The efficacy of Acupuncture as a powerful tool for general pain control is widely known. It is successful in relieving cancer-related pain, and in reducing narcotic use, thereby minimizing the side effects of confusion, disturbed mental states, behavioral changes, nausea and severe constipation.

Any chronic disease process causes depletion in energy level. This depletion can be corrected by tonification, a process of imparting energy to the body. This results in decreasing the pain and malaise associated with cancer. Use of needles with electric stimulation and moxibustion (a form of local heating with herbs) gives a sense of well-being and accelerates patients' recovery.

Acupuncture is also effective:

• In addressing local swelling post-operatively
• In shortening the resolution time of hematoma and tissue swelling,
• In minimizing use of medications,
• In minimizing side effects of the medications used.

The nausea and vomiting, which commonly occurs in patients undergoing chemotherapy and with the use of certain medications, can be altered with acupuncture.

At the University of Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine, a well-controlled study was completed about two years ago. The published paper reported significant reduction of nausea and vomiting when individuals were pre-treated with acupuncture. It is now routinely administered before, after and in between chemotherapy treatment sessions for control of nausea and emesis. Its effectiveness has helped in minimizing the use of the multi-drug anti-nausea regimens, which have their own side effects.