Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years. It began in China around 2500 BCE and is based on the idea of balance in the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, health depends on the balance of two forces called yin and yang. When these forces are out of balance, illness can occur.
Acupuncture aims to restore this balance. Very fine needles are placed at specific points on the body to help regulate the flow of energy, known as Qi (pronounced “chee”). By improving this flow, acupuncture may help reduce pain, support healing, and improve overall wellbeing.
Understanding Balance in the Body
Our bodies are constantly working to stay balanced. For example, old cells die and new cells grow to replace them. There is normally a careful balance between cell growth and cell death.
Cancer develops when this balance is disrupted. Cells begin to grow and divide too quickly, or they do not die when they should. This leads to uncontrolled cell growth.
Cancer Treatments and Side Effects
Cancer treatments are designed to destroy cancer cells, but they can also affect healthy cells. This can cause side effects such as:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and other digestive problems
- Reduced immune function
- Nerve pain or tingling (neuropathy)
- Hormonal changes
Immunotherapy can sometimes overstimulate the immune system, and hormonal treatments may bring on menopause-like symptoms.
Because of these effects, supporting the body during treatment is very important. Helping patients tolerate treatment better can improve both quality of life and overall outcomes.
How Acupuncture May Help
Acupuncture is often used alongside cancer treatment to help manage side effects. Some studies suggest it may help reduce:
- Nausea and digestive upset
- Peripheral neuropathy (nerve symptoms)
- General discomfort and fatigue
For example, a small study in 2021 found that patients receiving acupuncture experienced fewer chemotherapy-related side effects compared to those who did not receive acupuncture. While more research is needed, many patients report feeling better supported during treatment when acupuncture is included in their care.
Acupuncture at Bloomhill
Bloomhill has a qualified Chinese Medicine Acupuncturist, Jo Baldwin. Jo trained in China and has many years of experience. If you are experiencing cancer-related side effects, or if you would simply like support with general health and wellbeing, acupuncture may help. Supporting balance in the body can improve quality of life, build resilience, and help you feel stronger during your treatment journey.
References
Britannica. (2025). Acupuncture. https://www.britannica.com/science/traditional-Chinese-medicine/Herbal-therapy
Peiwen, Li. (2003). Management of cancer with Chinese medicine. Donica Publishing Ltd.
Stockigt, B., Kirschbaum, B., Carstensen, M., Witt, C. M., Brinkhaus, B. (2021). Prophylactic acupuncture treatment during chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer: Results of a qualitative study nested in a randomized pragmatic trial. Integrated Cancer Therapies, 23(20). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8646188/
Please contact our Nurses on 07 5445 5794 or [email protected] if you have any questions.
All information provided by Bloomhill is mainly based on research from the Qld Cancer Council and best practice guidelines. Our model of care utilizes the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) domains of wellness along with available clinical evidence. Always consult your care team regarding matters that affect your health. This is a guide intended for information only.
