When faced with a life-threatening situation such as cancer you would be foolish to perfunctorily dismiss a viable treatment option, even if it is not a mainstream approach. For instance, Chinese acupuncture has long been used as a supplemental treatment against the ravages of cancer.
But what is acupuncture, what should a first-time acupuncture patient expect from the procedure, and how can this process help fight cancer? Read on and find out.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been practiced throughout China and other Asian countries for more than 4,000 years. It is based on the belief that the human body is governed by 12 channels and eight meridians through which energy flows: Where this energy flows smoothly, health is maintained; where there are obstructions due to pathological causes, the energy flow is interrupted, allowing disease to fester. Acupuncture seeks to stimulate various points on the body to manage and correct improper energy flow, restoring health.
How Is Acupuncture Performed?
During treatment, tiny needles are inserted into various acupuncture points throughout the body. A skilled acupuncturist will be able to discern, from observing symptoms, which channels and meridians are blocked and how best to restore the body's natural condition. A typical session lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, with the number of required sessions dependent on the severity of the problem. Heat, light electrical stimulation and manual stimulation can also be used during treatment.
Can Acupuncture Help Fight Cancer?
Numerous studies have indicated the positive effects that acupuncture treatment can have in the fight against cancer, as it improves immune system function and helps decrease pain, nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It has also been shown to offset other treatment-related side effects, including fever, coughing, night sweats and weight loss.
Additional Cancer-Fighting Properties
Individuals who have recently had cancer growths removed from their body can use acupuncture to reengage the immune system and help guard against a recurrence. Dr. Wang Fuda, who has devoted much of his professional life towards helping cancer survivors, believes an immediate and prolonged series of treatments after removal of a tumor is the key to guarding against a relapse. See the "Acupuncture vs. Cancer" link at the bottom of the page for more information about Fuda and his work.
Considerations
Scientifically speaking, acupuncture heralds a number of benefits for those suffering from cancer. Although some might have a psychological aversion to non-traditional forms of treatment where data may not be convincing, one would be foolish to dismiss acupuncture as a viable alternative without investigating its potential benefits.
Tags: Acupuncture Cancer, energy flow, energy flows, immune system, would foolish