October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In the spirit of Breast Health and Self Care, we’d like to share how acupuncture can help support women in treatment for breast cancer and recovery as well as offer tips on daily breast self care and resource books.
DAILY SELF CARE FOR YOUR BREASTS
Daily breast massage with an oil or balm designed to move the lymph is one of the best ways to have a daily self care regimen that nurtures ourselves and cares for our breast tissue. There are many pre-made breast self massage balms and oils available online, at health food stores or from your local herbalist! *If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, please discuss any self care with your medical practitioner before proceeding.
ACUPUNCTURE RESEARCH RELATED TO BREAST CANCER
More and more research studies and meta-analysis of studies are being done. There is good data to support what we already know-that acupuncture and East Asian Medicine are wonderful allies for health and treatment of cancer related symptoms and side effects of treatment.
What studies and major websites say (with links):
Acupuncture May Reduce Treatment-Related Joint Pain for Breast Cancer Patients
January 8, 2018, by National Cancer Institute staff
breastcancer.org says, “Studies show that acupuncture may:
https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/comp_med/types/acupuncture
“Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Using acupuncture along with anti-nausea medications seems to reduce vomiting right after chemotherapy better than taking anti-nausea medications alone.”
https://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Acupuncture.html
“Importantly, these acupuncture interventions were well tolerated and deemed to be safe, with no infection or lymphedema observed among postmenopausal breast cancer participants. A recent multicenter trial funded by the Southwest Oncology Group found long-term efficacy for acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture.[29]” -Gary Deng MD PhD et al.
https://www.cancernetwork.com/oncology-journal/understanding-benefits-acupuncture-treatment-cancer-pain-management
BOOKS ON BREAST HEALTH AND TREATMENT FOR CANCER
Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book
A Woman’s Guide to Healing From Breast Cancer-Traditional Chinese Medicine Nan Lu, OMD
Breast Cancer, Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way by Susun Weed
Breast Cancer Beyond Convention
…and many more books available, please tell us your favorites!
We are here to support you in your journey to health, please call us today for a consultation.
ilumina Healing Sanctuary 602-957-2602
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