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 organ systems, Acupuncture can support a patient going through Surgery, Chemotherapy or Radiation by stimulating the body’s natural energy flow, Qi, and blood flow to improve organ health.
Going through Chemotherapy treatment can cause severe fatigue and many other symptoms. Studies show that Acupuncture resulted in much improvement in fatigue and other debilitating symptoms.
Insomnia, Fatigue, Anxiety, Nausea, Inflammation, and Pain are the most common symptoms that Cancer patients experience. Acupuncture has been proven in numerous studies to be effective in improving Sleep, Pain management, and decreasing Nausea, Stress and Anxiety levels. Weekly treatment has also been shown to improve overall Mood & a sense of Well Being.
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.
In addition, there are many Nutraceuticals and Botanicals to support Cancer patients during and after their medical treatment. Please contact me to set up an evaluation and have continuous care during this process. You can feel better on this journey!
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.
