Acupuncture and Colon Cancer
Colon
cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States with about 60,000
deaths from it every year. Like all cancer, treatment can be long,
uncomfortable and come with many side effects. Those getting chemotherapy may
experience nausea, vomiting, postoperative pain, cancer related pain, insomnia
and anxiety. The chronic pain can significantly impact quality of life. Most
patients are prescribed medications such as opioids for pain that have side
effects and are highly addictive.
In
Traditional Chinese Medicine it is believed that colon cancer comes from a
number of underlying factors such as spleen yang deficiency, kidney yang
deficiency, kidney yin deficiency and liver yin deficiency. Acupuncture works
by addressing these deficiencies to return the body back to balance. Using
specific points on the body related to these organs, acupuncture stimulates the
body’s natural energy flow, Qi, and blood flow to improve organ health.
Going
through chemotherapy treatment can cause severe fatigue. One study showed that
acupuncture resulted in a 30 percent improvement in a baseline fatigue score.
Insomnia
and anxiety are one of the most common symptoms that cancer patients
experience. Acupuncture has been proven in numerous studies to be just as
effective, if not more, than prescription drugs in improving sleep and
decreasing stress and anxiety levels. This alternative treatment has also been
shown to improve overall mood.
Acupuncture
can help boost the immune system. Chemotherapy can greatly lower the body’s
immune defense, leaving one in a vulnerable state due to a decrease in
white-blood cell count. By increasing blood flow and stimulating Qi,
acupuncture is a great way to improve immune function.
Cancer
and cancer treatment is nothing to take lightly. A diagnosis can drastically
change one’s life not only physically but mentally as well. If you have been
diagnosed with colon cancer and/or going through chemotherapy, it is important
to remember that there are alternative, safe treatments that can help make the
process easier. If a loved one is going through treatment, support is the best
thing you can do for them. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
and there is no better time to get tested and become educated on the facts.
Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA
New York Sports Acupuncture
(888) 375-5444
Sources: http://bit.ly/1olvPDB, http://bit.ly/1Toqw3p, http://1.usa.gov/1SQPl8h
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