Acupuncture & TCM for

Cancer Support

A Brief Introductory Guide

Understanding the Challenges of Cancer and the Benefits of Acupuncture

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease that affects millions of people worldwide, presenting numerous physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. The diagnosis of cancer is often overwhelming, bringing with it fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. The physical impact of cancer and its treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, can be debilitating and significantly reduce a person’s quality of life. Many patients experience side effects like pain, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weakened immune function, making it difficult to maintain a sense of normalcy and well-being. While conventional treatments are necessary for addressing the disease, complementary therapies like acupuncture can offer valuable support in managing symptoms, reducing side effects, and promoting overall health.

The Wellspring Integrative Approach

Women’s Health during all stages of conception, pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery is our specialty here at Wellspring Health.

It takes a village to raise a child, but before that, it takes a team to make a baby. You can’t do it alone and we at Wellspring Health are privileged to be a member of your team. Wellspring Health uses Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine) and Conventional medicine in an integrative approach. This combination can enhance treatment outcomes, manage the side effects of conventional treatments (like chemotherapy), and provide additional support for chronic or complex conditions. We love science and we love working with conventional medical Doctors. This approach combines the strengths of both systems, offering a broader range of treatment options and emphasizing the prevention of disease as well as the treatment of existing conditions.

Reproductive Endocrinologists & Gynecologist Support During Fertility & Pregnancy: We enjoy collaborating with physicians and have extensive experience working with a large network of specialists in Manhattan. We can provide recommendations and referrals for every stage of the fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journey.

Doula Support: We frequently work with doulas throughout all stages of pregnancy and delivery, providing integrated care and support to enhance the birthing experience.

Below is a comprehensive introductory guide to how Wellspring & TCM can support you throughout every stage of your journey. Feel free to jump to any specific section that best suits your needs.

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Challenges Associated with Cancer and Its Treatments

  1. Physical Pain and Discomfort: Cancer itself, as well as treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, can cause significant pain and discomfort. This may include nerve pain, bone pain, joint pain, and muscle soreness. Pain can be acute or chronic and can severely limit a patient’s mobility and daily activities, affecting their overall quality of life.

  2. Nausea and Vomiting: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are known for causing gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. These symptoms can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and weight loss, further weakening the body’s ability to cope with the disease and treatment. Managing nausea is a crucial part of cancer care to ensure that patients can maintain their strength and energy levels.

  3. Fatigue and Low Energy: Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating side effects experienced by patients. This type of fatigue is different from regular tiredness—it is more severe and not necessarily relieved by rest. It can make it difficult for patients to engage in daily activities, maintain a positive outlook, or continue with treatment.

  4. Emotional and Psychological Impact: A cancer diagnosis often triggers intense emotional reactions such as fear, anxiety, depression, and stress. The uncertainty of the future, concern over treatment outcomes, and changes in body image can all contribute to emotional distress. This mental and emotional burden can affect sleep, appetite, and overall quality of life.

  5. Sleep Disturbances: Many cancer patients experience sleep disturbances due to pain, anxiety, or side effects of treatment. Insomnia or fragmented sleep can exacerbate fatigue and contribute to a cycle of physical and emotional distress. Poor sleep can weaken the immune system and hinder the body’s ability to recover and heal.

  6. Weakened Immune System: Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can suppress the immune system, leaving patients more vulnerable to infections and other complications. This can delay treatment schedules and affect the overall prognosis.

From Our Fertility Clients

"I worked with Kirsten over the course of a couple of years and found her to be incredibly talented, knowledgeable and kind.  Her office space has the same feeling of warmth and serenity that Kirsten herself embodies.  She has a lot of experience working with women through various stages of their fertility journeys, and I think my time with her contributed to a successful IVF cycle and pregnancy."

-Emily H.

"Thanks to Kirsten's care, my fertility treatment was stress-free and went successful. The office is very conveniently located right off Union Square, but the setting is very tranquil and clean. Scheduling was easy and the office was quick to respond to my calls. Overall, highly recommend!"

-Tomo O.

“My Wife and I came here for fertility-related treatments. It was a 5 star experience! The clinic was spotless and the Kirsten is knowledgeable. We were delighted with the results and we would definitely recommend this clinic to others.”

-Travis W.

“I have been a patient of Kirsten's for four years and have nothing but wonderful things to say, and attribute to her and her practice. Not only has Kirsten helped combat the occasional headache or cold, but she has also helped me bring two healthy beautiful children into this world via fertility treatments, and labor preparation. Kirsten is attentive, calming, kind, and knowledgeable. She has also given many tips for my children when they've had colds, car sickness, etc. that we swear by! I have recommended Kirsten to countless friends + family members. This is the place to go for acupuncture treatments.”

