Acupuncture is not as Scary as you Think

Acupuncture for Cancer Treatment Side Effects, Pain Management, and Autoimmune Disease Relief: How It Works and Why It's Not as Scary as You Think

By Dr. Polina Karmazin, MD, South Jersey Holistic Medicine

Acupuncture has gained attention as a safe, effective treatment for managing the side effects of cancer therapies, reducing chronic pain, and addressing symptoms of autoimmune diseases. As a holistic medicine specialist, I've seen firsthand how acupuncture can relieve suffering and improve quality of life for patients battling conditions like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain. However, I also recognize that many patients feel anxious about their first acupuncture session. The idea of having needles inserted into your skin might seem overwhelming or even frightening.

But here's the truth: acupuncture is not as scary as it sounds, and much of the anxiety surrounding it stems from fear of the unknown. Understanding how acupuncture works and what to expect can make all the difference in reducing that anxiety. In this post, I'll explain the benefits of acupuncture, how it works, and how taking time to discuss the process before your treatment can help ease fears—so you can experience the profound healing effects acupuncture offers.

Understanding Acupuncture: How It Works

Acupuncture is an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy, or "Qi" (pronounced "chee"), which is believed to flow through pathways called meridians. When the flow of Qi is disrupted—due to illness, stress, or injury—it can result in pain, discomfort, and disease. Acupuncture helps restore the natural energy balance, promoting healing and reducing symptoms.

In modern medicine, acupuncture is recognized as a powerful tool for managing pain and promoting relaxation. The insertion of needles triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals, and can also reduce inflammation. Additionally, acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, improving blood flow and encouraging the body's natural healing mechanisms.

Acupuncture for Cancer Treatment Side Effects

One of the most significant benefits of acupuncture is its ability to reduce the side effects associated with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Cancer therapies, while often life-saving, can come with a host of debilitating side effects, including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and neuropathy (nerve pain).

Acupuncture is effective in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, even when standard anti-nausea medications fail to provide relief. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that cancer patients who received acupuncture during chemotherapy experienced significantly less nausea and vomiting than those who didn't receive the treatment.

Neuropathy, another common side effect of chemotherapy, can cause tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet. Many patients find that acupuncture helps reduce these symptoms by improving circulation and stimulating the nerves. Additionally, the calming effect of acupuncture can alleviate the anxiety and stress that often accompany cancer treatment, improving overall well-being and mental health during a challenging time.

Pain Relief for Autoimmune Diseases

For patients with autoimmune diseases—conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells—acupuncture can relieve chronic pain, inflammation, and other symptoms. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis can cause persistent pain, fatigue, and mobility issues, all of which acupuncture can help address.

Autoimmune diseases often involve widespread inflammation, and acupuncture can help reduce that inflammation by stimulating the release of anti-inflammatory chemicals in the body. It also helps regulate immune system activity, which may help slow the progression of autoimmune conditions and reduce flare-ups.

For patients with fibromyalgia, in particular, acupuncture has been found to reduce the intensity of pain and improve sleep quality—an essential aspect of managing this often debilitating condition. By targeting specific pressure points, acupuncture helps calm the nervous system, relax tight muscles, and reduce pain perception.

The Role of Anxiety in Pain

Anxiety and pain are closely linked. The more anxious you feel, the more sensitive you are to pain. This is because anxiety can heighten your body's stress response, leading to muscle tension, increased heart rate, and heightened nerve sensitivity. For patients with chronic pain, cancer-related discomfort, or autoimmune symptoms, anxiety can exacerbate their condition, making it harder to manage pain effectively.

In the context of acupuncture, anxiety can play a significant role in a patient's experience. When someone is fearful or apprehensive about the treatment, they may tense up or focus on their discomfort, making the process more complicated than needed. However, by understanding how acupuncture works and what to expect during a session, this anxiety can be significantly reduced.

Alleviating Anxiety Before an Acupuncture Session

One of the best ways to alleviate acupuncture anxiety is to discuss any concerns with your practitioner beforehand openly. At South Jersey Holistic, I make it a point to talk to my patients before their first session, explaining exactly what will happen during treatment, what they may feel, and how they can prepare themselves mentally and physically. Here's how we help make the experience as calming and comfortable as possible:

1. Gentle Needle Insertion: Acupuncture needles are skinny—about the width of a human hair. Most patients feel only a slight prick or no sensation when the needles are inserted. Unlike the large needles used for injections or blood draws, acupuncture needles are designed to be minimally invasive and virtually painless.

2. Creating a Relaxing Environment: The treatment room is designed to be peaceful, with soft lighting, calming music, and comfortable tables. Many patients find they can fully relax during their session, and some even fall asleep while the needles are in place.

3. Open Communication: We encourage patients to let us know if they feel any discomfort during their session so adjustments can be made. You mustIt's feel safe and relaxed throughout the process, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

4. Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Before and during the session, we guide patients through breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques that help calm the nervous system. By focusing on deep, steady breaths, you can reduce feelings of anxiety and help your body enter a state of relaxation, enhancing the treatment's effectiveness.

5. Gradual Introduction: If the thought of multiple needles feels intimidating, we can start with just a few points and gradually increase the number of needles over time as you become more comfortable with the process.

Why Acupuncture Is Worth Trying and not so scary

The benefits of acupuncture extend far beyond pain relief. By promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing the body's natural healing abilities, acupuncture offers a holistic approach to health that complements conventional medical treatments. For cancer patients, it can help manage the problematic side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. For individuals with autoimmune diseases, it can reduce inflammation, pain, and fatigue, improving quality of life.

If you've been hesitant to try acupuncture because of fear or uncertainty, I encourage you to schedule a consultation. At South Jersey Holistic Medicine, we prioritize patient comfort and open communication, ensuring that every treatment is tailored to your needs and comfort level. Together, we can explore how acupuncture can be an integral part of your healing journey, offering relief from pain and discomfort in a gentle, natural way.

Contact South Jersey Holistic Medicine Today

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment that can significantly relieve pain, stress, and the side effects of various medical conditions. To learn more about how acupuncture can benefit you or to schedule your first session, contact us today at South Jersey Holistic Medicine in Voorhees, NJ. We're here to help you take the next step toward healing and well-being.