Acupuncture for Oncology Support
Experienced, Supportive Care During Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment can affect nearly every aspect of how you feel—from energy, appetite, and sleep to digestion, pain, and overall well-being. Acupuncture can provide an additional layer of supportive care before, during, and after treatment, helping manage side effects and support quality of life.
I bring many years of experience in integrative oncology to my practice. For twelve years, I served as the founding director of Whole Women, Whole Health at Mercy Hospital & Medical Center, where I worked closely with people receiving and recovering from cancer treatment. I am also certified in Advanced Oncology Acupuncture through Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Supporting You Through Treatment
Oncology acupuncture isn't about treating the cancer itself. It's about supporting you while you receive the medical care you need.
Cancer treatment affects everyone differently, so I begin with what's happening for you now—your symptoms, energy, treatment schedule, and what would most improve your day-to-day life.
Acupuncture may be used to support concerns such as:
Nausea and digestive changes
Changes in appetite
Fatigue
Neuropathy
Pain and muscle tension
Sleep difficulties
Stress and anxiety
Hot flashes and other treatment-related symptoms
Dry mouth
General comfort and well-being
Treatment is always individualized and adjusted as your needs change throughout the course of care.
Working Alongside Your Medical Care
My years practicing within a hospital setting have made working alongside conventional medicine a natural part of how I approach oncology support.
Acupuncture is complementary care. It doesn't replace treatment from your oncology team, and I don't see the two as competing approaches. I consider your current medical treatment, medications, symptoms, energy, and overall health when determining how and when acupuncture may be appropriate.
There may also be times when treatment needs to be modified, postponed, or coordinated with your medical team. Safety always comes first.
Care That Keeps You at the Center
A cancer diagnosis can quickly make life revolve around appointments, test results, treatment schedules, and decisions about your health. Throughout all of that, I believe it's important that you remain an active participant in your own care.
My approach is practical, compassionate, and grounded in respect for your autonomy. We focus on what matters most to you at that moment—whether that's improving appetite, sleeping more comfortably, managing neuropathy, having more energy for daily life, or simply feeling better in your body.
My role isn't to tell you how you should feel or what your priorities should be. It's to listen, offer experienced support, and help you function as well as possible throughout treatment and recovery.
What to Expect
Your first visit gives me time to understand your diagnosis, current or recent treatment, medications, symptoms, and what you would particularly like help managing.
My acupuncture style is gentle and highly individualized. I use careful observation and palpation to guide treatment, adjusting what I do according to how your body responds and how you're feeling that day.
You don't need to feel well enough to have a "normal" acupuncture treatment. I'll meet you where you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I receive acupuncture during cancer treatment?
The appropriate timing depends on your treatment, symptoms, overall health, and recommendations from your medical team. I'll consider these factors when determining an appropriate acupuncture schedule and whether any modifications are needed.
Can acupuncture help with side effects of cancer treatment?
Acupuncture can be used as supportive care to help manage certain symptoms and treatment-related side effects. What we focus on will depend on the treatment you're receiving and your individual experience. We'll discuss realistic goals before beginning care.
Is acupuncture safe during chemotherapy or radiation?
Acupuncture can sometimes be incorporated during chemotherapy or radiation, but oncology care requires additional considerations. My specialized training and clinical experience inform decisions about timing, point selection, treatment intensity, and when communication with your oncology team may be appropriate.
Can I receive acupuncture after cancer treatment has ended?
Yes. Fatigue, neuropathy, sleep difficulties, pain, digestive changes, and other concerns can sometimes continue after active treatment ends. Acupuncture can also be incorporated into recovery and longer-term supportive care according to your individual needs.
Do I need permission from my oncologist?
That depends on your individual medical situation and treatment. I can help determine whether consultation or clearance from your medical team is appropriate before beginning acupuncture.
Experienced Care, Centered on You
Supportive care should help you remain an active participant in your health. I bring decades of clinical experience, specialized oncology training, and a steady, individualized approach to helping you feel and function as well as possible throughout treatment and recovery.