Acupuncture a Powerful Integrative Oncology Tool

Integrative Oncology is the combination of “mainstream” care and evidenced-based complimentary therapies to control cancer-related pain and symptoms [source: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Integrative Medicine]. Complementary therapies, while not given the attention that more traditional cancer therapies may receive, are perhaps equally important while undergoing treatment for certain types of cancer, including malignant mesothelioma. Patients diagnosed with difficult to treat malignancies will often use these types of therapies in conjunction with traditional treatment options, which include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiology, to form a more comprehensive and effective treatment regimen. Among the most effective alternative therapies utilized by those diagnosed with cancer is acupuncture.
Acupuncture has long been utilized as a general pain reduction method for thousands of years, originating in the Far East and gradually being utilized throughout the world. Effective cancer treatment often depends on the patient’s ability to not only defeat the cancer through various methods but to also maintain their health and mental spirit throughout the course of treatment.
Often, the symptoms and effects of the cancer itself on the body are insignificant compared to the pain and other side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation are often fatigued, experience a lack of appetite and weight loss, and may become depressed. For cancer patients experiencing these and other side effects, acupuncture is extremely beneficial. According to the ancient theories of Chinese medicine, “qi,” or “life energy,” flows through energy channels within the body known as meridians. These channels connect the body’s internal organs, and if these meridians become “blocked,” or an individual’s qi cannot flow properly, disease will set in. Acupuncture is said to relieve blockages and restore the natural flow of qi, and ultimately restoring one’s health.
Cancers such as mesothelioma, which are often unable to be removed by surgical means, are often treated with some combination of chemotherapy and radiation [the combination of chemo drug Alimta® and anti-cancer drug Cisplatin® is a popular mesothelioma treatment method]. While these potent drugs can be effective in eliminating some of the tumor mass and growth, they also profoundly affect the health of the surrounding tissue. Symptoms experienced by those undergoing mainstream cancer treatments include fever, nausea, and debilitating pain.
Patients who undergo acupuncture in conjunction with mainstream cancer therapies have experienced dramatic reductions in pain and feel that their energy and mental wellbeing was restored. Cancer patients who feel energized, are pain-free and have a solid state of mind are more likely to withstand traditional methods of cancer treatment and have an increased survival rate.
Acupuncture is said to be so effective, in fact, that the World Health Organization [WHO] has recognized acupuncture as a successful intervention for adverse reactions to radiation and chemotherapy. The National Institute of Health [NIH] also agreed that acupuncture may relieve nausea and pain experienced by cancer sufferers, and the organization supports acupuncture clinical trials.
While this ancient method of therapy may be extremely effective for some, acupuncture may not be recommended for all cancer patients. Those who have a history of endocarditis, neutropenia or thrombocytopenia should not undergo acupuncture. Individuals with lymphedema or those who have a pacemaker should speak with a physician before beginning any course of acupuncture therapy.
While oncologists like Dr. Harvey Pass of the NYU Medical Center in New York City, NY continue to work towards a cure, those who practice the ancient art of acupuncture will be working to help cancer sufferers experience a better quality of life and an increased rate of survival. And while the scientific validity of Acupuncture has been proved in many, many studies, the Medicinal Herbal Formulary of Chinese Medicine also shows promise as another resource for those suffering with various cancers, including asbestos cancer.
Jack Bleeker, Research Coordinator
July 13, 2009

ACUPOINT of the WEEK!

Large Intestine 4 -“He Gu” means Joining Valley.
Make the letter L with your 1st finger and thumb. This point is on the top of the hand and in middle of the web that is formed. Use the thumb and forefinger of the opposite hand, search for the tender part and hold for several seconds. This point is one of the most famous and commonly used acupoints. It is great for headache, flu, pain, digestive issues, facial disorders, and weakness.

Respira AcuWellness Column in Perfectify Magazine

Perfectify Magazine is an amazing free local publication specializing in health, fitness and image. http://www.perfectify.com Respira is lucky enough to be a contributor to Perfectify and educate the public a little about Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. Check them out online or any CVS or AJ's. Great job on the mag Kristi!

Acupuncture and Weightloss!

Summer is here and it is the perfect time to be active and lose excess weight. Acupuncture can be very effective for weight loss!
http://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/The+Acupuncture+Weight+Loss+Solution
I interned with a Chinese Doctor in Beijing where women were successfully losing weight and I saw first hand how acupuncture can not only help metabolism but overall health. I also have techniques to help remove thought patterns that block weight loss. Send me an email if you have any questions about weight loss and acupuncture, respiraacuwellness@gmail.com.

Give Yourself or Someone You Love the Gift of Health and Harmony!

Did you know Acupuncture treats more than 60 conditions according to the World Health Organization? Feeling pretty good? Acupuncture can keep you that way with supporting your immune system and balancing emotions. Refer a friend or family member and get a $20.00 treatment! respiraacuwellness@gmail.com

Shannon Around the Valley and on the Web

I am out and about trying to get as many people to experience the healing power of acupuncture. Here is my Group Acupuncture Schedule and these are all open to the public: Acupuncture Happy Hour! Come get your Qi on for only $30. Keep reading for more info.....

*Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-2pm and Wednesday Nights from 7:30-9
at East West Exchange
http://www.ew-exchange.com/therapeutics.html#GroupAcupuncture
This is an awsome locally owned bookstore on Dobson and Warner! They offer tons of books, yoga, tai chi and community events.

*Twice a month Saturday Group Acupuncture at Ultimate Fitness
http://www.myultimatefitness.com/
Marc Lalama and his trainers specializes in group fitness, practical strength training and rehab. Located in Tempe

*Every Third Monday at 8pm at Embodyment http://www.embodymentaz.net/acupuncturehappy.html
Embodyment is an Holistic Personal Training gym that gives you one-on-one attention. Denise Mann, the president, is passionate about providing services that treat body, mind, and spirit. Located in Phoenix

On the Web
Still confused on Chakra Balancing Acupuncture or Reconnective Healing? Check out the interview I did on EmpowerHour Radio.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empowerhour/2008/12/29/The-Reconnection

The host of EmpowerHour is Life Coach Lesley Pelky. She is a talented and driven life coach, hypnotherapist and Toe reader and...they just had Waye Dyer on thier radio show!

What is Acupuncture?

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.