Primary objectives of cancer treatment are prolongation of life and, if possible, cure, while not affecting a patient's quality of life (QoL). Western medicine impacts cancer disease by prolongation of survival, and, in many instances, by cure and alleviation of associated malignant symptoms and untoward effects of the therapies. Acupuncture, because of its capacity to restore the lost body equilibrium, may have a very beneficial role in cancer treatment. Currently available evidence shows that acupuncture is a safe and effective mode of therapy for treating cancer itself and also for alleviating treatment-related symptoms, and thus improving the patients QoL. The goal of this article is to demonstrate how acupuncture treatments might improve QoL. Many syndromes associated with cancer and cancer treatments are discussed along with their acupuncture and herbal treatments.
Conclusions:
Acupuncture can reduce the necessity for pain relievers and dependency on noxious treatments and thus improve QoL in patients with cancer.
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