Acupuncture helps women with breast cancer reduce fatigue

According to a British study, acupuncture may help ease fatigue in women with breast cancer as well as reduce anxiety, depression and improve the quality of life of patients.

Cancer and treatments for this disease can cause prolonged pain, nervous stress and anemia, all of which contribute to fatigue. In addition, people who vomit after chemotherapy may not get the most nutritious first meal to maintain the necessary energy levels.

According to Reuters on October 30, in a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology, Alexander Molassiotis at the University of Manchester and colleagues followed 227 women with moderate and severe fatigue associated. cancer was acupuncture six times a week, and 75 other tired women did not take acupuncture.

As a result, after six weeks, fatigue generally dropped nearly four points on the 0-20 scale in women who received acupuncture, compared with a reduction of only one point in the other group.

In the study, Mr. Molassiotis and colleagues emphasized: "Acupuncture is an effective intervention to control symptoms of fatigue associated with chemotherapy and improve the quality of life of patients." This improvement is only "mild and moderate" not enough to help bedridden patients get up and walk, but it may be enough to help those who are too tired to practice and start participating in some activities.

The level of anxiety and depression, measured on a scale of 0-21, also decreased by two more points during the period following acupuncture. In addition, the level of physical and mental health is also improved by acupuncture therapy.

According to an article published with the study, psychologist Julienne Bower at the University of California, Los Angeles (USA) said nearly one-third of cancer patients suffer from chronic fatigue and this situation may last long. years after treatment. Doctors often encourage patients to exercise moderately and communicate to improve their energy levels.