The Clinical Use of Acupuncture in Oncology: Symptom Control

Abstract

Medical acupuncture is extremely useful in controlling the pain experienced by many cancer patients. It is a complementary and conservative therapy that traditionally helps to balance the flow of vital energy, which in turn helps to relieve total pain. Total oncological pain includes disease and therapy-related pain, related discomfort, anxiety and depression, and lack of energy. A number of acupoints are functionally effective in relieving these symptoms, particularly when stimulated by way of the reinforcement breathing and needling technique.