Acupuncture for Cancer Care in Clearwater, Florida

While cancer survival rates are increasing due to advancements in cancer treatment, the treatments themselves are still very taxing to the body, causing numerous debilitating side-effects.  Acupuncture is a perfect complementary option to lessen these side effects, alleviate pain and help strengthen the body.  Because of this, many elite cancer care facilities including Moffitt Cancer Center, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the Naval Medical Center (San Diego) offer acupuncture services.

Oriental Medicine for Cancer:

Oriental Medicine is the oldest, continually practiced form of medicine in the world.  It is just as valuable today as ever, because it emphasizes the re-establishment of natural balance and utilizes the body’s innate healing wisdom to gently address the underlying causes of symptoms.

Though it is a complete medical system, most Doctors of Oriental Medicine do not treat cancer per se.  Instead, we offer supportive treatment, using acupuncture, Chinese herbs and nutritional counseling to reduce the side effects of conventional cancer treatments, relieve pain, and to provide support for the overall health of the body.

Oriental Medicine for Nausea & Vomiting:

Nausea, vomiting and poor appetite are common side effects of chemotherapy.   Even with the best anti-nausea medications, 60% of chemotherapy patients still experience nausea and vomiting (Collins).  Acupuncture has been found by many research studies to greatly reduce chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting; in fact, the National Institute of Health endorses its use.  For example, in England, a study of 130 cancer patients found that when acupuncture was added 97% had reduced or no sickness after chemotherapy (Dundee).  Numerous other studies support the same findings (Aglietti, Deng, Reindl, Molassiotis).

Acupuncture for Pain:

Because Acupuncture and Chinese herbs enhance the circulation of energy and blood through the body, it can decrease the swelling and pain of surgery, and the pain of cancer itself.  To illustrate, in 2005, the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association reported on several studies:  In one, the majority of 250 patients with gynecologic cancer had enhanced pain relief when acupuncture was administered as an adjunct to anesthesia (Menefee).  Another study found substantial pain reduction in patients receiving ear acupuncture (Menefee).   Cancer treatment–related pain, muscle and bladder spasms, and vascular problems all are found to improve with acupuncture (Alimi, Deng, Menefee).

Acupuncture for Increased Immunity and Energy:

Acupuncture helps build the immune system and increase the rate of healing, as well as boost energy levels.  It is ideal to use concurrent to cancer treatment (to reduce side-effects), before treatment (to help prepare the body) and after treatment (to build strength and prevent recurrence).

While it is advisable to not take Chinese herbal medicine during chemotherapy treatment, to avoid possible interactions, it is quite helpful to take individually prescribed Chinese herbal formulas before chemo has begun, and after it is complete. Several studies reviewed in Acupuncture Today (Sept 2005 edition) show that combining Chinese herbal formulas with conventional therapies leads to better treatment results with fewer hemoglobin changes, higher white blood cell counts, and lower recurrence rates than conventional therapy alone (Fratkin).  In another study, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, acupuncture was shown to reduce post-chemotherapy fatigue by 31% (breastcancer.org, Cohen).

Acupuncture for other chemotherapy–related problems:

Acupuncture can help with a host of other chemotherapy related problems: Because there is evidence that acupuncture can assist a variety of psychoneurological issues, researchers at UCLA recommend that physicians support their patients’ decision to use acupuncture for chemotherapy-associated cognitive dysfunction (Johnston).  Acupuncture is also useful to treat patients with radiation-induced xerostomia (lack of salivation), as well as patients with shortness of breath, depressed mood, leg swelling due to removal of lymph nodes, and menopausal symptoms due to anti-estrogen therapy. Acupuncture also improves arm mobility following lymph node removal from the chest area (Cohen, Filshie, Mehling, Menefee, Rydholm).

In my own clinic, I have also used acupuncture to alleviate dizziness after radiation therapy, and scar tissue pain from cancer surgery.

For those who are needle shy, a treatment alternative is acupressure massage.  Using the same acu-points, acupressure applies gentle sustained pressure, rather than needles.  It is a perfect choice for those who fear needles, or who just want to experience supportive touch.

A welcome added effect of acupuncture/acupressure is the deep sense of relaxation and wellbeing that is often experienced during and after the treatments; it can greatly increase a cancer patient’s quality of life.

