Acupuncture for Cancer Support
Specialist Acupuncture Support Alongside Cancer Care
I offer acupuncture to support people living with and beyond cancer, whether you are preparing for treatment, going through it, or adjusting afterwards.
Since 2016, I have worked as a Specialist Volunteer offering acupuncture at the Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre within St James’s University Hospital. This has involved providing acupuncture to people at different stages of their cancer journey, within a hospital setting and in coordination with medical care.
Acupuncture is not used to treat cancer itself. Instead, it can be used to support you with some of the effects of cancer and its treatment – both physically and emotionally – at a time when things can feel demanding, uncertain, or overwhelming.
Before Treatment
Before treatment begins, people may feel anxious, physically depleted or uncertain about what lies ahead. Acupuncture may support:
- Sleep
- Emotional steadiness
- General wellbeing
- Preparation for treatment
During Treatment
During chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery or hormone therapy, acupuncture may be used to support:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and delayed vomiting
- Pain and discomfort
- Sleep disturbance
- Anxiety and emotional strain
- Peripheral neuropathy symptoms
Treatment is always adapted to how you are feeling on the day and to any medical considerations linked to your cancer treatment.
After Treatment
After treatment, many people continue to experience fatigue, sleep disruption, emotional adjustment, pain, hot flushes or nerve symptoms. Acupuncture may support recovery by helping the body settle and by providing a calm therapeutic space focused on your wellbeing.
Safety and Clinical Care
Safety is central to my approach. Acupuncture is generally considered safe when carried out by a properly trained practitioner, but cancer care requires additional clinical awareness.
Treatment may need to be adapted if you have:
- Low immunity
- Low platelet count
- Lymphoedema risk
- Ongoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery-related effects
- Significant fatigue or frailty
Acupuncture is always used alongside your medical care, not instead of it.
Important Information
The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for diagnosis, advice or treatment from your GP, consultant, oncology team or specialist nurse.
If you are receiving cancer treatment, please inform your medical team about any complementary therapies you are considering or receiving.
If you would like to discuss how acupuncture may be able to support your cancer treatment, please get in touch.