Chemotherapy (1) can affect many parts of the body, so side effects differ from person to person. Common physical symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in taste, hair loss, and skin or nail changes. Many people also develop Peripheral Neuropathy (2), causing tingling, burning, or numbness in the hands and feet.
It can also reduce blood cell levels, which may lead to Anaemia (feeling tired or shortness of breath), a higher risk of infections, and easy bruising or bleeding.
Digestive symptoms such diarrhoea, constipation, mouth sores, and dry mouth are also frequent. Emotionally and mentally, some may experience low mood, anxiety, or poor memory and lack of concentration.
Other possible side effects include dizziness, changes in menstrual cycles or fertility, and changes in Kidney, Liver or Heart function, depending on the specific drugs used.
Most of my patients at Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (3) are experiencing the post-cancer symptoms described above, and the most common issues they face are persistent fatigue and neuropathy in the hands and feet.
From a TCM perspective, these presentations are often associated with patterns such as Liver-Qi stagnation, Qi and Blood deficiency, and Spleen and Kidney deficiency. These imbalances can lead to reduced nourishment of the limbs, impaired circulation, and diminished vitality, which manifest clinically as fatigue, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities.
TCM Treatment Approach (4):
- Acupuncture once a week for 30 minutes
- Scalp acupuncture targeting key areas such as the Sensory Area, Central Area, FMSA, and others, combined with selected points on the Du Mai or Ren Mai using the Dao-qi technique
- Abdominal acupuncture using specific points along the Ren Mai
Each individual responds differently depending on their constitution. Some patients may benefit from three to four sessions as a standard course.
Here are my two patients' positive feedbacks:
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