Treating the Person and not the Disease: Acupuncture in the Management of Cancer Treatment-Related Lymphoedema
Item
Title
Treating the Person and not the Disease: Acupuncture in the Management of Cancer Treatment-Related Lymphoedema
Description
EJOM (2011), de Valois, Beverley.
Abstract
Using acupuncture in lymphoedema management is controversial, as it is feared that it may introduce infection or exacerbate lymphoedema. This paper presents Case Reports of four cancer survivors who participated in an exploratory study investigating the use of acupuncture and moxibustion as an adjunct to usual care for lymphoedema to promote wellbeing and improve quality of life. They illustrate how individualised treatment plans meet the diverse and changing needs of patients with a complex, chronic side effect of cancer treatment for which there is currently no cure. They also demonstrate that acupuncture treatment can be effective even when large areas of the body are contraindicated to needling. The stories of these four participants may help influence existing perceptions on the parts of clinicians, patients, and acupuncturists about acupuncture’s potential role in the management of lymphoedema.
Alternative Title
EJOM
Creator
Date
Date Created
3/2/2015
Language
English
Type
Journal Article
issn
1351-6647
issue
6
volume
6