Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine

hawksfansarah

Hello, friends,

Has anyone here tried to use a Chiropractor / Acupuncturist / Chinese Medicine Doctor / Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor in addition to their Oncologist?

How have your results been?  What has worked, what hasn't worked?  I'm wondering if I should invest in seeing these specialists, please share your experiences with these professionals. 

Thanks,

Sarah

dlb823

Sarah, many of us here have seen or are seeing integrative docs and/or naturopathic docs whose areas of expertise include acupuncture, Chinese herbs and other supplements, as well as diet & lifestyle changes.  Some larger medical centers, such as UCLA, actually incorporate some of these complementary things into their mainstream bc tx.  But, unfortunately, most Western docs just don't have the time or interest to study these modalities, some of which can be extremely helpful at easing the SEs of bc tx, as well as rebuilding our health when tx is over, and hopefully helping reduce future risk.  If you seek out any of the types of docs you listed, my only suggestion is to be sure they have experience working with bc patients, and that they keep up on the latest research re. bc and their area of specialization.  Also that they work with your onc, or at least view their tx as complementary to your onc's tx.   But I would absolutely encourage you to explore acupunture, etc., with qualified practitioners.      Deanna

Momine

When my mom went through cancer and chemo, she saw both an ayurvedic diet person and an acupuncture guy. The ayurveda person was fairly useless and mostly gave stock "alternative" advice, like avoiding gluten. The acupuncture doc she found helpful in alleviating the SEs of chemo.

As for chiros, I personally distrust them. I know too many people who have been injured by chiros, and I have come across too many who make unsupported and potentially damaging claims (like being able to cure upper respiratory problems and ear infections).

hawksfansarah

Momine,

Do you know of any good acupuncture doctors in the Chicagoland area? If not, how can you tell who is good and who is not?

Thanks,

Sarah

Momine

Sarah, I don't know any where you are, but my advice would be to look for one who also has standard, western medical training, either as a doctor or a nurse.

mamglam

After my lumpectomy and SNB, I began to use the services of a chiropractor and have to say that I do not have a problem with my shoulders or arms.  I began my treatment a week after my surgery as I have had frozen shoulders on both sides and didn't want that to happen again.  I do occasionally get accupuncture too from my chiropractor but am concerned about lymphedema on my affected side.

hawksfansarah

I'm trying out an acupuncturist/chiropractor now, and he seems to be doing a lot of good.  My energy level is up, my headaches have decreased.  I'm glad I went down this road, it's been good for me.  I hope it's good for you too.

Sarah

coraleliz

Hawk-I 'm seeing a chiropractor for my aches & pains that have got worse since starting tamox. The accupuncturists around here charge to much, but I have gone that route prior to BC. I'm hopeful, since my MO & PCP haven't come up with anything to help, what do I have to lose? Glad to hear it working for you.

blanviper

I decided to try acupuncture when my MO told me it has worked for some of her patients since I suffered from drenching hot flashes 20-30x per day and insomnia. She warned me it takes time to figure out if it works for you and I walked into it not expecting much. I had never tried it before. Turns out, it was a life saver! I started 10/29/12 and have gone 9 times since. Gradually, the hot flashes have gotten to the point where they are an infrequent (0-1x/day), mild glow compared to the horrible sweaty mess they were before. I am also sleeping much better and haven't really changed anything else except adding Vitamin E to my diet at my MO's suggestion. I can tell the difference if I go too long between appointments. I was somewhat skeptical before starting - now I can't say enough. Works for me!

Carola32

Sarah,

I had acupuncture while on chemo; did me good concerning nausea and my sleep. Oh the sleep...:-D My appetite though, stayed away.

Ayurveda is the Indian science of life, a way of thinking and living. It's mostly used as prevention, but can really help you get back on your feet; as long as one doesn't expect immediate wonders. With our Western way of thinking which includes quick relief and symptomatic treatment (which I compare to only 'cutting off the top of the iceberg') it is sometimes hard to wrap one's head around it. Concerning so many things in life, persistance and patience prevail. 

