Cancer treatment often includes harsh chemotherapy that causes nausea and other side effects. Surgery may be required which can be painful. On top of that the cancer itself is often painful.

Acupuncture can help alleviate the distressing side effects of cancer treatment. It works so well that even the National Cancer Institute speaks of its benefits. Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective at preventing vomiting caused by chemotherapy and other treatments. Most of the studies have been done in China, but the United States National Institutes of Health has conducted its own trials. These trials back up the positive Chinese reports.

Pain relief is a one goal of acupuncture. Cancer patients who undergo acupuncture have been able to reduce or even eliminate their other pain medication.

Positive effects have also been shown when acupuncture is used to treat other symptoms that commonly accompany cancer. Dry mouth, undesired weight loss, fever, and night sweats are among the symptoms helped by acupuncture. Even psychological aspects are improved; depression and anxiety are among the problems alleviated by the treatments.

Scientific studies show that acupuncture works. Acupuncture needles were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a medical device in 1976. Animal studies have shown that acupuncture is effective and has objectively measurable results.

For the best results, cancer patients should look for an experienced acupuncturist who focuses on treating the side effects of cancer and its treatments. Proper acupuncture can alleviate the nausea and vomiting of chemotherapy, and greatly reduce pain. This can bring a huge improvement to the quality of life of anyone battling cancer and the problems that can accompany it.

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