Acupuncture care is always individualized to your specific medical protocol, energy levels, and health goals. Below are three examples illustrating how treatment frequency adapts to different stages of oncology support.
Preparation
Symptom Support
Rebuild & Recovery
1x / week
Ongoing Schedule
Every 2-3 wks
Timed Before Infusion
2–4x / mo
For 3 Months
Designed for individuals newly diagnosed who need dedicated support managing anxiety, improving sleep quality, and physically preparing the body for upcoming conventional treatments.
Structured around active chemotherapy cycles (typically 1–2 days prior to infusions) to proactively mitigate side effects like nausea, fatigue, and digestive discomfort.
Focused on recovery after completing chemotherapy or radiation—targeting pain , digestive health restoration, and rebuilding natural immune systems.
Please note: These care paths serve as representative examples. Your actual treatment rhythm will be crafted in collaboration with you and your medical oncology team.
Cupping & Guasha
Abdominal Acupuncture
These modalities use suction or scraping tool to bring new blood into surface tissue. It is a primary technique for clearing heat from the body. It is a great method for releasing toxicity and pain conditions,
AA is a microsystem that gives strength to the body by building on its primary nourishing channels (ST&SP) but can simultanously clear stagnation or pain in distant areas of the body. It is a great system for those with weakened immune systems or those who only want a few needles.
Moxabustion
Shonishin
Techniques that gently warm the body add resources for movement. Unlike, heat from radiation or chemo this heat nourishes and allow for the body to soften and reorganize. It does come with some musky odor but many patients report finding it pleasant.
This gentle method of acupuncture was developed for children but can work well for individuals who are overstimulated and needing a gentler approach. I use these tools on my own children all the time.
Clinical trials and systematic reviews demonstrate how acupuncture safely integrates into conventional oncology protocols to help manage treatment side effects and enhance quality of life.
Acupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Management of Cancer-Related Fatigue & Pain
Evaluates targeted acupuncture protocols in mitigating peripheral nerve discomfort, numbness, and functional limitations during active chemotherapy regimens.
Analyzes clinical outcomes demonstrating significant reductions in cancer-related fatigue, acute discomfort, and sleep disruption when incorporating acupuncture.
Acupuncture in Integrative Cancer Protocols
Relieving Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea
Investigates treatment safety, patient adherence, and quality-of-life improvements when acupuncture is integrated seamlessly into multidisciplinary oncology care.
Demonstrates statistically significant reduction in acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting using evidence-based acupuncture point selection.
We continuously align our clinical acupuncture protocols with current peer-reviewed research to ensure maximum safety and seamless coordination with your primary oncology team.