By Dr. Louis F. Diodato III D.C., L.Ac.
There have been many advances in early detection and treatment for Cancer. Unfortunately, the side effects of main-stream Medical treatment protocols can be extraordinarily hard on the patient. Not just physically, but emotionally as well. Fortunately, Traditional(Western) Medicine is presently both recognizing, and embracing the use of Traditional Eastern Medicine, or Acupuncture as an effective and proven adjunctive therapy in addressing many of the adverse symptoms and side effects that arise both during and after Chemotherapy, Radiation, Biological Therapy and Surgical Intervention.
But How Can Acupuncture Help?
According to the National Cancer Institute, Acupuncture may cause physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release proteins, hormones, and brain chemicals that govern a number of body functions. It is proposed that, by stimulating physical responses in these areas, Acupuncture positively affects blood pressure and body temperature, boosts immune system activity, and causes the body’s natural painkillers, such as endorphins and enkephalins, to be released.
Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to health care and is particularly useful in pain relief, reducing the impact of side effects, accelerating recovery and improving overall quality of life.
What Symptoms/Side Effects does Acupuncture Alleviate Most Effectively?
- Nausea/Vomiting due to chemo and radiation treatments (*extremely effective)
- Dry mouth
- Night sweats (*extremely effective)
- Hot Flashes (*Extremely effective)
- Emotional Factors: Stress/Anxiety/Fear/Fatigue (*extremely effective)
- Pain Management (*extremely effective)
- Boosting the Immune System (Evidence supported increase in White Blood Cells) (*extremely effective)
Acupuncture Here at Eastpointe Integrated Healthcare
As the “On Staff” Acupuncturist here at Eastpointe Health and Fitness, I have had over thirty years experience in treating cancer patients. First as a X-Ray/Nuclear Radiology Technician at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., Senior CAT Scan Technician at the Neurology Center in Chevy Chase Maryland, a Chiropractic Physician (1986-the present) and a Licensed Acupuncturist, with Certification and Training for the treatment of Cancer Patients at Sloan-Kettering/Rockefeller Cancer Research Center/Hospital in New York City. I feel confident that we can certainly alleviate the pain, adverse side effects and aid in the healing process of the cancer patients that enter our facility for care. Give Acupuncture a try…..I doubt very much you’ll regret it!
