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Acupuncture and acupressure are techniques that focus on specific points on the body, often called acupuncture points or pressure points. Acupuncture uses very thin, disposable needles inserted just under the skin, while acupressure applies gentle pressure or massage with fingers or hands. These points are believed to influence how the body feels and help relieve symptoms like pain, nausea, or fatigue. Both methods come from traditional practices but are now used alongside modern cancer care to support comfort during treatment.
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, pain, dry mouth, hot flashes, and fatigue. Acupuncture and acupressure are often used to help manage these symptoms and improve quality of life. For example, acupuncture has been studied and shown to reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. While these therapies do not treat or cure cancer itself, they can make treatment side effects easier to handle and support overall well-being during a challenging time.
If your care team suggests acupuncture, you may have thin needles gently placed into specific points on your body. Some people feel sensations like heaviness, tingling, or numbness during treatment. Acupressure, on the other hand, involves gentle finger or hand pressure and is non-invasive. You might hear about these therapies from your healthcare providers, educational materials, or support groups. Sometimes patients learn to do acupressure themselves or have a caregiver assist. Both are usually described as calming and supportive methods to help ease symptoms.
These therapies may be mentioned in your treatment plan, symptom management guides, or clinical trial descriptions focused on supportive care. They are typically discussed when planning how to manage side effects during or after cancer treatment. However, acupuncture and acupressure are not used for diagnosing or staging cancer and do not replace standard cancer treatments like chemotherapy or surgery.
It’s important to understand that acupuncture and acupressure are not cures for cancer and do not treat the disease itself. Seeing these therapies mentioned in your care does not mean your cancer treatment is being changed or replaced. They are supportive care options aimed at relieving symptoms and improving comfort. While they may help some people, they do not guarantee symptom relief for everyone and should be part of a broader symptom management plan.
Acupuncture should be performed by licensed practitioners who follow strict hygiene practices, including using sterile, disposable needles. Because cancer and its treatments can affect your immune system and blood clotting, it’s important that acupuncture is done by someone experienced in cancer care. Certain conditions like low blood counts, risk of infection, lymphedema, skin problems, or bone metastases may require special precautions or mean acupuncture is not recommended. Acupressure, which does not use needles, may be a safer option for some patients. Always discuss your full medical history and treatment plan with your healthcare team before starting these therapies.
If you are interested in acupuncture or acupressure, consider asking your healthcare providers how these therapies might help your specific symptoms, what to expect during a session, and how often treatments might be needed. You can also ask about safety, especially if you have concerns like low blood counts or infections. It’s helpful to know if the practitioner has experience working with cancer patients and how the therapy will fit with your overall care plan.
Acupuncture and acupressure are supportive therapies designed to improve comfort and quality of life during cancer treatment. If you think these methods might help you, the best next step is to talk openly with your oncology team. They can guide you on whether these therapies are safe and appropriate for your situation and help connect you with qualified practitioners. Working together with your care team ensures the safest and most effective approach to managing symptoms during your cancer journey.
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