King Charles and Acupuncture
Part 2: Acupuncture and Living with Cancer
Following the news about King Charles and his recent cancer diagnosis, and given our Monarch’s leaning towards holistic health and treatments including acupuncture, we wanted to share more about how acupuncture can support cancer treatment. It’s highly likely that the King will turn to holistic treatments, including acupuncture, as he embarks on his treatment journey.
In an article for The Telegraph titled Science and Homeopathy Must Work in Harmony the King wrote nearly 30 years ago, reporting that, “More and more people are turning to homoeopathy, herbal medicine, acupuncture, osteopathy and a wide range of other treatments - mainly paid for out of their own pockets. I believe that this trend reflects a growing concern with the use of more and more powerful drugs and a potentially rather impersonal approach to healthcare”.
He continued, “There is a feeling not only among patients, but also among GPs, nurses and other mainstream health practitioners, that there needs to be greater integration and inter-professional collaboration in patient care and that we can each, as individuals, play a greater role in contributing towards our own health and well-being. Health should be much more than the mere absence of disease or infirmity; and we should strive to ensure that everybody can fulfil the full potential and expression of their lives.”
In our previous post King Charles and Acupuncture - Part 1: How Can Acupuncture Support a New Cancer Diagnosis, we explored some of the ways acupuncture can support a new cancer diagnosis. There are many ways acupuncture can help support Western medical treatment, especially among those who have been living with cancer for a short while, and also for those who have been living with cancer for a longer period of time. Here are a few ways in which acupuncture can support cancer:
Pain Management: Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and discomfort associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It can help alleviate both acute and chronic pain, improving the overall quality of life for cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Nausea and Vomiting Control: Acupuncture has demonstrated efficacy in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. By stimulating specific acupoints, it can help regulate the digestive system and reduce the severity and frequency of these side effects.
Immune System Support: Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can weaken the immune system. Acupuncture may help enhance immune function by promoting the production of immune cells and regulating the body's defence mechanisms, potentially minimising the risk of infections.
Maintenance of Appetite and Weight: Cancer treatments can lead to changes in appetite and weight loss. Acupuncture may help regulate appetite, improve digestion, and address nausea, contributing to a better nutritional status for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Fatigue Reduction: Cancer patients often experience fatigue as a side effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Acupuncture may contribute to reducing fatigue by improving energy flow and addressing imbalances in the body's energy systems.
Stress and Anxiety Relief: Acupuncture has calming effects and can help alleviate stress and anxiety, which are common emotional challenges for individuals undergoing cancer treatments. This may contribute to an improved mental state and overall wellbeing.
Improved Sleep Quality: Many cancer patients struggle with sleep disturbances during treatment. Acupuncture has been shown to promote better sleep by addressing factors such as pain, anxiety, and hormonal imbalances that can contribute to sleep disruptions.
Peripheral Neuropathy Management: Acupuncture has shown promise in managing peripheral neuropathy, a common side effect of certain chemotherapy drugs. It can help alleviate nerve pain and improve nerve function, enhancing the quality of life for patients.
Overall Wellbeing: Acupuncture is a holistic approach that focuses on balancing the body's energy. By promoting a sense of balance and harmony, it may contribute to the overall well-being of cancer patients, supporting them through the physical and emotional challenges of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Living with Cancer
Acupuncture is commonly seen as a supplementary treatment that can provide the supportive advantages mentioned above, particularly in cases of secondar cancer or escalating cancer markers. It's crucial to understand that although acupuncture can offer support, it does not serve as a cure for cancer. Its primary focus lies in improving overall wellbeing and symptom management.
Self-Treating: Acupuncture Points
Training in acupressure points for home use involves understanding the principles of acupressure and identifying specific points on the body. Through point location training, individuals and their partners can learn to locate these points and apply gentle pressure using specific techniques. The points can be tailored to address specific symptoms. Safety considerations and ongoing support resources contribute to a holistic learning experience, empowering individuals and their partners to effectively utilise acupressure for self-care and mutual wellbeing in the comfort of their own home. Here at Treat, we can support you in learning how to use acupuncture points at home to treat yourself. We often ‘train’ our clients in this way - 1.5 hours training costs just £70, including a booklet with location of points tailored to the individual.
About Treat
Treat is a Norwich-based Health & Wellbeing Clinic. Founder and acupuncturist - Rebecca Geanty started Norwich Acupuncture Rooms in 2011. Offering a cross section of therapies and a community multi-bed clinic. Today Treat therapists offer over 50 different health and wellbeing therapies and beauty services. treatnorwich.co.uk
