I underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments myself for breast and uterine cancer over 15 years ago. Integrating acupuncture and homeopathy into traditional treatment gave me a wonderful edge in dealing with this dreaded disease.

In 2009, I received national certification in “Acupuncture for the Cancer Patient” at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. The training included acupuncture treatment specific to lung, breast, prostate and colorectal cancers, however most of the treatments are applicable to other cancers as well. Sloan-Kettering currently includes the integrative therapy of acupuncture for both in-patient and outpatient settings.

Acupuncture is used in my clinic and at Sloan-Kettering to effectively reduce side effects of cancer treatment including:

Clinical trials have shown that acupuncture treatment received before and after chemotherapy improves immune function and reduces side effects. Acupuncture has also been proven to enhance the effects of chemotherapy and decrease tumor resistance.

Acupuncture for surgical patients is also used pre and post surgery.

Pre-surgery treatment has been proven to:

• promote relaxation
• prevent infection
• reduce pain.

Post-surgery acupuncture is used to:

Radiation patients receive acupuncture to:

In addition to acupuncture, your complementary therapy may include homeopathy and diet recommendations that are based on creating an environment in your body that is NOT cancer friendly. Diet is a very important component of cancer therapy. Homeopathy can be profoundly effective both on a physical and psycho-spiritual level.

Remember, there is someone that has recovered from every form and every stage of cancer, even when told there was no hope. Cancer can be a great teacher. We learn to not sweat the small stuff, stop and smell the roses and to greet every day with love and gratitude. We learn to eat healthy and take care of our bodies. These are all lessons that will benefit the rest of our lives; long after the cancer is gone.