Chemotherapy can kill cancer, but it can also bring in a slew of side effects including nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, digestive problems and more. Try these tips to help - no prescription required (8 Photos)
Julie D. Andrews on Oct 2, 2012 at 1:34PM
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Relieves: Nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, dry mouth and gastrointestinal woes
Evidence that acupuncturecan relieve chemo-induced nausea and vomiting is strong, says the National Cancer Institute. In the most common acupuncture technique, very thin needles are inserted into the pores to correct the imbalances that cause disease, says Greg Sperber, M.D., clinical director of the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, Calif., who is also a doctor of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. “The practice is thought to release endorphins," says Dr. Sperber, which are the body’s natural pain-fighters. Studies have found acupuncture can ease, or prevent from worsening, additional chemo side effects including cough, depression, speech troubles, hiccups and fluid in the arms or legs.
How-to: Find a licensed acupuncture practitioner at Acufinder.com. Your first session will last 60-90 minutes, says Sperber, and cost from $60 to $120.