Dawn’s Qualifications:

Cancer care is one of my passions, so I have become certified in “Acupuncture for the Cancer Patient” from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. I provide acupuncture, acupressure and nutritional counseling to patients in all various stages of all various types of cancer to alleviate discomfort, and to enhance energy, appetite and immune function.

I generally do not prescribe Chinese herbal medicine to patients undergoing chemotherapy, but I do like to provide it for patients who are complete with their chemotherapy treatments, or are not candidates for chemotherapy, to enhance their digestion, vital energy, and immune system.

For more info on the care I provide for Cancer patients, please see my Cancer support website page.

Dawn Potter, AP, Dipl.OM

(Excerpts published in Tampa Bay Wellness, Oct 2007)

Start Cancer Support Acupuncture in Clearwater Today

Are you, a friend or a loved one currently going through cancer treatments? Looking for cancer support options that can help you feel your best during these times? Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater offers a wide range of cancer support/care treatment options. Schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation today to get started. Sources:

Aglietti, L., et al.   “A pilot study of metoclopramide, dexamethasone, diphenhydramine and acupuncture in women treated with cisplatin” Medical Oncology Division, Ospedale Policlinico, Perugia, Italy. – 1990. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology. 26(3) p. 239-240

Alimi, David, et al.  “Analgesic Effect of Auricular Acupuncture for Cancer Pain: A Randomized, Blinded, Controlled Trial”.  Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 21, Issue 22 (November), 2003: 4120-4126

American Cancer Society Website. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/STT/content/STT_1x_Cancer_Facts__Figures_2007.asp

BreastCancer.org Website.  http://www.breastcancer.org/comp_med_acupuncture.html

Cancer Treatment Centers of America Website. http://www.cancercenter.com/complementary-alternative-medicine/acupuncture.cfm

Cohen, Andrea J, MD, et al. “Acupuncture: Role in Comprehensive Cancer Care—A Primer for the  Oncologist and Review of the Literature.” Integrative Cancer Therapies, Vol. 4, No. 2, 131-143 (2005).

Collins, KB & Thomas, DJ.  “Acupuncture and acupressure for the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.” J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2004 Feb;16(2):76-80. Review.

Deng, G, et al.  Complementary therapies for cancer-related symptoms. J Support Oncol. 2004 Sep-Oct;2(5):419-26; discussion 427-9. Review. PMID: 15524070

Dundee, J, et al.  Acupuncture prophylaxis of cancer chemotherapy-induced sickness.  Department of Anaesthetics, Queen’s University of Belfast. – 1989.  Journal of Royal Society of Medicine 1. 82(5) p. 268-271.

Filshie, J, et al.  “Acupuncture for the relief of cancer-related breathlessness.” Palliat Med. 1996 Apr;10(2):145-50.  PMID: 8800822

Johnston, MF, et al. “Acupuncture for chemotherapy-associated cognitive dysfunction: a hypothesis-generating literature review to inform clinical advice”.   Integr Cancer Ther. 2007 Mar;6(1):36-41. PMID: 17351025

Johnstone PA, et al. (Naval Medical Center, SD)  “Integration of acupuncture into the oncology clinic.”  Palliat Med. 2002 May;16(3):235-9. PMID: 12047000

Komen, Susan G.  The Breast Cancer Foundation Website. http://www.komen.org/intradoccgi/idc_cgi_isapi.dll?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=298

Mehling, We, et al.  Symptom management with massage and acupuncture in postoperative cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2007 Mar;33(3):258-66. PMID: 17349495

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center website: http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/1987.cfm

Menefee, Lynette, PhD & Monti, Daniel, MD.  “Nonpharmacologic and Complementary Approaches to Cancer Pain Management.” Journal of the American Osteopathic Association • Vol 105 • No suppl_5 • November 2005 • 15-20.   http://www.jaoa.org/cgi/content/full/105/suppl_5/S15 – REF43#REF43

Moffett Cancer Center Website. http://www.moffitt.usf.edu/ClinicalPrograms.aspx?spid=9194651A8B264C848B698727A326E3B3&ContentNumber=3&ForwardFrom=87EF0AF86A4B4237A29886E3EC67B04A

Molassiotis A, et al.  “The effects of P6 acupressure in the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients”. Complement Ther Med. 2007 Mar;15(1):3-12. Epub 2006 Sep 27. PubMed # 17352966

NIH Consensus Statement (Acupuncture) Online 1997 Nov 3-5; month, day]; 15(5):1-34. http://consensus.nih.gov/1997/1997Acupuncture107html.htm

Reindl, TK, et al.  “Acupuncture against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric oncology. Interim results of a multicenter crossover study”.  Support Care Cancer. 2006. Feb;14(2):172-6. Epub 2005 Jul 14. PMID: 16021478

Rydholm, M & Strang, P. Acupuncture for patients in hospital-based home care suffering from xerostomia.  J Palliat Care. 1999 Winter;15(4):20-3. PMID: 10693302

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Acupuncture For Pregnancy Related Back Pain / Pelvic Pain?

