Accupuncture For Mesothelioma Patients Article

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Accupuncture for Mesothelioma Patients

This is a summary of how acupuncture can be used as an alternative treatment for mesothelioma cancer.

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Mesothelioma is a rare and terminal form of cancer. Medically approved treatments for this disease are largely ineffective and painful. Many of the treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy can reduce the symptoms, but no evidence suggests that these treatments can improve the prognosis. Other forms of cancer have found success with surgical treatments, but most mesothelioma patients are diagnosed at an age and in general health where surgery is not an option. It is for this reason that many mesothelioma patients seek out alternative treatments. One of these treatments, acupuncture, is becoming more common and has been suggested to have some success in dealing with the symptoms of mesothelioma.

What is Acupuncture?

In the way that blood circulates through the vascular system, traditional Chinese medicine includes channels of life force energy know as the Chi. When the flow of Chi is interrupted, the general health of a person begins to deteriorate. The flow of Chi is restored and aligned through the use of needles that are inserted into the body along critical points in the life force cycle.

Modern acupuncture employs sterile and disposable needles. These needles are very small, usually between .18mm and .51mm. There are many forms of acupuncture, including Korean and Japanese sects along with the traditional Chinese acupuncture. The most common acupuncture techniques involve a warming process known as moxibustion. This process involves attaching a dried piece of mugwort to the opposite end of the needle from the one inserted. The mugwort is then lit on fire, and the heat transfers into the patient’s body.

How can acupuncture treat mesothelioma?

While western medicine does not acknowledge the Chi, studies have suggested that acupuncture can be helpful in reducing the symptoms of mesothelioma. The world health organization has not yet come to a definitive stance on this treatment, but most agree that acupuncture does show promise.

The insertion of needles can release endorphins that act as natural pain relievers, reducing the pain and irritation caused by mesothelioma. The process of moxibustion is believed to increase circulation, aiding a cardio-vascular system that is debilitated by the disease. There is no evidence to suggest that acupuncture can improve the ultimate prognosis, but pain, shortness of breath, bowel obstructions, and other symptoms have been suggested to be reduced through the treatment.

Acupuncture is not a primary treatment for mesothelioma. It may be effective in reducing some of the symptoms of mesothelioma, but is no substitute for a pervasive treatment program. Patients considering acupuncture should include the treatment as part of a holistic treatment regimen. Always consult a doctor before making any treatment decisions.

About Author

Marc Murray has been writting about mesothlioma and asbestos topics for 12 years. His work is published all over the internet. Please visit http://www.mesothelioma.com for more information on mesothelioma and asbestos.

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Accupuncture for Mesothelioma Patients