Acupuncture for Cancer Treatment Side Effects in Richmond

Cancer treatment can affect people in many different ways, both physically and emotionally. Some symptoms may continue during treatment or after treatment has finished, and managing these effects can become an important part of recovery and day-to-day wellbeing.

At Serene AcuHealing, I offer nurse-led Western Medical Acupuncture for people experiencing symptoms or side effects associated with cancer treatment. My approach is personalised, clinically informed and focused on supporting you alongside your conventional medical care.

Acupuncture does not treat or cure cancer. It may, however, have a role in supporting some symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment. The evidence varies depending on the symptom and individual circumstances.

Depending on your medical history and current or previous treatment, acupuncture may be considered to support:

• Hot flushes and sweats associated with cancer treatment
• Sleep difficulties
• Stress, anxiety and physical tension
• Pain and muscular tension
• Fatigue and low energy
• Nausea and treatment-related sickness
• Some symptoms associated with treatment-related menopause
• General wellbeing during recovery

Acupuncture has been studied for a number of symptoms experienced by people with cancer. Macmillan Cancer Support notes that it may help with symptoms including sickness, hot flushes, pain and sleep difficulties, while Cancer Research UK highlights research into symptoms including nausea, fatigue, pain, stress and hot flushes.

As a Registered Nurse with more than 20 years of NHS clinical experience, I understand the importance of looking at the wider clinical picture.

Before treatment, I take time to understand your cancer history, current or previous treatment, medications, symptoms and any other relevant health concerns. This helps me consider whether acupuncture is appropriate and how treatment should be adapted to you.

Where appropriate, acupuncture can be used alongside your existing medical care. It is not intended to replace advice or treatment from your oncology team, GP or other healthcare professionals.

You do not necessarily need to be having active treatment to explore whether acupuncture may be appropriate.

Some people seek support after completing treatment because symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep difficulties, fatigue, pain, stress or other changes may continue.

This can be particularly relevant for people experiencing treatment-related hormonal or menopausal symptoms. My specialist background in pelvic health and women's health also allows me to support people who may have additional pelvic or hormonal health concerns following cancer treatment.

Cancer treatment can affect the body's ability to fight infection and clot blood. Some treatments can also increase the risk of bruising or bleeding, and lymphoedema can be an important consideration following lymph node surgery or treatment.

For this reason, acupuncture is not suitable for everyone at every stage of cancer treatment. Macmillan recommends discussing acupuncture with your cancer doctor and ensuring that the practitioner has experience working with people with cancer.

I will discuss your current health and treatment history with you before treatment and, where necessary, recommend that you speak with your cancer team before proceeding.

If you are currently receiving cancer treatment, please continue to follow the advice of your oncology or medical team regarding any new or changing symptoms.

There is no standard acupuncture treatment for everyone experiencing cancer treatment side effects.

Your treatment is planned around your individual symptoms, health history and circumstances. Appointments are calm, private and unhurried, giving you time to talk through what you are experiencing and ask questions.

If you are unsure whether acupuncture may be appropriate for you, you are welcome to get in touch before booking to discuss your situation.

If you are looking for nurse-led acupuncture in Richmond to support symptoms associated with cancer treatment or recovery, I offer personalised care based on my nursing and acupuncture experience.

Acupuncture is offered as supportive care alongside conventional cancer treatment, not as a treatment for cancer itself.

If you're considering acupuncture to support symptoms associated with cancer treatment, you're welcome to get in touch to discuss your circumstances and whether treatment may be appropriate for you.