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Acupuncture reduces peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy

Published On: Thursday, November 20, 2014
Category: Integrative Cancer Care

Evaluation of acupuncture in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

The results of a small preliminary study carried out in the UK suggest that acupuncture may be of use in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Eighteen patients received a course of six weekly acupuncture sessions, with points selected by acupuncturists based on patient presentation. The most commonly used acupoints were Sanyinjiao SP-6, Zusanli ST-36 and Taichong LIV-3. Fourteen patients (82%) reported an improvement in peripheral neuropathy symptoms following their course of acupuncture. In addition, some patients derived additional benefits from the treatment including a reduction in analgesic use and improved sleeping patterns.

Evaluation of acupuncture in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Acupunct Med. 2011 Sep;29(3):230-3).

 

In another pilot study, German researchers found that five out of six patients with CIPN showed positive changes in nerve conduction studies (NCS) after treatment with acupuncture. By comparison, in the control group who received usual care, only one out of five showed an improvement in NCS, three did not show any difference and one showed impaired NCS.

Acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN): a pilot study using neurography. Acupunct Med. 2011 Dec 5.

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Dr Jason Unwin (TCM) MSc

Dr Jason Unwin (TCM) MSc

BMedicine (Beijing University of TCM)
BSc (Middlesex University)
MSc (Westminster University)
MBAcC MRCHM

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