We understand that people fight cancer best with a multidisciplinary approach. Dr. Iona has advanced training in cancer care through Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she studied Fundamentals of Oncology Acupuncture and Advances in Oncology Acupuncture: Clinical Research & Side Effect Management.
In addition to standard medical therapies, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine naturally support your innate ability to heal as you undergo treatment.
The Benefits
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for many of the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, including nausea and fatigue. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture can be used to stimulate pain relief, whether it Is a side effect of chemotherapy or post-surgical, and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Other studies have shown it can improve sleep, increase blood flow, and help reduce inflammation, which may also lead to pain-relieving effects.
Medical Studies on Acupuncture
According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, MRI studies show that acupuncture causes changes in the brain that reflect changes in the body. Neuroimaging studies have shown that certain acupoints for dry mouth correlate to saliva production. Studies in patients with peripheral neuropathy show that acupuncture improves nerve signaling.
The integration of acupuncture at major hospitals and cancer centers across the country, including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is spreading, as more and more randomized clinical trials are showing how effective acupuncture can be as a complementary treatment in cancer care. Current oncology guidelines recommend acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. A recent meta-analysis found that acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction in cancer pain and decreased use of pain killers. Improved physical well-being and overall quality of life have also been reported as regular results of acupuncture in cancer patients.