A cancer diagnosis changes everything — your body, your routines, your sense of certainty. In the midst of tests, treatments, and decisions, many patients search for supportive therapies that can ease their burden and help them feel more like themselves again. That's where integrative oncology comes in. At Raleigh Health Wellness Center, I offer acupuncture as part of a compassionate and evidence-informed approach to cancer care — one that works with your oncology team to support healing, resilience, and whole-person well-being.

What Is Integrative Oncology?

Integrative oncology blends conventional cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation with evidence-based complementary therapies, including acupuncture, nutrition, movement, and stress reduction. It emphasizes personalized, patient-centered care that supports not only the disease but also the individual — physically, mentally, and emotionally. While I do not treat cancer itself, my role is to support the person going through cancer — their nervous system, sleep, digestion, energy, emotions, and overall quality of life.

The Role of Acupuncture in Cancer Care

Acupuncture has been shown to safely and effectively reduce many of the side effects associated with cancer and its treatments. Clinical research and guidelines from leading oncology organizations, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the National Cancer Institute, support the use of acupuncture for:

• Nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy
• Cancer-related fatigue
• Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)
• Hot flashes in breast and prostate cancer patients
• Sleep disturbances and anxiety
• Digestive issues and dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Aromatase inhibitor-associated joint pain

Beyond symptom relief, acupuncture may help regulate immune function, reduce inflammation, and improve overall quality of life. While responses vary from person to person, many patients report meaningful improvements in well-being, stress levels, sleep quality, and symptom burden during care.

Supporting the Nervous System During Cancer

One of the most overlooked aspects of cancer care is the effect that chronic stress and uncertainty can have on the nervous system. Many patients find themselves constantly "on edge." The body can become stuck in a prolonged stress response — anticipating scan results, monitoring symptoms, preparing for appointments, worrying about the future, or simply trying to make it through treatment week by week. Over time, this can contribute to poor sleep, increased pain sensitivity, digestive changes, muscle tension, emotional exhaustion, and difficulty recovering between treatments. Acupuncture may help regulate the nervous system by encouraging a shift toward a more restorative state. Many patients describe treatments as one of the few times their body feels calm, quiet, or deeply rested. Sometimes supportive care is not about "fixing" everything. Sometimes it is about helping someone breathe more deeply, sleep more soundly, or feel more grounded during a difficult season of life.

A Closer Look at the Common Symptoms I Support

Fatigue and Energy Cancer-related fatigue is different from ordinary tiredness. It is often profound, persistent, and not fully relieved by rest. Supportive care may focus on improving recovery capacity, sleep quality, nervous system regulation, nutrition, hydration, and pacing. Nausea and Digestive Symptoms Chemotherapy, medications, stress, and changes in appetite can all affect digestion — leading to nausea, reflux, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, reduced appetite, or taste changes. Acupuncture has been studied extensively for chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting and is included in integrative oncology guidelines as a supportive therapy. Neuropathy Some chemotherapy agents may contribute to CIPN, causing numbness, tingling, burning sensations, sensitivity changes, or difficulty with balance. Early supportive care may help manage symptoms and improve overall function and comfort. Sleep and Emotional Well-Being Cancer treatment can disrupt sleep for many reasons — steroids, pain, anxiety, hormonal changes, and fear. Patients often say they feel emotionally exhausted but unable to fully relax. Supportive acupuncture sessions may help create space for the body to downshift and recover more effectively.

Whole-Person Support Beyond Symptoms

Integrative care extends beyond symptom management. I also work with patients on:

• Stress regulation and recovery pacing
• Nutrition and hydration within scope
• Gentle lifestyle strategies
• Breathing and relaxation techniques
• Mind-body support and acupressure education
• Supplement and herbal discussions when appropriate and safe

Any herbal or supplement considerations are always be coordinated carefully with your oncology team to avoid interactions with treatment.

Working in Partnership With Your Oncology Team

As an integrative provider, I work closely with oncologists, nurse navigators, and other members of your care team. Treatments are timed thoughtfully around your medical therapies to ensure safety, maximize benefit, and align with your broader treatment plan. Communication, consent, and collaboration are core to this process.

What to Expect in a Treatment Session

Your comfort is my priority. Each session begins with an intake to assess how you are feeling physically and emotionally. Treatments involve the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points selected based on your symptoms, constitution, and treatment stage. Many patients find sessions deeply relaxing, and it's not uncommon to fall asleep during treatment. Depending on your condition and energy levels, adjunct therapies like cupping or guided breathwork may also be incorporated. Every treatment is customized to meet you where you are. My clinic is intentionally designed to provide a quieter, more individualized experience. I treat one patient at a time, allowing space for treatments to be adapted to your energy levels, symptoms, and comfort needs that day. Some days patients come in feeling strong. Some days they arrive exhausted, emotional, or simply needing a place to rest. Both are welcome here.

A Note on Safety

You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone

The cancer journey can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to go through it alone. Integrative supportive care is not about replacing medical treatment — it is about helping support the person receiving treatment. Sometimes that means helping someone sleep through the night. Sometimes it means easing nausea before the next infusion. Sometimes it means creating a quiet space where the nervous system can finally soften for a moment. And sometimes, it simply means helping someone feel a little more like themselves again. If you or a loved one are currently navigating cancer and would like to explore how acupuncture can complement your ongoing medical care, I welcome you to reach out and schedule a consultation. We are here to walk beside you — with presence, with compassion, and with care.