Personally, I have had a very good experience with ayurveda, so good actually, that if I tend to boast its qualities, I apologize in advance. I was in India last year, went to the source, as it were, for my convalescence. I had already heard about 'doshas' and what kind of diets you should stick too, depending on your dosha. It may seem very unscientific and simple as they do not use a jargong only an old medical student could understand, but when one digs deeper it is truly interesting. Personally, I chose to put my trust in a 'science' old of 5000 years, it makes sense. And I prefer that to non-existant or even poor advice from doctors in the Western world, often 'pushing' medication for different reasons than for the good of their patients, sometimes using us as guineapigs). http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-1117/Ayurveda-Dosha-Types-for-Beginners.html

I'm thankful for the help I received from my clinic in Europe, but it is the follow up and the maintaining and restoring of health I'm interested in now, which is lacking in those sterile corridors. Apart from tamoxifen and the 'don't drink alcohol', I have not received further help from the medical body here. I don't think many women do, if they don't do research themselves. Only my point of view though, as always. My personal experience with ayurveda has helped me with:

-Fertility issues (I've managed to bring back my periods, keep them, and they are healthy and more normal than before. My bloodwork is acceptable. Doctors in Europe told me it was hopeless. 'There are miracles you know'. I don't belive in miracles though, and decided to step out of the Western box regarding having babies too. :-D With 'normal' periods I mean regular cycles, no heavy bleeding, no pms, no bad skin, irritability..I guess due to excess estrogen my cycle was an ordeal before chemo.) A specific ayurvedic herb, shatavari (asparagus) has helped me restore a hormonal balance. I do not believe in tampering with them by taking synthetic drugs. Tamoxifen 'erases' estrogen from the female body, and I truly think it is not the way to go. I'd like to stand on two legs than one. My libido is back again. Even my eyes that still cry of dryness post Taxotere (last treatment june 2011!) are almost back to normal. Maybe Western doctors would gasp if I'd tell them I take asparagus (phytoestrogen), but I've made my peace, and prefer to believe in balance of the whole body- a holistic view, as opposed to symptomatic treatment or the diabolization of an essential hormone. TIme will tell.

-The constant constipation and other gastric problems (acid reflux to name one, gah!). Indians believe that a good metabolism and a correct evacuation is the key. Even Westerns science proves that keeping the 'old' inside our bodies makes the body recycle the toxins which is supposed to 'get out' Triphala; a mix of three herbs (amla fruit -Indian gooseberry- is one of them, a.k.a the fruit of life) is helping me.  http://www.indianfoodforever.com/food-guide/wonderful-amla.html

-Iron deficiency. I have tried so often to take iron supplements in form of tablets, but my intestins responded violently. So I put my trust in chyavanprash, a jam used as a tonic for everyday life and especially for convalescent people. Energy, appetite, color on my cheeks...what a joy!

I benefit from yoga and pranayama (breathing exercizes) for general wellness, maintenance of a healthy digestion, as a fertility booster and stressrelief. It comes with ayurveda.

Chinese foot reflexology is something else I adore. One can choose not to believe in its virtues, although noone would turn down to a footmassage Different pressure points for different parts of the body can be found on your feet. I think it's remarkable that sometimes one can release tensions in the neck or even reduce pms with a good seance of zone therapy.

Blanviper, I'm happy acupuncture does you a lot of good, truly motivating news. Some might argue it's all in the head, but to each his own!

Zeeba

I've had some success w/ acupuncture for my surgical menpause symptoms--they were HORRIBLE!!! I've had 4 treatments so far and the frequency and severity have been cut in half...and I finally can get a decent night's sleep. Good luck!!!

MsRef

Sarah,

I have been treated by an acupuncturist for about 2 years for perimenopause/thyroid problems.  My experience has been great in helping to balance my adrenals, thyroid and other hormones. My sleep has improved tremendously and all in all, I think the treatment, once you become accustomed,  can be somewhat similar to a massage or meditation. You must remain quiet and still, which is not a bad thing at this point, right?

My practicioner is well versed in treating BC patients and cancer patients in general. She also treats any other aches and pains, with great success, and works on energy levels, kidney flushing/support (which we all need, especially if we have any type of prescribed meds on board).