Are you or a loved one currently pregnant? Have you been experience certain pain due to your pregnancy such as back pain or pelvic pain? Wondering if acupuncture treatments may be able to help? Today, Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater, Florida is discussing recent analysis of research about various studies on acupuncture in relation to pain experienced during pregnancy. Have more questions? Wondering if our treatment options are right for you? Feel free to reach out! We even offer free 15 minute phone consultations and would be happy to get you on the schedule.

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

Many people often wonder whether acupuncture is even safe during pregnancy and the answer is yes, when performed properly. Dawn has vast experience working with pregnant patients and would be happy to discuss your needs to see if she can help.

Studies On Acupuncture For Pregnancy Pain

A recent analysis that was published in BMJ Open (an open access research journal) that looked at 10 different studies and over 1,000 patients that experienced back pain or pelvic pain during pregnancy (17-30 weeks). Participants in these studies were on average 35 years of age or younger and otherwise healthy individuals. Based upon the data from these various studies, the analysis authors concluded that acupuncture treatment can be effective for reducing back pain/pelvic pain associated with pregnancy. Acupuncture is also known to have little to no complications as well.

What About Acupuncture For Other Pregnancy Symptoms?

In other studies acupuncture has been found to be helpful for morning sickness (and even Hyperemesis gravidarum - an extremely severe form of pregnancy sickness), fatigue, stress/anxiety and even GI related issues.

Schedule Acupuncture For Pregnancy in Clearwater, FL Today

Interested in acupuncture during pregnancy in Clearwater, Florida? Visit our scheduling site, send us a message or give us a call today to get started. We’re always happy to help.

Cold & Flu Season: Staying Healthy Tips

With the pandemic still raging on, it may be more important than ever to stay vigilant this cold and flu season. Do you know that there are certain things you can do to improve your immune system and stay well during this year’s flu or cold seasons? Today, we’re discussing tips for staying healthy this year. Got questions? Interested in scheduling an appointment? Feel free to reach out to Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater, Florida today.

Tips for Staying Healthy

When it comes to staying healthy during cold and flu seasons there are quite a few things you can do, including:

1. Going to bed early, and getting enough sleep can greatly benefit your immune system and overall health.

2. Stay active, get outside, take walks, start a new workout routine. Staying active can keep your body healthier, making you less likely to get sick in the first place.

3. Reduce your stress, try meditation or removing negativity from your life. Stress can be a big hindrance to your immune system and overall well being

4. Eating healthier may be one of the most important steps you can take. Reduce foods that lead to inflammation such as white flour, sugar and saturated fats. Instead, eat a lot of vegetables, legumes, herbs and spices. Whole, fresh or frozen fruit can also be good. If you are eating grains, opt for whole grains. Try to avoid oils, and get your healthy fats from whole food sources like avocado, nuts and seeds. And if eating animal protein, make sure it is organic, hormone-free and free-range. Most animal protein is full of inflammatory omega-6 fats, due to unhealthy rearing practices.

Acupuncture for Colds & Flu?

Along with lifestyle changes, certain treatments such as acupuncture have been proven to reduce the risk of cold and flu along with reducing the symptoms associated if you end up sick.

Why Dawn Potter Acupuncture For Your Natural Flu & Cold Treatments?

Dawn Potter Acupuncture has been providing a more natural approach to care in the Clearwater/Palm Harbor/Tarpon Springs community for over a decade. We have a range of treatment options depending upon your exact needs.

Schedule Cold & Flu Treatments in Clearwater, Florida

Have questions regarding diet or lifestyle changes? Interested in trying acupuncture in Clearwater? Reach out to Dawn Potter Acupuncture today, we’re welcoming new patients and would be delighted to help with your needs.