This is a good review of studies done on the use of acupuncture concomitant with radiation for cancer patients. The upshot is that acupuncture studies show positive effects for conditions such as xerostomia (dry mouth), fatigue, nausea, vomiting and lack of appetite.
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5514158/)
“All studies have shown that acupuncture is associated with better outcome in relieving disorders than the control groups.” This should be a pretty compelling argument to include acupuncture in cancer care plans everywhere. I am very fortunate to be part of the care team at the Winchester Hospital Cancer Care Center and have witnessed firsthand the benefits that acupuncture treatment can provide.
And it’s incredibly safe! “White et al published a cumulative review on acupuncture-related side effects and reported serious side effects at 0.05 per 10,000 patients treated.39 “ Any pharmaceutical intervention with this kind of success and safety record would be included in the standard treatment protocol. Why acupuncture isn’t more widely offered and covered by insurance, which it almost never is, is beyond me.
Insurance coverage is an ongoing battle, but in the meantime, if you or someone you love is involved in the cancer treatment battle, consider acupuncture treatment to help them get through it as comfortably as possible.