Berkeley Medical Journal | Chemo-puncture | “Combing chemotherapy with acupuncture may alleviate symptoms of cancer treatment.”

By Michael W.

Cancer patients in the United States may soon find new and unconventional relief for their pain - a regimen of piercing the skin with scores of needles, commonly known as acupuncture. Cancer patients are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of combining acupuncture with western cancer treatments. The ancient method of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is currently supported by the National Institute of Health, which asserts that it can be used as part of a “total treatment plan” for cancer.

“TCM has been used to treat cancer and the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy for cancer patients for a long time in China… Patients’ cancer can be controlled and be inhibited from spreading out to the other parts of body,” said Dr. Zhang Xie L.Ac., a former clinical professor of the Guangxi Medical University in mainland China. Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the body’s endorphins and hormones, effectively controlling pain and irritations from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Both styles of medicine have their different uses. “For urgent care patients suffering from acute illnesses such as heart attack, severe infection, trauma, and so forth, western medicine is recommended. For chronic conditions and pain syndromes such as sinusitis, migraines, insomnia, chronic fatigue, P.M.S., and so forth, acupuncture and TCM are recommended,” said Dr. Zhang. Acupuncturists seek a holistic approach to healing their patients, focusing not only upon alleviating the pain, but with other aspects of their lifestyle such as nutrition and dietary guidelines as well.

This attitude often conflicts with the western approach to medicine but now, experts are looking to combine to complement each other. Currently, the western approach includes several methods of curing cancer. One of the most well known is chemotherapy, where the body is fed toxic drugs such as Amifostine, Dronabinol, and Megestrol. The cancer cells, which grow faster than normal cells, absorb more of these toxins than normal cells over the same time intervals, leading to their termination. However, common side effects of this treatment include hair loss, nausea, and vomiting. The second most common method is radiation treatment, where the cancer cells are killed by an x-ray bombardment. This typically leaves the skin red and irritated and the patient feeling nauseated. The cancer patient can also opt to have the tumor surgically removed, which relieves the strain and pressure on the nerves that the tumor can cause, but leaves the patient with pain from the operation.

To find relief from these conditions, combination treatments are now being used. Generally they vary from individual to individual depending on medical conditions and other factors. Some patients rely solely on the acupuncturist to alleviate the ailments left from their western therapies. Others seek an approach that requires coordination between the acupuncturist and the physician administering the western medicine. Both experts check the patient’s medical records and collaborate on a schedule, switching off between chemotherapy and radiation treatment, following with acupuncture to treat the ailments caused by these treatmens. 

“We work around [the doctors’] schedule,” says Dr. Janet Yeh L.Ac., Natural Medicine in California. Dr. Yeh, also commented that this combination therapy is not uniform in its approach to healing, she said, “Sometimes it’s very effective. But each case is individual and depends upon where the cancer is as well.”

Since acupuncture needles are five times thinner than regular injection needles, they are doubly beneficial because they cause very little pain and alleviate pain from treatment. Some acupuncturists assert, however, that the benefits go beyond the dulling of pain. Many proponents of TCM claim that an invisible life force known as “qi” is also stimulated by acupuncture, and increases an individual’s ability to heal oneself. Whether the needles conjure up “qi” energy to assist in healing the patient’s cancer is highly debatable since its existence and healing power is difficult to ascertain. 

So what is the future for this crossover of therapies in the West? With growing support for this treatment and long-standing approval from TCM acupuncturists, prospects appear hopeful. “I think it’s good combining western and eastern medicine to treat patients, including cancer patients,” says Dr. Zhang. “Both medicines help each other. Patients can get the best results and less side effects.”

Patient testimonials to share the hope of Natural Medicine, Herbs and Acupuncture for Cancer Patients.

4 MAJOR CANCERS - KIDNEY, BLADDER, PROSTATE 
AND LYMPHOMA | I AM CANCER FREE

“Dr. Huang was pivotal in the improvement of my general health and well being so that I could fight the cancer battle and win!”

Dear Dr. Kevin Huang:

I decided to become Dr. Kevin Huang’s patient to see if I could reduce my high PSA level under his care. Over the course of months with his help my PSA came down.  Some months later, during routine physical exams with my general practitioner, I discovered I had 4 major cancers—kidney, bladder, prostate and lymphoma. Hand in hand with modern medicine, which included surgery and radiation, I  worked with Dr. Huang by increasing my acupuncture treatments and herbs.  As a result of this outstanding team, two and a half years later, I am cancer free!

Dr. Huang has tremendous positive energy, and a principal interest in serving others with Love.  His attention to my health and my mental attitude kept me on track. He was pivotal in the improvement of my general health and well being so that I could fight the cancer battle and win!

Dr. Kevin Huang played a major role in my beating cancer.  He is a true healer!

Thanks, W.M., July 18, 2018

STAGE 4 HEAD, NECK AND THROAT CANCER THAT SPREAD TO MY LUNGS

“I was Stage 4 head, neck, throat cancer that spread to my lungs, my survival was low and I am now free of cancer according to my last PET scan. The fact that they can’t see it on a scan is pretty amazing to me!”

After I started coming to Agape Acupuncture, I have been getting better everyday and it is promoting to heal the body naturally. Socially I can get out a little more and exercise more. I don’t have to hide my appearance from the sun because the chemotherapy beats you up and it shows on your face. I have more energy and over all feel better. Ever since I’ve even coming here, the last 2 scans, CT scan and PET scan were the best I had and were clear and free of cancer. The staff is very helpful, kind, understanding and educated. I found the medical staff to be very respectful, very kind and knowledgeable. I feel fantastic about the results and clear and no cancer on my last scans. My family and loved ones are ecstatic at my results.

I will definitely refer others to Dr. Kevin Huang because I find natural medicine to be fantastic. I would say they helped me and brought me through a lot of turmoil. I would make a point to tell others I was Stage 4 head, neck, throat cancer that spread to my lungs, my survival was low and I am now free of cancer according to my last PET scan. The fact that they can’t see it on a scan is pretty amazing to me! I would recommend natural medicine to anybody, whether they have cancer or not. It restores your body naturally from toxins and Dr. Huang has excellent credentials.

Sincerely, L.K.
Hungtington Beach, California
June 26, 2014

STAGE III  SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
TONGUE CANCER

“I honestly feel that the treatments I'd been receiving at Agape, along with the positive reinforcements, kept my body strong to not only get through the surgery, but that it all helped in keeping the cancer more localized, rather from it spreading further. I am so grateful to Dr. Huang and the staff at Agape for  being part of that healing process for me during my scary journey.”

As for any person who might read my testimonial, I'd like to say that I am a true believer in acupuncture and more natural forms of healing, like those of the herbal supplements provided by Agape. Not to say that there's not benefit to modern medicine, too, because there is, and they helped save me, too. But, I honestly feel that the treatments I'd been receiving at Agape, along with the positive reinforcements, kept my body strong to not only get through the surgery, but that it all helped in keeping the cancer more localized, rather from it spreading further. I am so grateful to Dr. Huang and the staff at Agape for being part of that healing process for me during my scary journey. To this day, I continue to come in for treatments and take the supplements, just to maintain and keep my body strong. Thanks so much, Dr. Huang and the Agape staff!! 

Many Hugs, L.H., November 26, 2018 Lake Forest, CA

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