Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine for Cancer Support

Introduction

Navigating a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience.

At Almond Wellness Centre, we provide Integrative Cancer Support designed to work alongside your conventional oncology care.

Our role is not to treat cancer itself. Instead, we focus on supporting the person undergoing treatment — helping manage side effects, reduce discomfort, and improve quality of life through evidence-informed Chinese Medicine.

If you are considering acupuncture during chemotherapy or exploring Chinese medicine for cancer support, our team is here to guide you safely and collaboratively.

Complementary Care: Enhancing Your Well-Being During Treatment

Our practitioners work alongside your oncologist and medical team.

We support the physical and emotional challenges that often accompany:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Surgical recovery

Using acupuncture and carefully prescribed herbal medicine (where appropriate), we aim to improve comfort and resilience throughout your treatment journey.

Key Areas of Support

Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects

Acupuncture is widely used to support patients experiencing:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Digestive discomfort
• Dry mouth

Research published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians highlights acupuncture as an evidence-based recommendation for managing cancer-related symptoms (Deng & Cassileth, 2016).

Cancer-Related Fatigue & Energy Support

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and distressing symptoms during treatment.

Acupuncture and supportive care may help:

• Improve sleep quality
• Regulate stress hormones
• Restore energy levels
• Support mental clarity

Studies, including Lu et al. (2014), demonstrate acupuncture’s role in reducing fatigue and improving quality of life in breast cancer patients.

Pain & Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can present as:

• Tingling
• Numbness
• Burning pain in hands and feet

Acupuncture may assist neuropathy nerve pain by stimulating the body’s natural pain-modulating mechanisms and improving circulation.

Randomised clinical trials (S. I. et al., 2020) have shown acupuncture’s role in managing chemo-induced neuropathy nerve pain and dysfunction.

Hormonal & Menopause-Like Symptoms

Patients undergoing hormone therapy may experience:

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Mood changes

Acupuncture has been studied for symptom relief in breast cancer patients experiencing endocrine therapy side effects.

Emotional Resilience & Sleep Support

A cancer diagnosis often brings:

• Anxiety
• Low mood
• Insomnia
• Emotional overwhelm

Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on calming the nervous system and supporting emotional balance.

Supporting mental well-being is an essential part of integrative care.

Chinese Herbal Medicine as Supportive Care

Where medically appropriate and in collaboration with your oncology team, herbal medicine may be considered.

Research (Qi et al., 2015) suggests that Chinese herbal medicine used adjunctively during chemotherapy may assist in managing:

• Low white blood cell counts
• Low platelet counts
• Anaemia
• Digestive side effects

All herbal prescriptions are:

• Individually tailored
• Evidence-informed
• Carefully reviewed for medication interactions

Herbs are never prescribed without considering your full medical history.

Our Integrative Approach

At Almond Wellness Centre, we prioritise:

• Collaborative care with your oncologist
• Individualised treatment planning
• Strict safety protocols
• Sterile, single-use acupuncture needles
• Clear communication about your goals

Our senior practitioner, Dr Richard Zeng, brings over 30 years of clinical experience in Chinese Medicine, including integrative support for complex and chronic conditions.

We are committed to providing calm, respectful, patient-centred care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is acupuncture safe during cancer treatment?

When performed by qualified practitioners, acupuncture is generally considered safe. We always recommend discussing complementary therapies with your oncologist.

Does acupuncture interfere with chemotherapy?

Acupuncture is designed to complement — not replace — conventional treatment. Timing and technique are adjusted to your medical protocol.

Can Chinese herbal medicine be taken during chemotherapy?

Herbal medicine is prescribed cautiously and only when appropriate. Coordination with your medical team is essential to avoid interactions.

Do you provide palliative support?

Yes. We offer supportive acupuncture and Chinese medicine for symptom management in advanced or palliative stages, focusing on comfort and quality of life. Learn more for our Palliative Care Acupuncture Melbourne program.

Ready for Compassionate Support?

If you would like to explore how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can complement your oncology care, contact our team today.

Two locations:

Coburg clinic: 21 Bell Street, Coburg

Ringwood clinic: 31 Wantirna Road, Ringwood

Call for an appointment

Or send us an enquiry via our contact form.

Disclaimer:

Almond Wellness Centre provides complementary support services. Our therapies are not a substitute for conventional cancer treatment. Always consult your oncologist or healthcare provider regarding any complementary therapies.