Acupuncture Treatments to Reduce Side Effects of Chemotherapy in Children
There is new hope on the horizon for children with cancer, and that hope comes in the form of acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture is an effective way to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with cancer and its treatments, such as nausea and vomiting. It can also help improve a child's energy level and overall well-being. If you have a child who is battling cancer, it may be worth considering acupuncture as a complement to their treatment plan. Talk to your doctor about whether this option is right for your child.
What Complementary Treatments Options are Available for Childhood Cancer?
Childhood cancer is a devastating diagnosis. There are many forms of cancer that can have a profound effect on the lives of families. There are treatments available that can help improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families. These treatments include acupuncture, which is an effective treatment for a variety of childhood cancers. Childhood cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, resulting in a 70% cure rate. These treatments can better the lives of affected children and their families but can have adverse side effects.
Although it is now more common to know people being diagnosed with cancer, there is also an increase in research for effective natural therapies that complement conventional cancer treatments. Cancer affects patients on all levels: physiological (the body), social (diagnosis itself), and psychological (the child's or adult's impact of knowing they're sick).
Alternative treatments generally help with the side effects of chemotherapy or other medical treatments and include massage, Reiki, and more. A study of pediatric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy found that those who received massage therapy had less nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and pain. In addition, the study found that the children who received massage therapy had a better quality of life than those who did not receive massage therapy. Massage therapy can be an effective complementary treatment for children with cancer.
Other Alternative Treatments
Similarly, Reiki, a form of energy healing, can also be an effective complementary treatment for children with cancer. A growing body of evidence suggests that Reiki can help to alleviate and reduce pain, nausea, and fatigue, as well as improve sleep quality and overall well-being. Reiki is a century-old Japanese form of energy healing that involves the placement of hands-on or just above the body. While it is not a replacement for traditional medical treatment, Reiki can be an invaluable tool for managing the side effects of cancer treatment.
Reiki is a recently emerging form of biofield therapy that has been shown to improve physical, mental, and emotional health. Some people use it alongside traditional treatments for their wellness while others only take bio-energy-like treatments when they have current concerns or should require radiation exposure after conventional therapy.
The results of a study done at Istanbul University Institute of Oncology in Turkey, from September 2013 to February 2014, indicate that Reiki may decrease pain, anxiety, and fatigue in oncology patients. As this practice continues to gain popularity in the U.S. the increase in research on the potential benefits of Reiki therapy for cancer survivors is also increasing.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that acupuncturists use to treat a variety of ailments. In recent years, research has suggested that acupuncture is an effective treatment for the side effects of cancer treatments. Acupuncture works by stimulating the body's natural ability to heal itself, this effect is being studied to understand the effects that acupuncture has on cancer and its treatments. So far, the results have been promising. For example, a recent study showed that acupuncture can help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy in children with leukemia. The study found that acupuncture was able to reduce the number of times children vomited and had diarrhea during chemotherapy. In addition, the study found that acupuncture treatments were able to improve the quality of life for children with leukemia.
How Do Acupuncture Treatments Work?
Acupuncture treatments work by stimulating the body's natural ability to heal itself. Physicians insert the needles into specific points (meridians) on the body. These meridians are channels through which the body's energy, or Qi, flows. By stimulating these points with needles, acupuncturists can help restore balance to the body. According to the Cancer Research UK, acupuncture treatments can help to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and improve the quality of life for children with cancer. If you are interested in acupuncture treatments for your child, feel free to call us or join us for community acupuncture.
How Can Acupuncture Help With Childhood Cancer?
Acupuncture can be effective at managing the potential side effects that come with traditional treatments of childhood cancers, such as chemotherapy. Acupuncture treatments are a great complementary treatment to increase the quality of life for those battling the diagnosis. As an example, children who suffer from childhood cancer heavily benefit from acupuncture as it helps them be more active and eat normally again. Acupuncture also helps the child alleviate the mental strain caused by the disease itself.
