Dr. Xiong is a highly experienced acupuncturist specializing in cancer support. As the current acupuncturist for the Pediatric Oncology team at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, Dr. Xiong has gained extensive expertise in providing acupuncture therapies to cancer patients. In addition to his practical experience, Dr. Xiong has completed a specialized training course by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, further enhancing his knowledge and skills in integrating acupuncture into cancer care. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by cancer patients, Dr. Xiong is dedicated to offering evidence-based personalized acupuncture treatments to alleviate symptoms, manage side effects, and enhance overall well-being.
Acupuncture for Cancer Support
Acupuncture has emerged as a valuable adjunct therapy for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, this ancient practice can effectively alleviate common symptoms and side effects of cancer, such as pain, nausea, fatigue, neuropathy, and anxiety. It promotes a sense of well-being and relaxation while also supporting the body’s natural healing processes. With its non-invasive nature and minimal side effects, acupuncture provides a safe and gentle option for cancer patients seeking comprehensive care. By incorporating acupuncture into their treatment plan, patients can experience improved quality of life, enhanced immune function, and a better overall response to conventional treatments. The holistic approach of acupuncture empowers individuals to actively participate in their healing journey, promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. If you or your loved ones are undergoing cancer treatment, consider exploring the benefits of acupuncture as a valuable support modality on your path to healing and recovery.
Common Side Effects of Chemotherapy/Radiation
– Anxiety/Depression
– Fatigue
– Hot flash
– Nausea/Vomiting
– Neuropathy
– Pain
Recommended by Prominent Cancer Organizations
American Cancer Society (ACS): The ACS recognizes acupuncture as a complementary therapy that may help manage cancer-related symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and hot flashes.
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): ASCO recognizes acupuncture as a complementary therapy that may help alleviate cancer treatment side effects, including chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC): MSKCC, one of the world’s leading cancer centers, acknowledges acupuncture as a supportive therapy for managing cancer-related symptoms such as pain, fatigue, nausea, and hot flashes.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN): The NCCN, an alliance of leading cancer centers, includes acupuncture as a recommended supportive care measure for managing cancer-related symptoms, including chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Oncology Nursing Society (ONS): ONS, an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in oncology nursing, acknowledges the potential benefits of acupuncture in managing cancer-related symptoms and improving the quality of life for cancer patients.
Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO): The SIO is a multidisciplinary organization that promotes the integration of complementary therapies into conventional cancer care. They endorse the use of acupuncture for managing cancer-related symptoms and improving the quality of life for cancer patients.
Anxiety/Depression
Proposed Mechanism of Actions
– Acupuncture may influence the levels and activities of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are involved in mood regulation. By modulating these neurotransmitters, acupuncture may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
– Stimulates the release of endorphins, natural painkillers, and mood enhancers. Endorphins can promote a sense of well-being, reduce stress, and improve mood, potentially relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression.
– Acupuncture may regulate the HPA axis, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
– Chronic inflammation has been linked to mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. Acupuncture has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may contribute to its therapeutic benefits for these conditions.
– Influences specific brain regions involved in emotional processing, such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. By regulating the activity and connectivity of these brain regions, acupuncture may help modulate emotional responses and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7847562/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/nur.22284
Fatigue
Proposed Mechanism of Actions
– Promotes the release and regulation of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which regulate mood, energy levels, and fatigue.
– Regulates the sleep-wake cycle and promotes relaxation, and reduces fatigue.
– Cancer-related fatigue is often associated with immune system dysfunction. Acupuncture has been shown to have immune-modulating effects, potentially boosting immune function and reducing fatigue.
– Acupuncture promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves emotional well-being. By addressing psychological factors associated with fatigue, such as anxiety and depression, acupuncture may help alleviate cancer-related fatigue.
https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2012.41.6222
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2532352
Hot Flash
Proposed Mechanism of Actions
– Influences the release and balance of hormones, such as estrogen, which play a role in hot flashes. By regulating hormonal levels, acupuncture may help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
– Stimulates the release of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and beta-endorphins, which can impact thermoregulation and the perception of hot flashes.
– Increases blood flow and improves microcirculation. By enhancing blood flow to specific areas, acupuncture may help regulate body temperature and reduce hot flashes.
– Activates neural pathways and influences the central nervous system. This modulation of the nervous system may help regulate body temperature and decrease the occurrence of hot flashes.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4622101/
https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2007.12.0774
Nausea/Vomiting
Proposed Mechanism of Actions
– Modulate the release and activity of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and opioids, which regulate nausea and vomiting. This can help restore the balance and reduce these symptoms.
– Stimulate the vagus nerve to regulate the digestive system, which can help to alleviate nausea and vomiting.
– Stimulate the release of endogenous opioids, natural pain-relieving substances produced by the body. These opioids can help alleviate nausea and vomiting by acting on the central nervous system.
– Regulate the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system. This modulation can help reduce stress and anxiety, often associated with nausea and vomiting.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4660374/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3577953/
Neuropathy
Proposed Mechanism of Actions
– Improves blood circulation to the peripheral nerves, which can help enhance their function and reduce neuropathic symptoms.
– Promotes nerve growth and regeneration by enhancing the expression of nerve growth factors. This can potentially aid in the repair of damaged nerves and alleviate peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
– Reduces peripheral nerve inflammation, which helps to alleviate neuropathic pain and other symptoms associated with cancer-induced peripheral neuropathy.
– Stimulates the release of endogenous opioids, natural pain-relieving substances produced by the body. These opioids can help modulate pain signals in the peripheral nerves and relieve neuropathic pain.
– Modulates the processing of pain signals and promotes neuroplasticity, which may help improve nerve function and reduce neuropathy symptoms.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5359694/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6929119/
Pain
Proposed Mechanism of Actions
– Stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body, helping to alleviate cancer-related pain.
– Improves blood circulation, reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the affected areas, contributing to pain relief.
– Regulate the nervous system, calming the body’s stress response and reducing pain perception.
– Support conventional pain management techniques to enhance their effectiveness and minimize the need for high doses of pain medications, reducing potential side effects.
– Create a relaxing and soothing environment, promoting overall well-being and reducing stress, indirectly alleviating cancer-related pain.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4764722/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4008096/