Acupuncture during cancer treatment: What to know

How would you describe acupuncture to someone who wasn't familiar with it?

Acupuncture is a very safe, minimally invasive medical intervention based on traditional Chinese medicine. It uses hair-thin, sterile needles to stimulate different points on your body called acupoints. Stimulating these points activates a cascade of reactions inside your body that involves the neurovascular and neuroendocrine-immune network. These reactions aim to restore the body’s homeostasis, or internal balance, to promote self-regulation and restore optimal function.

How is acupuncture used in cancer care?

In cancer care, acupuncture is a natural way to manage symptoms without adding new drugs.

Here at MD Anderson, we offer symptom-oriented acupuncture as opposed to wellness acupuncture. This means acupuncture is used to target specific symptoms associated with cancer or cancer treatments.

Some symptoms that acupuncture can help with include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
• Dry mouth, especially after radiation to the head and neck
• Constipation
• Hiccups
• Hot flashes
• Pain, including musculoskeletal pain and joint pain related to aromatase inhibitors

There is also some evidence that suggests acupuncture combined with other activities and lifestyle changes can help with fatigue and improve mood.

Who is acupuncture a good fit for?

Acupuncture is a good fit for people who want to manage cancer and cancer treatment-related symptoms without adding new medications.

Before beginning acupuncture, MD Anderson patients have a consultation with an integrative medicine physician. During that appointment, you and your doctor will talk about your lifestyle and health. Then, they will determine if there is evidence that acupuncture or other treatments may be helpful in your specific case.

Patients are only referred to see an acupuncturist if research has shown that acupuncture can help their symptoms in a significant way.

Are there any patients who shouldn’t get acupuncture?

Acupuncture can generally be used alongside treatment for all types of cancer.

We have very specific safety guidelines we use to decide if it is safe to treat patients. For example, it may be unsafe to treat patients who have an extremely low white blood cell count — such as those undergoing CAR T cell therapy — or patients with unmedicated blood clots or who have trouble forming blood clots. We may also need to avoid certain body parts due to treatments like radiation.

Finally, acupuncture might not be the best choice for people who are very claustrophobic or have trouble staying still for a 20-minute session. When that’s the case, we’ll recommend online yoga classes or breathing exercises to help someone learn how to relax their body before trying acupuncture.

What happens at an acupuncture appointment?

Your first acupuncture appointment will begin with a consultation that focuses on your symptoms. We will discuss your symptoms at length and answer any questions you may have. Next, we will take a look at your tongue and feel your pulse; this part of traditional Chinese medicine helps us understand what's going on in your body so we can customize the treatment to your specific needs.

Next, your acupuncturist will insert needles into each acupoint at a variety of depths and angles. You may be lying face up, face down or on your side.

The acupuncture process is not really painful. You may feel a little ‘zing’ when the needles go in, but after that, you don't really feel anything. The needles are left in for about 20 minutes while you relax. Your acupuncturist is just a call away if you need anything. Then, the needles are removed, and you are free to go.

Most patients will have a course of treatment involving multiple sessions for optimal results. The number of sessions depends on the symptoms being treated and your response to the treatment. For example, many patients will see an acupuncturist once or twice a week for a total of 8 to 10 sessions before a reevaluation.

Are there any side effects or pain associated with the process?

Acupuncture is very safe. Usually, the worst adverse events I see are cosmetic, such as a little bruising and blood when the needle is taken out.

Infections from acupuncture are extremely rare.

Can you get acupuncture if you are scared of needles?

Acupuncturists are used to working with people who are anxious or dislike needles. We’re used to making patients feel comfortable. Most of the time, even patients who say they hate needles do fine.

How can MD Anderson patients request acupuncture?

MD Anderson has five acupuncturists between its Texas Medical Center and League City locations. If you are an MD Anderson patient interested in acupuncture, ask your doctor for a referral to the Integrative Medicine Center.

Not an MD Anderson patient? Find a provider who is fully licensed and in good standing by visiting your state’s medical board website.

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.