Integrative Cancer Care

The Society for Integrative Oncology's mission is "to advance evidence-based, comprehensive, integrative healthcare to improve the lives of people affected by cancer". This year at the conference in Arizona I was glad to find that amidst the research, there was a theme of respecting traditional medicine and a passion for learning how to truly integrate it into today's cancer care.

Acupuncture was the most thoroughly covered of the therapies represented and is now used alongside conventional medicine in many hospitals and cancer centers across the country and the world. It was specifically highlighted for it's ability to help reduce pain and potentially reduce opioid use. In the world of cancer treatment, pain can be caused by the cancer itself, but we often see it as a side effect of the treatment. Regular acupuncture treatments have been shown to improve specific types of pain, such as aromatase inhibitor induced arthralgia (AIIA) and chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). In fact, the National Cancer Institutes recommends the use of acupuncture for pain, nausea, fatigue, palliative care, and survivorship.

Stay tuned to learn more about how acupuncture is helpful for specific conditions associated with cancer and it's treatment.

Ashley Kissinger, L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist specializing in women’s health. She is also a member of the Society for Integrative Oncology and has advanced training in oncology acupuncture. If you have questions about how acupuncture may be helpful for you, please schedule a complimentary phone consultation here or call (706)850-2000.