Five Seasons Women’s Wellness: Health and Wellness Blog

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that acupuncture may help relieve joint pain and stiffness in women treated with aromatase inhibitors for early breast cancer.

Aromatase inhibitors are used to suppress the production of estrogen in women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

The study divided 43 women taking an aromatase inhibitor for early breast cancer and experiencing musculoskeletal pain into two treatment groups. One group received true acupuncture, while the other group received sham acupuncture (superficial needle insertion at nonacupoint locations). Treatment was given twice a week for six weeks.

Women treated with true acupuncture experienced improvement in joint pain and stiffness over the course of the study. No such improvement was observed among women treated with sham acupuncture.

The results of this study suggest that acupuncture may help women manage joint pain and stiffness associated with aromatase inhibitor treatment.

According to a Henry Ford Hospital study published this week in the Journal of Oncology, acupuncture is more effective than drug therapy at reducing hot flashes and night sweats in breast cancer patients.

Researchers found that in addition to reduced hot flashes and night sweats, participants receiving acupuncture had the added benefits of improved sex drive, energy and clarity of thought.

Henry Ford Hospital Press Release

Blog: Acupuncture Beats Drug in Alleviating Hot Flashes, Night Sweats and other Symptoms Associated with Breast Cancer Treatment

According to researchers from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, twice weekly acupuncture relieves severe radiation-induced dry mouth among patients treated with radiation for head and neck cancer.

Study participants were given acupuncture two times a week for four weeks.  All of the study participants reported significant decreases of severe dry mouth and greatly improved quality-of-life.

A recent study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine found ginseng to be helpful in the treatment of colorectal cancer.  According to the study, steamed extracts of ginseng halted cancer cell growth by as much as 99 percent.

Read the full article

Check out this video on acupuncture and breast cancer from ABC news: ABC News Clip

Acupuncture Beats Drug in Alleviating Hot Flashes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eugene, Oregon, September 22, 2008- A new medical study finds that acupuncture is just as effective as conventional medications in easing the side effects of breast cancer treatment.

Eleanor M. Walker, M.D., of Henry Ford Health System in Detroit reported the findings earlier this week at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology meeting.

Dr. Walker noted that not only is acupuncture just as effective as venlafaxine (Effexor) in treating the side effects of breast cancer treatment, but the effects last longer than conventional drug therapy with no side effects.

Study participants were separated into to two treatment groups, the venlafaxine group and the acupuncture group.  Patients taking venlafaxine reported a variety of adverse effects including nausea, dry mouth, headache, sleep disturbance, dizziness, vision disturbance, increased blood pressure, fatigue, and anxiety.

Patients in the acupuncture group not only reported no treatment-related side effects, but also said they had improvement in energy, clarity of thought, sexual desire, and overall sense of well-being.

According to local Eugene based acupuncturist, Ariel Solomon, MSTCM, L.Ac., “these results are no surprise.  Acupuncture encourages the body’s natural healing abilities, thus promoting overall health and well-being.  Instead of merely masking symptoms, acupuncture stimulates the body to correct its own imbalances, in turn providing greater benefits and longer lasting relief.”

“Acupuncture is not only helpful in alleviating cancer treatment-induced side effects, but it is highly effective in treating hot flashes and other symptoms related to natural menopause.  Additionally, acupuncture is commonly used to treat PMS, infertility, anxiety/ depression, insomnia, headaches, pain and more.”

Ariel Solomon, MSTCM, L.Ac., practices acupuncture and herbal medicine at Five Seasons Women’s Wellness, Eugene’s only Traditional Chinese Medicine based women’s health practice.  Five Seasons Women’s Wellness is open during the week and on weekends.  Hours vary and are by appointment.  Appointments can be scheduled by calling (541) 515-6446.  They are on the web at www.FiveSeasonsWellness.com

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