Explore the potential of acupuncture in relieving breast cancer pain with Meri Sehat. Discover complementary strategies for improved well-being.

Can Acupuncture Help Relieve Breast Cancer Pain?

Acupuncture is often used as a complementary therapy for various health conditions, including pain management, stress reduction, and nausea.

Introduction

<a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/breast-cancer-screening">Breast cancer</a> is one of the most common types of cancer. It is a disease that causes a lot of physical and emotional pain, which can be very difficult to manage.

And, as if the disease itself was not enough, treatment for breast cancer can be a source of discomfort for some individuals, too, especially with pain in various parts of the body such as the chest, arms, and back.

Now this pain can be a result of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy. Or, it can also be a side effect of medications, such as aromatase inhibitors, which are used to manage breast cancer. Irrespective of whether it is acute or chronic, the pain associated with breast cancer ends up significantly impacting the quality of life of affected individuals.

As a result, more and more individuals are turning towards complementary therapies to help them manage disease symptoms/ treatment side effects. One such therapy that is quickly gaining popularity in the community is acupuncture. Numerous scientific studies have explored its potential benefits and even some medical practitioners have accepted it as a treatment option. 
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Understanding Acupuncture's Potential for Breast Cancer Pain Relief

Acupuncture is often used as a complementary therapy for various health conditions, including pain management, stress reduction, and nausea. The technique is based on the belief that disruptions or imbalances in this flow of energy can cause physical and emotional symptoms.

Small needles are inserted into particular spots on the body called &quot;acupuncture points&quot; on the body to stimulate and balance the flow of energy, known as qi. 
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Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins in the brain. These chemicals help regulate pain while fostering a sense of calm and well-being.

Additionally, according to brain imaging studies, acupuncture deactivates areas in the brain associated with pain perception.

A well-designed clinical trial was conducted to examine the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture, which involves inserting needles into acupoints on the ear, for patients experiencing chronic cancer pain despite ongoing treatment with pain medication<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>.

Patients were randomly needled at either the correct acupressure points or non-acupressure points on their ears, while a third group received pressure at non-acupuncture points. After 2 months of treatment, patients who received the correct acupuncture reported a reduction in pain intensity by 36%. Little difference was noted in the two control groups, indicating that acupuncture was effective and that the specific points being needled mattered<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>.

Another well-designed study established that acupuncture can alleviate joint pain in breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitor medication. This randomized trial compared the effectiveness of genuine acupuncture with sham acupuncture. After 6 weeks, women in the acupuncture group reported a significant reduction in pain<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>. 
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Here are some ways that acupuncture may help with pain management in breast cancer<a href="#accordion">[1]</a><a href="#accordion">[3]</a>:

<ol>
	<li>Stimulating The Release Of Endorphins: Acupuncture has been found to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body.</li>
	<li>Reducing Inflammation: Acupuncture may help to reduce inflammation in the body that may be contributing to pain and other symptoms.</li>
	<li>Regulating The Nervous System: Acupuncture has been shown to regulate the nervous system and, thereby, reduce the stress that may be a cause of pain for breast cancer patients.</li>
	<li>Enhancing Blood Flow: Acupuncture has been found to enhance blood flow in the body, which can help to reduce pain and promote healing.</li>
	<li>Complementing Other Treatments: Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with other pain management treatments, such as medication or physical therapy. By complementing other treatments, acupuncture may help to enhance their effectiveness and improve overall pain management. 
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</ol>

Acupuncture is typically secure and well-tolerated when carried out by a trained professional. However, there are some potential risks associated with acupuncture, such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.

Note: Always choose a qualified and experienced acupuncturist who uses sterile needles and follows proper safety protocols. 
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Conclusion

Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that can be effective in managing pain associated with breast cancer. Endorphins, the body&#39;s natural painkillers, are released when acupuncture is used to treat pain.

Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in reducing joint pain and stiffness associated with the use of aromatase inhibitors in women with breast cancer and reducing pain and fatigue in women undergoing chemotherapy.

If you are considering acupuncture for pain management, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you. 
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Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>Acupuncture is a part of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting fine needles into the body at particular points. It influences life force energy (called qi) that flows through the body along channels or meridians.</li>
	<li>According to research, acupuncture releases endorphins that may help relieve pain occurring as a symptom of breast cancer or as a side effect of treatment. It also releases serotonin, which reduces symptoms and promotes a feeling of well-being among breast cancer patients.</li>
	<li>Acupuncture is generally safe. Common side effects include minor bleeding and bruising; in rare cases, it can lead to severe infection.</li>
	<li>It is important to get it done by a professional practitioner.</li>
</ul>

[1] Cassileth BR, Van Zee KJ, Yeung KS, Coleton MI, Cohen S, Chan YH, Vickers AJ, Sjoberg DD, Hudis CA. Acupuncture in the treatment of upper‐limb lymphedema: Results of a pilot study. Cancer. 2013 Jul 1;119(13):2455-61.

[2] Alimi D, Rubino C, Pichard-Léandri E, Fermand-Brulé S, Dubreuil-Lemaire ML, Hill C. Analgesic effect of auricular acupuncture for cancer pain: a randomized, blinded, controlled trial. Journal of clinical oncology. 2003 Nov 15;21(22):4120-6.

[3] Pfister DG, Cassileth BR, Deng GE, Yeung KS, Lee JS, Garrity D, Cronin A, Lee N, Kraus D, Shaha AR, Shah J. Acupuncture for pain and dysfunction after neck dissection: results of a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2010 May 5;28(15):2565.

[4] Hershman DL, Unger JM, Greenlee H, et al. Effect of Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture or Waitlist Control on Joint Pain Related to Aromatase Inhibitors Among Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2018;320(2):167–176. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.8907.

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