Content on this website is intended for general information only. For answers
to your specific questions or to schedule treatment, we invite you to
contact us at 301-588-5858.
Acupuncture and Natural Medicine Support during Cancer Care
We understand that a caring, gentle touch is needed to support patients who are being treated for
cancer or related conditions. If you are in a treatment program right
now, the side effects may include dry mouth, tingling,
neuropathy, fatigue, nausea
and blood conditions such as
anemia and
neutropenia. Sometimes the pharmaceutical approaches to treating nausea aren't quite enough. These are times when we can help.
Our licensed and experienced acupuncturist,
Eric Windsor, D.Ac., L.Ac.
completed an internship in integrative acupuncture for cancer care at
the Kaufman Cancer Center of Upper Chesapeake Health. He has experience
in providing
acupuncture for patients with cancers of the gastrointestinal system, reproductive system, larynx, lung, spine, and other body systems.
Lab Reports and Medical Records
In general, it is very helpful if patients can bring recent lab reports
or other relevant medical records to the acupuncture appointment. For
patients who are currently in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or
immunotherapy, our clinic will require the most recent CBC (complete
blood count) prior to beginning acupuncture. This report can be faxed to
us at 443-308-5690. However, if that report is unavailable, we can
contact the oncology clinic to obtain it during normal business hours.
In some cases, we may need to delay an acupuncture treatment if the most
recent lab report is not available at the time of your session.
Benefits of Treatment
While you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation, or after these
treatments are complete, a skilled acupuncturist can provide support to
help you feel better and enhance your overall quality of life.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are based on a 3000
year-old system of understanding the body in health and illness. The
goal of this traditional approach is to bring your body back into
balance and harmony.
Many people enjoy the feeling of relaxed well-being that acupuncture
helps people to re-discover. Even during serious illnesses, acupuncture
treatments can often help to promote a relaxed experience of peace,
inner stability, and increased physical and emotional well-being. Modern
medical research has shown that acupuncture can help the body to
release its own naturally occurring
pain-relief chemicals, called endogenous opiates. We'll help you to experience:
• Reduced side-effects from chemotherapy or radiation, so
that you can continue with the treatment program your oncologist has
recommended
• Better rest, which can lead to an increase in physical health, vitality, and immune functioning
• A general experience of well-being, relaxation, and inner
stability, so that you can feel more confident and empowered in the
process of healing and recovery
• Effective treatment of
anemia or
neutropenia
resulting from chemotherapy or radiation. We can often achieve results
without the side-effects of injectable granulocyte colony stimulating
factor (G-CSF). Some chemotherapy treatment regimens cannot be provided
without these drugs to manage the side-effects. In some cases, the
patient may not be able to tolerate the side-effects of Neulasta or
Neupogen, and in these cases acupuncture may be valuable.
"For patients going through chemotherapy, neuropathy can be a
significant concern. This condition usually involves pain in the feet,
but it can also begin as a feeling of slight numbness or tingling. In my
experience, neuropathy responds very well to acupuncture, especially if
the acupuncture treatment begins somewhat soon after the onset of
symptoms. For some patients, this type of treatment for neuropathy may
be essential in order to complete the entire course of chemotherapy
recommended by their oncologist."
Dr. Eric Windsor, D.Ac.