Acupuncture as a complement to radiation treatment
Complementary treatments, like acupuncture, can increase the effectiveness of radiation treatment for cancer:
Acupuncture used with cancer and radiation therapy is well-researched and has several benefits. One is enhanced immune function. Specific acupuncture points can increase red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Acupuncture also may stimulate steroid levels and other hormones, such as melatonin, that could have anti-tumor activity.
Many randomized controlled studies have confirmed that acupuncture calms nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, some acupuncture points increase the anti-emetic effect of drugs before and after surgery, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Acupuncture can be effective in managing pain in cancer and during radiation treatment. Acupuncture may also be helpful for post-radiotherapy contracture of the jaw muscle. Acupuncture can also be effective in managing edema. Additionally, acupuncture may help in the treatment of fatigue and body wasting through the modulation of cytokines and hormones.
Dry mouth from head and neck radiation therapy can cause loss of taste, difficulty speaking and swallowing. Acupuncture has been found to reverse those effects by increasing blood flow to the salivary glands. One study found an increase in salivary flow rate in all patients after acupuncture treatment and six months’ follow-up. After three years, those patients who chose to be treated with additional acupuncture demonstrated a consistently higher salivary flow rate.
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