Oncology Acupuncture
Oncology acupuncture is a sub-specialty of acupuncture for individuals with cancer. While it does not treat cancer, it can be used as supportive therapy for comfort, symptom relief, and quality of life. It can be used during any stage of your cancer care journey, from chemotherapy to radiation, surgery recovery to palliative care. Pioneered by Weidong Lu, we at Lu Acupuncture Clinic offer expert care in this field.
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Symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment can include: nausea and vomiting, pain, fatigue, dry mouth, hot flashes, neuropathy, anxiety, and sleep problems. Acupuncture can be used to alleviate these.
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For most patients, yes. Cancer patients need extra safety checks. This is because cancer treatment can affect blood counts, the immune system, skin, and nerves.
At Lu Acupuncture Clinic, we carefully review your cancer history and recent blood counts (if needed) when selecting safe points for your treatment.
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During your intake, we review:
Your cancer diagnosis
Your current and past treatments
Your symptoms
Your medications
Your recent blood work, if needed
Your areas of pain, numbness, swelling, or skin changes
We will ask about your main goals for care. These may include less pain, better sleep, less nausea, more energy, or better comfort.
Then we will create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
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This can vary depending on your symptoms, treatment schedule, and goals. During active cancer treatment, most patients come 1-2 times a week. After treatment resolves, many patients come weekly for 6-8 weeks or more. In the long-term, most patients come as they feel it’s necessary, which can be weekly, monthly, or only a few times a year.