Acupuncture for People with Cancer
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture (AK-you-punk-sher) uses tiny needles to relieve pain or discomfort. A skilled caregiver places needles in specific “acupoints” to help with your condition.
Acupuncture began in the Far East. People in Asia have practiced it for more than 4,000 years. Western scientists don’t yet know how acupuncture works. But it may affect how we feel pain. It also may affect blood flow and the body’s defenses against disease.
How effective is it?
Acupuncture can help relieve nausea and vomiting. It may also reduce other conditions, including:
- pain
- fatigue
- anxiety
- depression
Is it safe?
Side effects are very rare. They are rarest when acupuncture:
- is performed by a qualified caregiver
- uses sterile, disposable needles
- is performed using the Clean Needle Technique
“Clean Needle Technique” means that care- givers follow safe methods recommended by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your care at UPMC Cancer Centers will meet all of these standards.
People who are allergic to surgical stainless steel should avoid acupuncture. So should some people with a severe fear of needles. Care givers do not use certain acupoints in people with some medical conditions. You should mention your medical conditions during your first visit.
What should I expect on my first visit?
Your acupuncture caregiver will give you a full exam. This exam will include checking your tongue and pulse. You will also talk about your medical history. Then the care giver will give you a treatment plan.
You will lie down in a comfortable position to receive acupuncture. The caregiver will insert 10 to 20 needles. You may feel a short tingle, ache, or heavy sensation with each needle. This sensation is called “de qi” (pronounced “day-chee”). You won’t feel the needles once they are in place.
Does it hurt?
About 3 people out of 100 feel mild pain. This pain is brief. Acupuncture can be very relaxing. Many people even fall asleep.
Will my insurance cover this?
Most insurance companies in Pennsylvania do not cover acupuncture. Contact your insurer for more information.
For more information
If you have more questions about acupuncture, call the Pain Management Program of Hill¬man Cancer Center at 412-623-5888.