October is Breast Cancer Awareness month – Specifically, today, October 19th is National Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Unfortunately, there are many side effects that can come along with Breast Cancer recovery. We are here to help you along the journey! Both Acupuncture and Functional Medicine are two ways to ease some of the symptoms.
Some common side effects of breast cancer treatment include:
- Nausea
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Vomiting
Acupuncture Relief
Stimulating the nervous system and releasing our body’s natural painkillers and immune system cells, can help relieve the aforementioned afflictions. If you’re being treated for breast cancer and would be interested in acupuncture we can most certainly accommodate to your side effects. Let the practitioner know about the treatment plan you are on, including medications.
Research is being done on how acupuncture can help relieve some of the symptoms of cancer and side effects of cancer treatment. The most thorough study of acupuncture in breast cancer patients was published in Journal of the American Medical Association in 2000. In the study, 104 women undergoing high-dose chemotherapy were given traditional anti-nausea medication. In addition to taking the medication, the women were randomly chosen to receive 5 days of electroacupuncture (acupuncture in which needles are stimulated with a mild electrical current), acupuncture without an electrical current, or no acupuncture. The women who had acupuncture had significantly fewer nausea episodes than those who didn’t.
Functional Medicine Relief
A Functional Medicine approach looks at prevention, supporting healing and recovery, and preventing future reoccurrence with breast cancer symptoms. We are here to help you get to the root cause of your symptoms and side effects. We also now offer genetic testing which will help you learn if you are more prone to breast cancer.
What we eat, environmental toxins, chronic stress, sleep deprivation are among some of the catalysts that can increase breast cancer risk. A Functional Medicine approach considers factors that increase breast cancer risk and then eliminates them from your diet and lifestyle. Functional Medicine also helps those who are currently healing from cancer.
Some vital Functional Medicine & Clinical Nutrition tips for optimal breast health may include:
- Eliminating Sugar
- Incorporating Protein and Fat
- Including Fiber
- Controlling Stress Levels
- Restoring Gut Health
- Reducing Exposure to Toxins
- Regular Exercise
- Getting Great Sleep
