Acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue

People undergoing cancer treatment can have fatigue, either as a result of the illness or as a side effect of the treatment.

According to the guidelines produced by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), cancer-related fatigue is

“a distressing, persistent, subjective sense of physical, emotional, and/or cognitive tiredness or exhaustion related to cancer or cancer treatment that is not proportional to recent activity and interferes with usual functioning.”

There is a range of interventions that can help with fatigue, including hypnosis, appropriate physical exercise, yoga, counselling (CBT), massage and education.

Acupuncture and acupressure are a promising additional interventions, with the added benefit of potentially being able to help with other symptoms and improve overall wellbeing.

Several researchers have recommended acupuncture to be offered alongside usual care to people undergoing cancer treatment to help with fatigue, and the NCCN has included acupuncture in the guidelines for supportive care.

If you are interested in acupuncture to help with your symptoms, please discuss this with your medical team.

Getting started with us

Book now to start your healing path with us. We look forward to supporting you through your treatment process, bringing relief from symptoms and deeper wellbeing.

References