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.



You May be Interested In:

Contact Our Office
Conditions A-Z (list and web links)
Pain Relief
About Acupuncture
Before Your Visit
Testimonials
Information for Physicians
Directions
About Dr. Eric Windsor
Biochemical Research on Acupuncture
How We Work with Lab Tests and Imaging


About Maryland Holistics

Maryland Holistics LLC is the private practice of Dr. Eric Windsor, D.Ac., L.Ac. Our serene, professional office is located in Ellicott City, MD. Maryland Holistics has provided care to thousands of satisfied customers since opening in 2009. Dr. Windsor is a preferred provider in the CareFirst, Blue Cross Blue Shield, GEHA, and United Healthcare networks.

3525 Ellicott Mills Dr., Ste E
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: 301-588-5858
Fax: 443-308-5690