Integrative Support During Cancer Treatment and Recovery

Cancer treatment can affect much more than the cancer itself. Patients may experience pain, nausea, neuropathy, fatigue, sleep disturbance, digestive changes, dry mouth, and other treatment-related symptoms.

Our oncology acupuncture program is designed to provide careful, individualized supportive care alongside your oncology treatment.

We do not replace your oncologist or cancer treatment. We work as part of an integrative approach, with respect for your diagnosis, medications, treatment schedule, and oncology team's recommendations.

Your oncology team treats the cancer. Our role is to help support you through treatment and recovery.

During Chemotherapy

Acupuncture may help support patients experiencing:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

• Fatigue and low energy

• Poor appetite

• Digestive discomfort

• Constipation

• Sleep disturbance

• Stress and anxiety

Treatment is adjusted according to your energy level, symptoms, chemotherapy schedule, blood counts, and overall condition.

Neuropathy & Nerve Pain Support

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy may cause:

• Numbness

• Tingling

• Burning sensations

• Cold or altered sensation

• Sensitivity in the hands and feet

• Nerve-related discomfort

Acupuncture may be incorporated into supportive care to help manage these symptoms and improve comfort and function.

Cancer-Related Pain & Musculoskeletal Support

Supportive acupuncture may also be considered for:

• Cancer-related pain

• Neck and back pain

• Muscle tension

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Aromatase inhibitor-associated joint discomfort

• Post-surgical musculoskeletal discomfort

• Neuropathic pain

Treatment is always adapted to the patient's medical condition and treatment history.

Hormonal Therapy Support

Hormonal therapies may contribute to symptoms such as:

• Hot flashes

• Night sweats

• Joint stiffness

• Muscle discomfort

• Fatigue

• Sleep disturbance

Acupuncture may be used as part of an individualized supportive-care plan to help manage these symptoms.

Radiation Therapy Support

For patients undergoing radiation treatment, acupuncture may support concerns such as:

• Fatigue

• Dry mouth following head and neck radiation

• Appetite changes

• General discomfort

• Sleep disturbance

Treatment areas are selected carefully, and acupuncture is avoided over irritated, damaged, infected, or medically restricted tissue.

TCM Food-Based Support During Treatment

Cancer treatment can change appetite, digestion, taste, hydration, and food tolerance.

When appropriate, we may provide simple food-based guidance using familiar foods, soups, porridges, and gentle meals.

Recommendations may focus on:

• Maintaining hydration

• Supporting adequate nutrition

• Helping with reduced appetite

• Supporting bowel regularity

• Choosing gentle foods during digestive sensitivity

• Using moist, easy-to-eat foods for dry mouth

• Supporting nourishment during fatigue and recovery

We take a cautious approach to herbs and supplements during active cancer treatment because of possible interactions with medications and oncology therapies.

Safety Comes First

Oncology patients may require additional precautions.

Before treatment, we consider factors such as:

• Current chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy

• Recent surgery

• Medications

• Blood-thinning medications

• Platelet and white blood cell concerns

• Infection risk

• Lymphedema precautions

• Ports and medical devices

• Bone metastases

• Surgical sites

• Neuropathy

• Overall treatment tolerance

Acupuncture sessions may be shortened, modified, or postponed when necessary.

When there is a safety concern, we encourage communication with the patient's oncology team before treatment.

We Work With Your Oncology Team

We believe integrative care should be collaborative.

We do not advise patients to stop chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, or prescribed medications.

When appropriate, we welcome communication and coordination with your:

• Medical oncologist

• Radiation oncologist

• Surgical oncologist

• Primary care physician

• Physical therapist

• Dietitian or nutrition team

• Other cancer-care specialists

Careful treatment. Clear communication. Respect for your oncology plan.

Support Through Every Stage

Oncology acupuncture may be considered:

During treatment
To help manage treatment-related symptoms and improve comfort.

Between treatment cycles
To support recovery and symptom management.

After surgery
For carefully selected pain, tension, and recovery-related concerns.

During survivorship
For persistent neuropathy, pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, joint stiffness, and other lingering symptoms.

A Gentle, Individualized Approach

There is no one-size-fits-all oncology acupuncture protocol.

Each treatment is adjusted according to:

• Your diagnosis

• Current treatment

• Symptoms

• Medications

• Physical condition

• Treatment tolerance

• Oncology recommendations

Our goal is to provide supportive care that is gentle, thoughtful, medically respectful, and centered around the individual patient.

Reduced-Fee Oncology Support Program 

As Hope Oncology Care Program, treatments are offered at a sliding rate. A reduced-fee option is available for patients receiving active cancer treatment who may benefit from more frequent acupuncture. Patients may select a fee within the available range based on what they can reasonably afford. 

Important Note: Acupuncture is not a substitute for oncology diagnosis or medical cancer treatment. It is used as a complementary therapy to support comfort and overall well-being during conventional medical care. Patients should always continue working closely with their oncology team.