Radiation/Chemotherapy Side Effects
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, qi (vital energy) flows through the body along a network of paths, called meridians. It is important to understand that with any type of sickness, disease, ailment, or pain, that there is most likely an imbalance or blockage in the qi throughout the individual’s body. These imbalances or blockages can be reversed.
For patients with an autoimmune deficiency, such as cancer, acupuncture may cause physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release hormones, proteins, and brain chemicals that control a number of bodily functions. Traditional Chinese Medicine states that acupuncture affects blood pressure and body temperature, boosts immune system activity, and causes the body’s natural painkillers, such as endorphins, to be released.
Radiation and Chemotherapy are very important, yet very painful treatments for cancer patients. Elizabeth Bryndza, from Spring Lake, NJ, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 19. Throughout her treatments, one of the many aids Elizabeth discussed was her experience with Acupuncture:
"Acupuncture was a key factor in my recovery after being diagnosed with cancer. Through intense surgery and sixteen weeks of chemotherapy, visits to an acupuncturist helped me control the pain, nausea, and fatigue associated with most cancer treatments. These crippling side effects became manageable, and my quality of life improved considerably."
- Elizabeth