- Raffkin B.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Cancer Support

Acupuncture, a therapeutic practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow (Qi) and promote healing. It has gained recognition as a complementary therapy that can support cancer patients by alleviating symptoms, reducing side effects, and enhancing overall well-being. Here’s how acupuncture can benefit those living with cancer:

  1. Alleviates Pain and Discomfort: Acupuncture is highly effective in managing cancer-related pain by stimulating the body’s natural pain-relief mechanisms. It promotes the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that reduce pain perception. Acupuncture can be used to alleviate pain caused by surgery, nerve damage, or radiation, making it a valuable tool for improving comfort and quality of life.

  2. Reduces Nausea and Vomiting: Acupuncture has been shown to significantly reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. By targeting specific acupuncture points, such as P6 (Pericardium 6) on the wrist, acupuncture helps regulate the digestive system and reduce gastrointestinal distress. This can improve appetite, prevent dehydration, and help patients maintain better nutrition.

  3. Improves Energy Levels and Reduces Fatigue: Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most challenging symptoms to manage. Acupuncture can help boost energy levels by promoting better circulation, enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues, and supporting overall vitality. It also helps regulate the body’s energy flow, reducing fatigue and promoting a sense of physical and mental well-being.

  4. Supports Emotional Health and Reduces Stress: Acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It promotes relaxation and emotional stability by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which counters the body’s stress response. Acupuncture sessions can help patients feel more at ease, improve their mood, and support emotional resilience during the cancer journey.

  5. Enhances Immune Function: Acupuncture can help strengthen the immune system by promoting the production of white blood cells and enhancing the body’s natural defense mechanisms. This can be particularly beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, as it may help reduce the risk of infections and support faster recovery.

  6. Improves Sleep Quality: By calming the mind and reducing pain and anxiety, acupuncture can improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia. Better sleep helps patients feel more rested, promotes healing, and supports the body’s overall ability to cope with the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment.

Fertility, Pregnancy & Postpartum We Treat With TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic and individualized approach to supporting women’s health through all stages of fertility, pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery. By addressing imbalances in the body and promoting harmony between the physical and emotional aspects of health, TCM can enhance reproductive health, support a healthy pregnancy, and aid in postpartum healing. With its long history and integrative methods, TCM continues to be a valuable option for women seeking a natural and comprehensive approach to wellness and maternal care.

  • Female Infertility: Improving ovarian function and egg quality, balancing hormones, supporting Uterine Health, blood flow, nervous system, emotional support, and stress management.

  • Stress Management, Nervous System Supports & Pregnancy: Regulate stress response, stimulate endorphins, balance cortisol, sleep, muscle tension, pain relief, emotional support, a place to relax, let go and get some care.

  • IVF/IUI: Support pre- and post-embryo transfer, reducing IVF-related stress and anxiety, and managing hormonal fluctuations during IUI/IVF.

  • Egg Freezing: Optimizing ovarian reserve, preparing the body for egg retrieval, managing side effects of hormonal stimulation, and post-egg retrieval recovery.

  • Pain & Pregnancy: Relieving back pain, pelvic pain, sciatic and joint pain.

  • Labor Prep, Delivery & Induction: Promote cervical ripening and softening, supporting natural and assisted labor induction, pain relief, and breech babies.

  • Prenatal & Trimester Support: Nausea and fatigue, fetal development support, breech presentation and positioning, insomnia and stress.

  • Post Partaum: Emotional supports balancing hormones, stress response, lactation support, activating parasympathetic nervous system to encourage relaxation.

  • Lactation: Enhancing milk supply and flow, addressing blocked milk ducts and mastitis, balancing hormones, reducing stress, and improving milk quality.

  • Recurrent Miscarriage: Strengthening uterine health, immunological factors, managing stress and anxiety.

  • Male Infertility: Improving sperm quality and motility, varicocele, hormone, and libido imbalance.

Parting Thoughts:

Cancer presents numerous physical and emotional challenges that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While conventional treatments are essential for managing the disease, complementary therapies like acupuncture can offer additional support by alleviating symptoms, reducing side effects, and promoting overall well-being. By addressing both physical and emotional aspects of health, acupuncture provides a holistic approach to cancer care, helping patients feel more comfortable, balanced, and empowered throughout their journey. Through its multifaceted benefits, acupuncture can enhance quality of life and support better outcomes for individuals living with cancer.

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