Acupuncture
Specifically for Lung Cancer
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Why it works for Lung Cancer:
Cancer pain (adjunctive): Major guidelines from the Society for Integrative Oncology and ASCO recommend acupuncture as part of a multimodal approach to cancer-related pain. Evidence base includes randomized trials across cancer types; recommendations apply broadly (not lung-cancer-specific). ASCO Publications
Chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting (CINV): Systematic reviews and guidelines support acupressure/acupuncture—especially stimulation of the P6 (Neiguan) point—as an add-on to standard antiemetics. (Effects are modest; trials vary.) CAM Cancer
Dyspnoea (breathlessness): Evidence is mixed but includes a randomized phase II trial in advanced NSCLC/mesothelioma where acupuncture (vs morphine, or both) improved some patient-reported outcomes; feasibility and small earlier trials exist. Overall, more and better trials are needed. ScienceDirect
Cough/symptom clusters: A 2024 randomized study in lung-cancer patients found acupuncture improved cough severity (not all respiratory symptoms). ejoncologynursing.com
Quality of life and multiple symptoms: Meta-analyses pooling lung-cancer trials suggest improvements in patient-reported outcomes (QOL, fatigue, insomnia, mood, etc.), though many included studies have methodological limits. Frontiers
How to use for Lung Cancer:
When to consider it
- Pain anywhere (including post-surgical/therapy-related): add to standard analgesics per SIO–ASCO cancer pain guideline. Typical clinic frequency is 1–2 sessions/week during active symptoms, then taper—your practitioner will individualize. ASCO Publications
- Nausea/Vomiting (CINV): use P6 acupressure at home in addition to prescribed antiemetics; clinic acupuncture can be timed around chemo cycles. Practical self-use instructions below. CAM Cancer
- Breathlessness or cough: discuss a time-limited trial (e.g., several sessions) and continue only if you notice meaningful benefit, given mixed evidence. ScienceDirect
Self-acupressure for nausea (P6 / Neiguan) – step-by-step
- Follow a hospital guide like Memorial Sloan Kettering’s P6 acupressure instructions (with diagrams/video). Practice several times daily around chemo days or when nauseated. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- If you prefer bands, NHS instructions also show how to locate and press P6; bands should sit 3 fingerbreadths from the wrist crease between the two central tendons. (Use with antiemetics.) nbt.nhs.uk
Clinic acupuncture—common point strategies
- Protocols vary; for CINV and fatigue, points often include P6 (Neiguan), ST36 (Zusanli), LI4 (Hegu), and others; for dyspnoea and cough, trials have used thoracic trigger points and LI4, sometimes with semi-permanent studs for patient self-massage between visits. Your acupuncturist will tailor this to you. ScienceDirect
Finding qualified providers & programs
- Large cancer centres (e.g., MSKCC Integrative Medicine) integrate acupuncture into oncology care; look for clinicians with specific oncology-acupuncture training. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Scientific Evidence for Lung Cancer:
Guidelines & overviews
- SIO–ASCO guideline on integrative medicine for cancer pain (JCO, 2022). Recommendation: offer acupuncture as part of multimodal pain management. ASCO Publications
- CAM-Cancer and NCI PDQ summaries on acupuncture in cancer care (patient-friendly evidence overviews). CAM Cancer
Lung-cancer–focused studies
- Randomized phase II trial (n=173) in advanced NSCLC/mesothelioma: acupuncture vs morphine vs both for dyspnoea; acupuncture arms showed improvements in some outcomes (method details in paper). ScienceDirect
- Feasibility/pilot RCTs for dyspnoea in cancer (including lung) show mixed or preliminary benefit. BioMed Central
- Randomized trial (2024): acupuncture improved cough severity in lung-cancer patients; effects on sputum/shortness of breath were limited. ejoncologynursing.com
- Auricular acupressure RCT for cancer-related fatigue during lung-cancer chemotherapy suggested benefit vs usual care. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
- Meta-analyses in lung cancer report improvements in quality of life and multiple symptoms, with calls for higher-quality, standardized RCTs. Frontiers
CINV across cancers (relevant to lung-cancer chemotherapy)
- Reviews and guidelines support P6 acupressure/acupuncture as an add-on for nausea/vomiting. Certainty of evidence ranges from low to moderate depending on outcome/analysis. CAM Cancer
Specific Warnings for Lung Cancer:
Authoritative safety guidance for oncology patients emphasizes individualized risk assessment and close communication with your oncology team:
- Never use acupuncture as a substitute for standard lung-cancer treatments (surgery, radiation, systemic therapy). National agencies position it as complementary symptom care. Cancer.gov
- Bleeding & infection risks: Extra caution (or defer) if you have thrombocytopenia, are on anticoagulants, have neutropenia, active infection, or poor wound healing. Avoid needling through irradiated skin, tumour sites, areas of lymphedema, or near vascular access devices (ports). (Detailed red/amber-flag lists in 2024 international safety recommendations for acupuncture in cancer care.) SpringerLink
- When to stop/avoid: Fever, uncontrolled pain, new neurological deficits, severe breathlessness at rest, or any rapidly worsening symptom—seek urgent medical review. (Flagged in oncology-acupuncture safety guidance.) SpringerLink
- Qualified practitioners: Use licensed acupuncturists with oncology training and ensure sterile single-use needles are used. Large centres’ integrative programs outline standards of care. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- General safety overview: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) summarizes effectiveness and safety, including common minor side effects (soreness, bruising). NCCIH
- Survivorship guidance: NCCN survivorship resources (for clinicians and patients) discuss supportive care options (including complementary approaches) within a comprehensive plan. jnccn.org
General Information (All Ailments)
What It Is
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to balance the flow of energy or “Qi” (pronounced “chee”). It is one of the oldest healing techniques in the world, originating in China over 2,500 years ago, and remains a central component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
In modern healthcare, acupuncture is recognized as a complementary or integrative therapy often used alongside conventional medicine to help manage pain, stress, and various health conditions.
