A Model for Integrating Acupuncture Into Supportive Care In Oncology

Article | Clinic Announcements | News | Professional Classes Jun 09, 2016
Nini Mai, DACM

Last month, we hosted – for the first time ever – a seminar in Chinese Medicine and Oncology at the Columbia Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital. This two-day course, led by the esteemed Drs. Katherine Taromina and Frank Butler, examined treatment strategies and the role of Chinese Medicine in supportive care for cancer patients. In addition to invaluable clinical insight and cutting-edge research shared by our lecturers, participants were offered an exclusive tour of the infusion center and cancer care facilities at the hospital.

As Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is increasingly becoming a standard method of treatment in the US, it is important to examine how best to integrate it into conventional practices and treatment protocols. One of the articles reviewed at the seminar was co-authored by Dr. Taromina herself: ‘A Model for Integrating Acupuncture into Supportive Care in Oncology’. This article is the first of its kind to explore the practical application of Chinese medicine in a hospital setting when treating cancer patients.

According to the article, there have been over 800 scientific studies published over the last 10 years on the role of acupuncture in cancer care. Many of them demonstrate the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of cancer symptoms as well as adverse reactions to chemotherapy. Symptoms such as nausea, pain, xerostomia, anxiety, hot flashes, lymphedema, and insomnia can be effectively treated with acupuncture.

Dr. Taromina’s work in this field is pioneering, and we hope you gain as much from reading her article as we have. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic, too!

If you missed out on the seminar, don’t worry. If you are a licensed provider, you are eligible to attend our Grand Rounds: Oncology and Cancer Care Support. For more information, don’t hesitate to Contact Us, or sign up for our Professionals Newsletter to stay up-to-date with our course offerings and events.