I will continue with acupuncture with my recent DCIS diagnosis. In fact, I think many trained in Chinese Medicine will also be good resources to finding naturopaths or other alternartive clinicians in your area.

Good luck

dogsandjogs

I just found this thread and hope to learn something about acupuncture. I have arthritis in my neck and also in my knees and it is really impacting my daily life. A couple of months ago I began to get vertigo. I went to an ENT who said dizziness/vertigo can have many causes, and among them he mentioned spinal and neck problems. 

My friend recommended a local group so I'm hoping to get an appointment soon.

I originally blamed the Aromasin on all the joint pain, but I still have it, although much, much better.  My knees are especially bad; I'm actually thinking of getting both knees replaced. But maybe I should try acupuncture first. Have any of you had acupuncture done on your knees? or neck?

Thanks for any suggestions/advice

jsrose14

Hi. I just started chemo last week. It is cmf for 8 treatments. I was wondering if anyone has tried or knows anything about astralagus or stamens 7 mushrooms to use while undergoing treatment. I have a friend who is a Chinese medicine doctor on the west coast and works with cancer patients. My doc here on the east coast isn't supportive but I really was to try everything to feel better. Any one use either ?

dogsandjogs

bump

fd1

I saw a TCD during my chemo and surgeries.  She is officially an ND, but she learned TCM from her grandmother in Vietnam.  She gave me dietary advice to protect my liver and reduce side effects during that time, but the most useful thing she did for me was work with my subconscious mind through trance/hypnosis.  She eased side effects and helped with fear and anxiety.  I believe it was the only thing that got me through treatments so smoothly.  After my first AC chemo I had severe nausea and ended up in the ER the night of.  She worked with me from then on and the reaction became less severe each treatment.  After the last one, I took a nap and woke up fine.  I didn't vomit once! 

I didn't do any acpuncture but many people I have spoken to have found it very helpful.

Mandy1313

I did do acupuncture and it helped a great deal with side effects and gave me more energy.  My acupuncturist was trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine in China and was recommended by my internal medical doctor.

hawksfansarah

Reporting back on my experiences.

Acupuncture helped a LOT with my energy level.

Traditional Chinese Medicine helped with the energy, was totally ineffective with the tumor. I have both TCM meds in bulk in unopened bottles, let me know if you would like to try them.  Caution this may interfere with some treatments you are receiving from your doctor. TCM is about balance, in some scenarios, to get your body to balance, it encourages tumors to grow.  I looked up the studies, the success rate is around 47%.

As far as Ayurvedic Medicine - a spoonful of turmeric (I mix it with water) every morning is great. If you can get your hands on a medicine called Dekofcyn (by Alarsin, link here: http://www.alarsin.com/dekofcyn.html), it is MAGICAL. When I could not breathe or stop coughing because of the fluid in my lungs and lung metastases, it worked MIRACLES.  Neither Ayurvedic Medicine will interfere with any other treatment you are receiving from your doctor.

hawksfansarah

As far as astralagus, I haven't taken it, but NIH says:

• Astragalus may interact with medications that suppress the immune system, such as the drug cyclophosphamide taken by cancer patients and similar drugs taken by organ transplant recipients. It may also affect blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

hawksfansarah

I have a torn meniscus in my knee, acupuncture helped with the pain.

No experience as to neck issues.

yensmiles

just noticed this thread, and would love to know more in this area.. i am currently taking Goshajinkigan (chinese herbal blend well-researched by Japanese) concurrently with my chemo to prevent/reduce neuropathy.

Also love turmeric and have it daily in my food.. it's so easy to add to rice, fish, soup... 

some people who do try chinese herbal stuff to "heal" cancer ended up much worse as the cancer spreaded - encountered quite a few in the hospital, and even my own breast surgeon and many others here encourage people to take immediate action and not hope for healing herbs. It's not wise to take chinese herbs to cure cancer. Can take to prevent but once it happens.. cut, cut, chop, chop. whatever it takes to get it out and gone!!!

I do also take chinese snow fungus and red date soup to nourish the body.. good for blood production and is a yin tonic.. which is very suitable during chemo.