Working with Breast Cancer Patients -An Acupuncturist's Perspective
My Tiny Needles
Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
What can my tiny needles do for a disease such as breast cancer, especially when it is Stage 4 and has found its way from the breast into other parts of the body? Many of the patients I see are in the throws of chemo treatment – exhausted, no taste buds, hair falling out in handfuls, nauseated, emancipated and breasts are a thing of the past. Just a very short while ago, they were fully functional, taking care of a family, working up the career ladder, training for a marathon, starting college, looking forward to golden years only to have their path take an abrupt turn. Breast Cancer will take any women, age, race, socio-economic status, perfectly healthy – it is non-discriminating.
The truth is, my tiny needles can counteract the detrimental effects of chemo drugs, radiation, and surgery and the disease of Cancer. When I see a patient, I take a step back and dig deep into the ancient wisdom of this medicine I have been practicing for so long. It’s natural and holistic – mind, body, spirit. It is a complete system of care without adding drugs. It connects the different systems within the body and frees up stagnated emotions as well as strengthens internal organs that have shut down due to pharmaceutical drugs.
An acupuncture session allows space for a cancer patient to feel whole again, support their body and counteract the ill effects of the necessary drug therapy required to combat this disease.
THE BODY
A person’s body during chemo is on a destructive path – it is meant to weaken the immune systems to kill the cancer cells. While the body is in its weakened state, it’s hard for the patient to imagine there are going to be better days ahead. The beauty of the human body is its ability for restoration and repair and resilience to any disease.
THE MIND
The mind is so complex and being able to grasp and express emotion while remaining calm is very important. The process of going through the shock and disbelief of the initial cancer diagnosis, then onto a grueling treatment, emotions are complex and many. The initial diagnosis – shock, grief, anxiety. During the treatment – fear, worry, anger. Post treatment – relief combined with chronic fear and worry.
These intense emotions can create blocked energy for the patient. I have been blessed to have met some of the strongest, positive, most beautiful women though my journey as an acupuncturist. The strength to forge ahead mentally and stay positive throughout is a gift. It is a time to reassess the important things in life and many will flourish as a result of this journey.
THE SPIRIT
What is spirit anyway? It’s an inherent and unique energy that exudes from each individual which defines the core of their being. The idea of spirit is different for everyone depending upon their belief systems.
No drug, no other being, nothing - can take a person’s spirit away. It will stay alive long after their bodies no longer exist, and this is what friends and family remembers, feels, dream about and , this spirit lasts forever.
What can my tiny needles actually do for a Cancer patient?
Pain relief: Bring new blood flow and circulation to the painful area as well as relaxing the surrounding muscles, tendons and sinews which feed the painful area.
Scar therapy and Radiation burns: Any surgery scar comes with adhesions which will block the free flow of blood and energy. Radiation burns will decrease over time and the use of acupuncture helps speed up this healing process. My tiny needles can break up adhesions, soften a tough scar line, enhance the localized healing process for a burn while stimulating the body’s immune system.
Numbness: Many times, the chemo process can create numbness in the hands/ feet. Placing my tiny needles between the fingers and toes allows the brain to become aware of the blocked nerves and connect the electrical flow between the spine and the end points of the nerve pathway.
Lymphatic Movement: There are acupuncture points which ‘Clear Heat’ and stimulate ‘Lymphatic’ flow. These points are instrumental post chemo to restore the body to its natural healthy state and flush out the chemo drugs and reduce inflammation. My tiny needles are placed just under the surface of the skin, where the lymphatic fluids flow, in order to guide this fluid throughout the lymph system and decrease the chances of lymphoedema and the residual swelling associated.
Fatigue/Energy Boost: During and after chemo treatment, fatigue is a major factor. Acupuncture is a wonderful way to increase energy, find a deeper, restful sleep and help build strength internally. Placing my tiny needles along the stomach, spleen and kidney meridians will help rebalance the energy with in so food can now be absorbed properly, natural endocrine cycles can be restored, and the immune system can get a boost by having all systems working together again.
Mind/Body Balance: In Chinese medicine “Qi follows the Mind’ or “The Mind follows QI”. Stress, worry, fear, anger are all valid emotions when faced with a cancer diagnosis and treatment regime. But when energy follows a negative mind it is difficult to stay healthy. However, your mind is something one can control (or strive for…) during this process and it is important to remember this wisdom. Staying positive in the deepest, darkest times will allow positive free flow of energy within your body to follow. My tiny needles allow for a deep calm and relaxed state during the acupuncture session. It brings forth a full body connection between the systems, digestive, nervous, immune, muscular-skeletal, endocrine and emotional. This balanced state of mind and body can last forever or a few days, depends upon the individual being treated.
Each one of my tiny needles hold so much power, with an entire system of medicine behind them, theory, data, research, results and over 2000 years old and still going strong. The use of Acupuncture has been proven to build resistance against cancer, support the quality of life of people going through cancer treatment and allow for holistic care of each unique individuals strengths and weaknesses.
End Note
I am so humbled by the Cayman Community and its support of the Breast Cancer patients on Island.The Breast Cancer Foundation located in Grand Harbour and host of the yearly Breast Cancer Gala is one of the most functional and truly supportive organizations I have worked with. Money raised by Caymanians goes directly to the care of any Cayman women diagnosed with Breast Cancer.Being one of the many wellness providers on island, I can attest to the caring, compassion, and deep understanding this Foundation provides to the Breast cancer patients and survivors.Acupuncture is just one of the many modalities supported by this island funded Wellness Program; it also includes massage, lymphedema drainage, physio, Cold Cap therapy during chemo, nutritional advice, bras and prosthetics, support groups, art therapy, and Green2Go smoothies delivered to your door! AMAZING!
To contact Dr. Bonnie for acupuncture, please email info@align.ky, call 640 5050 or whatsapp 923 5050