Oncology Acutherapy

Acutherapy, including acupuncture and acupressure, is a drug-free option to help control and improve side effects of chemotherapy, radiation or following surgery.

Effective Complementary Cancer Therapy

Acutherapy involves the application of needles, heat, pressure and other treatments to specific points on the skin known as acupuncture points (or acupoints). It is effective as a complementary therapy for managing cancer-related symptoms and side effects resulting from cancer treatment.

Symptom Relief and Side Effect Management

Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of acutherapy in addressing various symptoms and side effects associated with cancer treatment, including:

Managing treatment side effects
Alleviating peripheral neuropathy
Mitigating nausea and vomiting
Relieving dry mouth
Addressing chronic fatigue
Improving sleep quality
Reducing hot flashes
Alleviating cancer-related pain
Providing postoperative pain support
Easing anxiety and depression
Alleviating headaches
Addressing constipation
Managing shortness of breath
Addressing other side effects caused by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy

At Winship, we offer acutherapy treatments in a group setting, making the service more accessible for oncology patients. Treatments take place in a relaxing and spacious environment and are generally safe and well-tolerated by most patients.

Currently, our acutherapy group sessions are held on the second floor of Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown (36 Linden Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308).

Additional Information

The National Cancer Institute provides additional information and resources for cancer-related acutherapy.

NCI information on acupuncture

We're ready to help you relieve your symptoms and side effects due to cancer. Call 404-778-0600 and request to join an acutherapy group session.

Acupressure

Acupressure is a technique that involves using your fingers or tools to apply pressure to specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to promote healing and relieve symptoms like pain, stress, fatigue and nausea.

Acupressure Techniques for You

Below, our trained acutherapy specialists have prepared a series of patient education videos designed to empower you with tools and techniques to help alleviate the symptoms or side effects that may be caused by your cancer treatment. These techniques can be done by you or your caregiver.

As a precaution, avoid applying pressure to points over wounds, rashes, bruises, medical devices and areas with lymphedema. The pressure you use should be firm and slightly uncomfortable but not painful. Acupressure can be used as a prevention or as an intervention once or multiple times a day as needed. It can be done on one or both sides of your body provided there are no contraindications. As you'll see some points can be used to help with more than one symptom.