How It Works
From the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, acupuncture works by:
- Regulating the flow of Qi, the vital energy believed to circulate through pathways called meridians.
- Restoring balance between Yin and Yang, the two opposing but complementary forces that sustain health.
- Stimulating the body’s natural healing responses by correcting energy blockages or imbalances.
From a Western biomedical perspective, research suggests acupuncture works through several physiological mechanisms:
- Nervous System Activation – Needle stimulation triggers sensory nerves under the skin and in muscles, leading to the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine that reduce pain and promote well-being.
- Improved Circulation – Local microcirculation increases around needle sites, aiding tissue repair and reducing inflammation.
- Regulation of the Autonomic Nervous System – Acupuncture may balance the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) systems, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
- Neurohormonal Modulation – It can influence the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, affecting hormone release and immune function.
Why It’s Important
Acupuncture plays a significant role in both traditional and modern healthcare for several reasons:
- Pain Management – It is widely used to treat chronic pain conditions such as back pain, osteoarthritis, migraines, and fibromyalgia, sometimes reducing the need for pain medications.
- Holistic Healing – It addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of illness by promoting overall balance and well-being.
- Stress Reduction – Regular treatments can help regulate stress hormones and improve emotional resilience.
- Complementary Care – Acupuncture is often used alongside physical therapy, psychotherapy, or medication to enhance overall treatment outcomes.
- Preventive Benefits – Many practitioners and patients use acupuncture to maintain energy flow and prevent illness before it arises.
Considerations
Before beginning acupuncture, it’s important to consider the following:
- Safety – When performed by a qualified, licensed practitioner using sterile, single-use needles, acupuncture is very safe. However, risks like minor bruising, bleeding, or soreness at needle sites can occur.
- Qualifications – Always ensure your acupuncturist is licensed or certified according to local regulations.
- Medical Conditions – People with bleeding disorders, pacemakers, or who are pregnant should consult their healthcare provider before treatment.
- Integration with Western Medicine – Acupuncture should not replace conventional treatment for serious medical conditions but can complement it effectively.
- Individual Response – Effectiveness varies; some people experience immediate relief, while others may need several sessions for noticeable improvement.
Helps with these conditions
Acupuncture is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.
Detailed Information by Condition
Fibromyalgia
Targets central sensitization & pain modulation. FM is understood as a disorder of pain processing (heightened central sensitization with impaired...
Varicose Veins
Proposed mechanisms (physiology): Lab and translational work suggests acupuncture can trigger local nitric oxide (NO) release and vasodilation—i.e., i...
Restless Legs Syndrome
Acupuncture likely helps RLS by modulating neurotransmitters and pain pathways, improving local circulation and sleep, and reducing central nervous-sy...
Lupus
Symptom relief (pain, fatigue): A small randomized, controlled pilot trial in SLE found a 10-session course of acupuncture was feasible and appeared s...
Gallstones
Acupuncture at points like Jiuwei, Burong (right), Yanglingquan (right), and Zusanli (right) significantly influences the relaxation of the Oddi's sph...
Scoliosis
Pain modulation & muscle tone: Acupuncture can activate endogenous pain-inhibitory pathways (opioid, serotonergic/descending inhibition) and modul...
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Autonomic + neuropeptide effects on salivary glands. Sensory stimulation from needling can activate autonomic pathways and trigger release of neuropep...
Gastroparesis
Neurological Mechanisms:In someone with gastroparesis, acupuncture sends a signal to the brain via the vagus nerve, telling the stomach to work better...
Childhood Asthma
Neuro-immune modulation & anti-inflammatory effects. Reviews describe acupuncture activating autonomic reflexes (e.g., vagal/cholinergic anti-infl...
Breast Cancer
Guideline support (pain): The Society for Integrative Oncology and ASCO issued a joint clinical guideline recommending acupuncture (among other integr...
Lung Cancer
Cancer pain (adjunctive): Major guidelines from the Society for Integrative Oncology and ASCO recommend acupuncture as part of a multimodal approach t...
Colorectal Cancer
Nerve & brain circuits for pain: Needle stimulation activates A- and C-fiber afferents and engages central pain-modulating circuits; effects invol...
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Remedy Statistics
Helps With These Conditions
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