Acupuncture in Cancer Care

Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM),

developed over the millennia. Treatment involves the placement of needles
at selected points on the body, followed by manipulation with physical
forces, heat, or, in modern times, electrical stimuli. According to TCM theory,
vital energy ("Chi" or "Qi" in Chinese) flows throughout the body along
channels called meridians (Figure 1). It was believed that the interruption or
obstruction of the body's energy makes one vulnerable to illness. Insertion of
needles at specific points along the meridian is thought to regulate the
energy flow, which produces a
therapeutic benefit.
The concepts of "Qi" and
meridians are inconsistent
with our current
understanding of human
anatomy and physiology.
However, research supports
the clinical effects of
acupuncture. Recent
neuroscience research
suggests that it appears to
work by modulating the
nervous system. Therefore,
"Qi" and meridians may be
viewed as metaphors to
explain the clinical responses
observed by TCM
practitioners during
acupuncture.[1]
During a treatment, the
therapist first interviews the
patient, then performs an
examination according to TCM
teachings, with special focus
on the qualities of the pulse
and appearance of the
tongue, and arrives at a TCM
diagnosis. The diagnosis typically is a description of a disease pattern rather
than a pathological opinion. Based on the diagnosis, acupuncture points are
selected.

FIGURE 1

Human body meridians used in acupuncture. Figure reproduced from

Wikimedia Commons, with permission from author KVDP.
These points on the body are located and the skin is cleaned. Then the
needle, in its guide tube, is placed at each identified point. A gentle tap
applied to the top of the needle helps it to penetrate the skin. The guide tube
is subsequently removed, and the needle is advanced to the desired depth
via a gentle twisting and pushing movement. The practitioner may decide to
apply heat or electrical stimuli to the needle. Heat is traditionally provided by
TCM practitioners through moxibustion, a burning mound of the
chrysanthemum species Artemisia vulgaris, or in modern times, by a heat
lamp. As of the latter part of the 20th century, some acupuncturists attach a
small electric pulse-generating device to each needle to increase stimulation
of the acupuncture points. Such practice is called "electroacupuncture."
Acupuncture needles are regulated as a medical device in the United States.
They are filiform, sterile, single-use, and thin (28 to 40 gauge), about the
width of a human hair. The needles are usually made of stainless steel and
are individually packaged in a guide tube
- See more at: http://www.cancernetwork.com/integrative-oncology/acupuncture-cancercare