual plan for their patient’s own specific needs to support them to get the most out of their acupuncture treatment and support them through the recovery process.

 

Views: 0

Stay hydrated through winter

Stay hydrated through winter

by | Jul 2, 2018 | Health

Staying well hydrated is one of the most fundamental principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, but during the cooler months, it can become difficult to stay on top of.

Drink warm water

When winter rolls around, we tend to seek warmer foods and beverages to heat us up from the inside out – so why not do the same with water? A glass of lukewarm water will quench your thirst just as well as a cool cup

Sip throughout the day

Rather than consuming large quantities in one hit, it’s best to sip water steadily throughout the day, so try to make a habit of carrying a water bottle with you wherever you go.

Try herbal tea

If you’re after something with a little more flavour, try some different herbal teas and see if any take your fancy. As well as helping to get your water intake up, herbal teas can offer a wide range of other health benefits too.

Make you own infusions

If tea isn’t for you, consider making your own fruit infusions to add some extra flavour to water. A few slices of lemon or lime along with some sprigs of mint make for a refreshing beverage you’re going to love.

Avoid alcohol

If you’re struggling to meet your daily waiter intake, it’s best to avoid alcohol as this can only dehydrate you further. If you don’t want to give up the drink, make sure you add an extra glass of water between every beverage.

Go easy on the coffee

How dependent are you on your daily dose of java? While one cup won’t hurt, it’s worth noting that coffee is a diuretic and will have you needing to urinate much for frequently. Like with alcohol, it’s best to add an extra glass of water for every coffee you consume.

Views: 0