When you’re going through cancer treatment, it can feel like everything in your life has been flipped upside down. Not just your body, but your emotions, your schedule, your sense of self. It all shifts. We recently worked with a mom who was juggling chemo while raising two young kids. She wanted to keep things as normal as possible at home, and she came to us hoping that acupuncture and cancer care together could help her stay steady for them and for herself.
At Willow Tree Clinic here in Portland, we offer expert acupuncture care for a wide range of health concerns, including dedicated support during cancer treatment. Our job is to help you feel a little more like yourself again: physically, mentally, and emotionally. Acupuncture won’t replace your cancer treatment, but it can make the whole process easier to handle.
If you’re looking for compassionate care in Portland that fits into your oncology plan, we’re here for you. Schedule a consultation with us to start feeling better, sooner. We promise you’re in excellent hands!
Acupuncture Offers Relief from Common Side Effects of Chemo
Let’s start with the basics. Acupuncture is one of the most researched integrative therapies used alongside chemotherapy and radiation. It’s particularly effective at easing some of the toughest side effects without adding more medication to your plate.
Nausea and vomiting: Acupuncture and cancer studies often highlight one thing first: how effective acupuncture is for nausea. With regular treatment, many patients notice they feel less queasy and recover more quickly after infusions.
Fatigue: That bone-deep exhaustion can be crushing. Our patients often say that after starting treatment, they still get tired but not flattened. Think “slower mornings” instead of “wiped out for days” (we’ll take that win).
Digestion and appetite: Many people struggle with appetite or gut changes during treatment. Acupuncture helps regulate digestion, reduce bloating, and calm the gut so you can eat and absorb what your body needs.
Hair loss: Acupuncture can’t stop chemo from affecting hair, but supporting circulation and hormonal balance may help reduce the severity. Plus, it’s one way to care for your whole self, not just your symptoms.
Supporting Emotional Resilience and Mental Health
Cancer affects so much more than the body. Anxiety, grief, frustration, and even guilt are all part of the process. Acupuncture works on the nervous system, helping you feel grounded, calm, and more emotionally balanced.
We see this especially in parents. That same mom we mentioned earlier? She told us she didn’t just want to survive, she wanted to show up for her kids with presence and steadiness. Acupuncture helped her sleep better, ease anxiety, and not snap under the pressure.
You don’t have to pretend to be strong all the time. But if you want to feel strong again, acupuncture can help you get there.
Maintaining Function and Independence During Treatment
One of the most common things we hear from patients is this: “I just want to keep doing what I love.” Whether that’s working, caring for family, or just taking a walk without needing a nap after, it matters.
Acupuncture and cancer care go hand in hand when it comes to maintaining daily life. We’ve seen patients take fewer sick days, think more clearly, and bounce back faster between treatments. You may not feel 100%, but feeling 60% on most days beats feeling 10% all week (you’ll be surprised what a few extra good days can do for your spirit).
We know cancer treatment is stressful, not just on your body, but your entire system. If you’re feeling wired, wiped out, or off in ways you can’t explain, your cortisol levels might be the reason. Read more about how cortisol affects your body.
Integrating Acupuncture with Oncology Care
It’s important to know that acupuncture is safe to use during chemo and radiation when it’s done by a trained, licensed practitioner. That’s where we come in.
At our Portland acupuncture clinic, we tailor your treatments based on your oncology plan. We don’t interfere with your medical care. We support it. Our approach is gentle, nourishing, and completely personalized. We also respect your medical team and coordinate care when needed.
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Healing
We get it. Cancer treatment is filled with moments that can feel dehumanizing. From repeated scans to invasive procedures, you may feel like your body isn’t your own.
That’s why our acupuncture and cancer care is always trauma-informed. We go slow. We explain everything. We ask for consent at each step. Our goal is to help you feel safe, seen, and supported (not just treated). Healing includes the body, but it also includes being emotionally held during some of the hardest days. You don’t need to do this alone (and you shouldn’t have to!).
Curious how acupuncture and herbal medicine work together? This powerful duo can boost energy, ease stress, balance hormones, and more. Learn why we often combine both for deeper healing. Read the full blog.
You’re Not Alone: We’re Here to Help
Whether you were diagnosed yesterday or you’re in remission and trying to rebuild your strength, acupuncture has a place in your care. We help patients at all stages: before, during, and after cancer treatment.
If you’re a friend or family member reading this, share it with someone you love. Sometimes the most supportive thing you can do is help them find options they didn’t know existed.
And if you’ve been Googling “chinese medicine near me” in search of something real, something helpful, something safe, you’ve just found it.
Wrap-Up: Acupuncture Can Help You Cope with Cancer, Day by Day
Let’s be clear. Acupuncture isn’t a cure for cancer. But it is one of the most powerful tools we have to help your body handle treatment, reduce suffering, and stay connected to the life you love.
If you’re looking for expert acupuncture and cancer support in Portland, we’d be honored to be part of your care team. Schedule your first appointment today and let’s help you feel more like yourself again.
And if you have acupuncture benefits through your insurance or HSA/FSA, now is the time to use them! Many plans reset on January 1st. Don’t let those sessions go to waste. We’ll help you make the most of your coverage before the year wraps up.
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