Acupuncture during and after cancer treatment

Living with a cancer diagnosis

From the moment you hear the words , life often becomes a whirlwind of appointments, scans, treatment decisions and uncertainty. Alongside the physical effects of cancer and its treatment comes an emotional journey that can be just as challenging.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting people at different stages of their cancer journey. While every experience is unique, there are certain themes that come up again and again.

The deep fear that follows a diagnosis.
Wanting to stay positive whilst feeling completely overwhelmed.
Conflicting emotions about treatment – knowing that it’s necessary but worrying about the side-effects.
Feeling powerless and out of control.
The extraordinary bravery it takes to keep showing up for treatment that can make you feel so poorly.

And, when treatment finally comes to an end, the unexpected anxiety of learning to live beyond cancer. Many people tell me they hoped everything would return to normal once they were given the all-clear. Instead, they’re left wondering whether every ache or pain means something has returned, trying to rebuild trust in a body that feels unfamiliar.

These feelings are entirely understandable.

How acupuncture can help

Acupuncture can be used alongside treatment to help manage some of the physical and emotional effects of cancer and its treatment. Many people find that regular acupuncture appointments provide a calm, supportive space during what can be one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Treatment is always tailored to your individual circumstances and adapted according to where you are in your treatment journey.

I attended regularly over a six month period during chemotherapy treatment. The acupuncture alleviated the side effects as well as improving sleep, fatigue and general wellbeing.

Supporting the side-effects of cancer treatment

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and hormone therapy can bring a wide range of side effects. Everyone responds differently, and not everyone experiences the same challenges.

Acupuncture may help support people experiencing symptoms such as:

Acupuncture can be used alongside the medications prescribed by your doctors and forms part of a wider supportive approach to improving your quality of life during treatment.

It’s almost unbelievable how much better I look and feel this morning. It was the best sleep since my cancer diagnosis.

Emotional support during cancer treatment

One of the things I value most about acupuncture is that it offers something many people struggle to find during cancer treatment. Time.

Time to slow down.
Time to breathe.
Time to talk if you want to.
Or simply time to rest.

Many patients describe their treatment as one of the few occasions each week where they can stop thinking about appointments, results and the next stage of treatment.

Many people find it helps them feel calmer, sleep more deeply and cope better with the emotional demands of treatment.

Gosh I’m so lucky I have had you through my breast cancer treatment. The difference your counsel and acupuncture have made to me through these months – it has absolutely kept me sane and calm and positive.

Is acupuncture safe during cancer treatment?

When carried out by a fully qualified acupuncturist, acupuncture is considered safe for people undergoing cancer treatment. Treatment will always be adapted to your individual circumstances.

Before every appointment, I’ll discuss where you are in your treatment, how you’re feeling and any changes to your health or medication. Depending on your treatment plan, I may adapt the acupuncture points I use, the strength of treatment or the timing of your appointments. For example, if your immune system is suppressed or you’re feeling particularly fatigued after chemotherapy, treatment may be gentler or postponed until it’s appropriate.

My priority is always to provide safe, supportive care that complements the treatment you’re already receiving. Acupuncture is not a treatment for cancer itself, but it can be a valuable way of supporting your wellbeing during and after cancer treatment.

Acupuncture after cancer treatment

The end of treatment is often expected to be a time of celebration and for many people it is.

But it can also bring unexpected emotions.

Life may not immediately return to how it was before. Fatigue can persist, confidence may take time to rebuild and many people experience an ongoing fear of recurrence that lingers long after treatment has finished.

It’s also common to feel as though your relationship with your body has changed. Some people describe feeling let down by their body, while others struggle to trust it in the same way they once did.

Acupuncture can’t erase those experiences, but it can provide gentle support as you continue your recovery, helping you reconnect with your body and supporting your physical and emotional wellbeing.

When should I start acupuncture?

There is no single right time.

Some people begin acupuncture before treatment starts to help prepare both physically and emotionally. Others choose to have treatment alongside chemotherapy or radiotherapy to help manage side effects, while many come after treatment has finished to support their recovery and overall wellbeing. I’ll happily work alongside any medical treatment you’re receiving.

Thinking about acupuncture?

If you’re living with cancer or recovering after treatment and would like to explore whether acupuncture could support you, I’d be happy to talk things through.

I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation where you can ask questions and decide whether treatment feels right for you.

Further reading:

You may be interested to read about the research that’s been carried out in the area of acupuncture for cancer patients. You can read some complied by Evidence Based Acupuncture and the National Library of Medicine.

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