Now recommended in ASCO clinical guidelines. Acupuncture helps manage chemotherapy side effects — working alongside, not instead of, your oncology team.
Going through cancer treatment is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding experiences a person can face. Acupuncture does not treat cancer. What it does — with a growing body of clinical evidence — is help manage the side effects of conventional cancer treatment, improve quality of life, and support the body's resilience during a very difficult time.
Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin to manage pain and nausea, while regulating the immune and inflammatory responses dysregulated by chemotherapy. For fatigue, acupuncture addresses the Kidney Qi and Jing deficiency that underlies energy depletion. For peripheral neuropathy, local and distal needling improves nerve conduction and circulation to the extremities. The Cleveland Clinic reported in May 2026 that acupuncture may even reduce reliance on anti-nausea medications like ondansetron.
ASCO Guidelines (2022) — The American Society of Clinical Oncology and Society for Integrative Oncology jointly recommend acupuncture for cancer-related pain, musculoskeletal pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients.
Cleveland Clinic (May 2026) — Confirms acupuncture may reduce a patient's reliance on anti-nausea medications and help them stick with their care plan more effectively. The clinic now studies acupuncture during active infusion sessions.
Cancer-related fatigue (2025) — Systematic review confirms strong evidence for acupuncture in managing cancer-related fatigue — one of the most undertreated and debilitating side effects of treatment.
We use the FACT-F (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy — Fatigue subscale) and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) to track cancer-related symptoms objectively across your treatment course. Progress notes can be shared with your oncology team on request.
AcuRodos · Main Street, Clonee Village · Open Mon–Fri 7am–10pm · Sat 8pm–10pm
Book your assessment →📞 089 400 5106 · info@acurodos.ie · acurodos.ie