Acupuncture is used in integrative oncology programmes (in combination with conventional treatment) around the world to improve the quality of life for patients undergoing cancer treatment and for cancer survivors.  It is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves the insertion of fine sterile needles into strategic points on the skin, to stimulate and regulate the energy (Qi) that circulates throughout the body. The needles are retained while resting quietly and there is usually little or no pain experienced during the treatment.

A treatment plan is tailored for each individual, with the effects being cumulative.  The number and frequency of sessions will vary, based on the condition and the response. Occasionally people report mild side effects, however these are usually transient.

Research has confirmed that acupuncture is effective in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (in combination with anti-nausea medications) 1 and in relieving cancer-related pain2.  There is also good evidence for the use of acupuncture in treating stress and anxiety, a frequent component of cancer3

Bloomhill ensures our acupuncturists are qualified and registered with the Chinese Medicine Board and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

  1. McKeon, C., Smith, C,A., Hardy, J & Chang, E (2013). Acupuncture and acupressure for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting:  A systematic review.  Australian Journal of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.  8(1):2-17
  2. Paley, C.A., Johnson, M.I., Tashani, O.A., & Bagnall, A.M. Acupuncture for cancer pain in adults.  Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015; 10:Cd007753.
  3. Amorim, D., Amado, J., Brito, I., Fiuza, S.M., Amorim, N., Costeria, C., et al. Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture for anxiety disorders: A systematic review of the clinical research.  Complementary therapies in /clinical Practice.  2018;31:31-7.