The Benefits of Acupuncture Treatments for Children With Cancer
Acupuncture treatments can help to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families in many ways:
Helps reduce the side effects of chemotherapy
Improve the quality of life for children with cancer
Aid with the mental strain by providing calming and soothing treatments on the nervous system
There are no harsh side effects associated with the treatment
If you want to treat your child through acupuncture treatments, join us every week for community acupuncture.
What are the Side Effects of Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a natural and safe treatment with very few side effects. The most common side effect is bruising or soreness at the needle insertion site. This is usually temporary and will go away within a few days. If you have any concerns about acupuncture, please speak to your doctor or a qualified acupuncture practitioner.
Tips for Parents on Choosing an Acupuncturist for Their Child
It is important to choose a qualified and experienced acupuncturist when you are considering acupuncture treatments for your child. Here are a few tips to help you choose an acupuncturist:
Ask the acupuncturist about their experience treating children
Seek recommendations from other parents or caregivers
Have a complimentary consultation so your child can meet the Physician
Discuss with your child after meeting the Physician how they felt
If you have any questions or concerns about acupuncture, please speak to your doctor or a qualified acupuncture practitioner.
AcuMantras Cancer Support Group
At AcuMantras, we partner up with Dr. Brito, a cancer survivor, to provide Broward County with a Cancer Support Group that can meet up both in person and online. The group meets once a month, it's free, and is open to anyone affected by cancer, either as a patient, caregiver, family member, or friend.
Dr. Brito’s cancer support group is a community of people who are affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly. This can include patients, caregivers, family members, and friends. The purpose of a cancer support group is to provide emotional support and practical advice to those affected by cancer.
Dr. Brito was diagnosed with Lymphoma, Stage IV in December 2012 but she kept fighting and went through Chemotherapy which gave her more strength to keep going. Eventually, she won the battle against cancer. Dr. Brito is a Survivor and strong Advocate for those diagnosed with Cancer and those looking for support along the journey. She knows how important it is to have emotional support when going through something like this and that’s why she wants to provide Broward County with a Cancer Support Group. You can join her at our physical location in Plantation, but you can also join the group online.
Cancer Support Group for Families Affected by Childhood Cancer
If you are a parent of a child with cancer, you are not alone. There are many support groups, including ours, and resources available to help you and your family through this difficult time. Some of these resources are:
American Cancer Society: Support group for parents of children with cancer
CancerCare: Support group for parents of children with cancer
National Cancer Institute: Information and resources for families
Childhood Cancer Survivors Foundation: Support, resources, and information for childhood cancer survivors and their families
American Childhood Cancer Organization: Support and resources for families
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: Support and resources for families
Make-A-Wish Foundation: Support and resources for families
These are just a few of the many organizations that offer support to families dealing with childhood cancer. If you are a parent of a child with cancer, please reach out to one of these organizations for advice and support.
Questions to Ask Before Starting Acupuncture Treatments for a Childhood Cancer
If you are considering acupuncture treatments for your child, there are a few questions you should ask before starting treatment. These questions include:
What are the benefits of acupuncture?
Are there side effects from acupuncture?
Can I book a complimentary consultation for my child?
What should I expect during an acupuncture treatment?
What if my child is afraid of needles?
How often will my child need to be treated?
How long will each treatment last?
Is there anything I need to do to prepare my child for an acupuncture treatment?
These are just a few of the questions you should ask before starting acupuncture treatments for your child. If you have any other questions, please speak to your doctor or a qualified acupuncture practitioner.
Conclusion
Acupuncture is a powerful therapy that can help mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation in childhood cancer. If you are considering acupuncture as part of your child’s treatment plan, please talk with your oncologist and acupuncturist about how it can be integrated safely into their care. Remember, there is no “one size fits all” answer when it comes to integrative therapies like acupuncture; the best approach for your child will depend on their diagnosis and health history. If you want to try acupuncture for your child, you can join us at AcuMantras for community acupuncture. Similarly, you can join Dr. Brito at AcuMantras to help you navigate this disease with her Cancer Support Group.
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References:
National Library of Medicine: National Center for Biotechnology Information
Cancer Research UK
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Medical News Today