Oncology Acupuncture: Understanding Its Role in Cancer Care

As an integrative oncology specialist, I often emphasize the importance of supportive therapies that work alongside conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. One powerful and evidence-informed modality in this space is oncology acupuncture.

If you've never heard of it, or are wondering how it's different from traditional acupuncture, this blog will walk you through what oncology acupuncture is, who is qualified to provide it, the benefits it offers for those facing cancer, and why it deserves a place in your care plan.

What Is Oncology Acupuncture?

Oncology acupuncture is a specialized form of acupuncture tailored specifically for individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment. It can also be used to support those on palliative and hospice care. While it's rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this approach integrates modern medical knowledge of cancer, cancer treatments, and common signs, symptoms, and side effects patients often experience.

The goal isn't to treat cancer itself, but rather to support the person who has cancer—by addressing a number of conditions that can improve his/her overall quality of life.

Who Is Qualified to Perform Oncology Acupuncture?

Not all acupuncturists are trained to work with oncology patients. Oncology acupuncture requires additional clinical training beyond a standard acupuncture degree. Qualified practitioners typically meet these criteria:

• Licensed Acupuncturists (LAcs) or Doctors of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM)

• Specialized training in oncology acupuncture through accredited programs or postgraduate certification

• Familiarity with Western cancer treatments (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, surgery) and how they interact with acupuncture

• Experience in hospital-based or integrative cancer centers, often working collaboratively with oncologists and palliative care teams

What Are the Benefits of Oncology Acupuncture?

Many people living with cancer experience complex signs and symptoms, as well as many side-effects related to treatment. Oncology acupuncture can help relieve a wide range of conditions.

Here are the most commonly treated:

1. Nausea and Vomiting

Acupuncture is one of the best-researched non-pharmacologic interventions for chemotherapy-induced nausea, often reducing reliance on antiemetic medications.

2. Cancer-Related Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common and difficult symptoms to manage. Acupuncture has been shown to improve energy and reduce the sensation of heaviness many patients feel during treatment.

3. Peripheral Neuropathy

Some chemotherapy drugs can cause nerve damage, leading to pain, tingling, and numbness. Acupuncture can help reduce neuropathy and promote nerve healing.

4. Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Both chemotherapy and hormone therapy can induce hot flashes and night sweats.  Both can be alleviated by weekly acupuncture treatments. 

5. Pain Management

Acupuncture can treat neoplastic pain (cancer related pain), post-surgical pain, bone pain, and treatment-related soreness.  It’s a great drug-free option to complement pain management plans.

6. Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia

Emotional and mental health symptoms often accompany a cancer diagnosis. Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system and promotes relaxation.

How Does Oncology Acupuncture Differ from Regular Acupuncture?

While both use the same general method of inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body, oncology acupuncture is adapted to the needs, vulnerabilities, and medical context of those who have cancer. Here are some key differences:

Feature	Regular Acupuncture	Oncology Acupuncture
Training Required	Standard acupuncture training	Specialized training in cancer care
Patient Assessment	General health history	Includes cancer type, stage, treatments, lab values, and co-morbilities
Technique Modifications	Standard needling	Adjusted needling for safety based on blood count, platelet levels, risk for infection, and lymphedema
Treatment Goals	Addresses broad wellness goals	Focuses on specific goals based on current signs and symptoms, expected side-effects of conventional treatment, and increases immunity
Collaborative Care	Often solo practice	Typically integrated with oncology team

Conclusion

Oncology acupuncture is not a cure for cancer, but for many, it's a lifeline. It offers relief for many signs, symptoms, and side-effects and can dramatically improve one's quality of life.  Oncology acupuncture can be useful for all patients, regardless of where they are in their journey, whether, newly diagnoses, in-treatment, in survivorship, or on palliative / hospice care.