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Updated: May 1, 2026
Acupoint Application Combined with Acupressure as an Adjunctive Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Published on: June 21, 2024
Integrating acupuncture into cancer care.
Tsai-Ju Chien1, Chia-Yu Liu2, Chung-Hua Hsu2
1Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. ; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hemato-Oncology, Branch of Zhong-xing, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Oncology acupuncture offers a promising non-pharmacological approach to manage cancer symptoms and treatment side effects. Research indicates acupuncture can effectively palliate various cancer-related issues, supporting its role as a complementary therapy.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Oncology
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Cancer Symptom Management
Background:
- Cancer patients increasingly seek non-pharmacological options for symptom relief.
- Acupuncture is explored for managing side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Proposed mechanisms involve neural, endocrine, and immunological regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review acupuncture's mechanisms and applications in cancer care.
- To provide an overview of acupuncture's role in oncology.
- To synthesize evidence on acupuncture for cancer-related symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews.
- Searches conducted on PUBMED and Cochrane databases.
- Keywords included acupuncture, acupressure, cancer, and specific symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, nausea, pain, fatigue).
Main Results:
- Reviewed 25 articles focusing on acupuncture for hot flashes, xerostomia, nausea/vomiting, pain, fatigue, and insomnia.
- Evidence suggests acupuncture can palliate cancer-related symptoms.
- Results for specific applications showed some controversial findings.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture is a valid complementary therapy for managing cancer-related symptoms.
- Further research with validated methodologies is needed.
- Development of practical, safe strategies to enhance acupuncture efficacy is required.
