Hi
I am about to start radiotherapy next week and have been to an acupuncturist basically for anxiety relating to dx. I have suffered with high blood pressure for many years probably because i am a stressy type but since seeing the therapist, my BP has come down and I have a lovely feeling of well being. I have had several treatments. I feel absolutely crap the first day afterwards, then great. Don’t know if its a coincidence or has it helped? anyone else had a reaction, either good or bad
Cathy
Hi Cathy, I had acupuncture during chemo and after and even though it didn’t stop the sickness I did feel a lot calmer for about a week after each session.
It did help with the hot flushes I got during chemo.
Think it’s because it was some me time away from everyone.
HI Cathy
I have been on chemo indefinitely since 2006 and decided to re-start my acupuncture again last November after a break of nearly 3 years. I’ve changed acupuncturists and the one I now go to was my physio at the hospital so I have 100% confidence in her.
My bloods (especially my wbc and hb) have improved quite considerably since having acupuncture which she said it would do. The really weird thing is the chemo put me into an early menopause at the age of 40 (now 13 years ago) and she was ‘fiddling’ with my hormone points and lo and behold in February I had a period (after 12 years!). The hospital are saying there’s no connection with the two but she’s convinced there is and so am I.
Pinkdove
I am having accupuncture while on chemo. I had it three years ago when I was on chemo before and I think it helped with energy levels.
My current accupuncture lady is keen to start me on chinese herbs as well, and I am a little nervous of these. Has anybody else taken the herbs along with the accupuncture? Has anybody been warned off them by their medical team?
Deirdre
Hi Deirdre
I don’t know much about chinese herbs except they can be very potent and whoever prescribes them should be a proper chinese medical practitioner. My acupuncturist was telling me about the shops in the high street that sell chinese herbs and to avoid them as they are not properly regulated. She also added that in China, traditional chinese medicine is often used alongside western medicine, but only with careful consultation between the two camps. I would definitely ask your team first.
Cathy
Thanks for that, Cathie. I def will talk to my team before I jump in with the herbs. The accupuncturist is one at the complementary centre at the hospital - she is a qualified Chinese doctor and I do trust her, but I am wary of taking anything that might make me worse!
Deirdre