American College of Acupuncture on Using Acupuncture on Cancer-Related Insomnia

According to the American College of Acupuncture, most experts agree that almost 70 percent of cancer patients suffer through insomnia and sleep deprivation at some point during their illness and treatment. Supposedly, it was found out that having acupuncture as complementary treatment is successful in alleviating insomnia for the patients.

In  a new study by researchers from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, their clinical trials showed that as part of treatment plans for cancer patients, acupuncture placed high success rates against conventional therapies. The TCM method was measured against Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).

The American College of Acupuncture believes that this may be due to the holistic approach that acupuncture, as well as other TCM methods, are known for. Instead of just treating the issue itself, traditional Chinese medicine targets the cause of the body’s issue. For cancer patients, instead of just treating sleep deprivation, acupuncture also targets other cancer-related symptoms like pain and discomfort. In alleviating pain, the body becomes relaxed and can enjoy a good night’s rest.

Why are experts and specialists focusing on insomnia, even if there are other symptoms for cancer patients? Apparently, insomnia is one of the most common but debilitating symptoms experienced by cancer patients, especially those who were already treated or in remission. With insomnia comes a host of other symptoms for the patient, like fatigue, psychological tension, stress, and fluctuating quality of life. This means that sleep deprivation should be addressed promptly.

However, experts cautioned that with serious cases like cancer, TCM methods like acupuncture may be effective as complementary treatment options, with pharmacological and drug-focused therapy as the primary treatment plan.

Aside from insomnia, there are still other body disorders and illnesses that experts say acupuncture can effectively address. Follow the American College of Acupuncture page to know more, and to get the newest updates in the field.