Needles of Relief: How Acupuncture Eases Chemotherapy-Related Pain and Restores Balance

What is Chemotherapy-Related Pain?

Chemotherapy-related pain is a common and challenging side effect experienced by many cancer patients undergoing treatment. While medications remain the primary approach to managing this pain, complementary therapies such as acupuncture have gained increasing attention for their potential to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.

Chemotherapy can cause various types of pain, including neuropathic pain, muscle aches, joint stiffness, and generalized discomfort. One of the most distressing forms is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), characterized by tingling, numbness, and burning sensations in the hands and feet. These symptoms can persist long after treatment ends, significantly affecting daily functioning and emotional well-being. Managing chemotherapy-related pain effectively requires a multidisciplinary approach that addresses both physical and psychological aspects.

How can Acupuncture Help?

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat pain and restore physiological balance. In the context of chemotherapy, it is increasingly recognized as a supportive therapy that can complement conventional treatments. The mechanism of acupuncture is believed to involve the stimulation of peripheral nerves, leading to the release of endogenous opioids, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters that modulate pain perception and nerve function. Here are just a few ways acupuncture can help: 

1. Neurochemical Modulation: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and enkephalins, which act as natural painkillers. 
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: It may reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby decreasing inflammation-related pain. A randomized controlled trial in Journal of Clinical Oncology (2020) demonstrated that acupuncture reduced aromatase inhibitor–induced joint pain in breast cancer survivors, suggesting benefits for treatment-related musculoskeletal pain.
3. Improved Nerve Function: Acupuncture may promote nerve regeneration and reduce oxidative stress associated with chemotherapy-induced nerve damage.
4. Central Nervous System Regulation: Functional MRI studies suggest that acupuncture influences brain regions involved in pain processing, such as the limbic system and hypothalamus. Research in Supportive Care in Cancer (2022) indicated that acupuncture improved nerve conduction and reduced neuropathic symptoms in patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy.

What is the Experience like during an Acupuncture Treatment?

For many undergoing chemotherapy, pain and fatigue can feel overwhelming. In Dr. Kourtney Zamora’s care, patients discover a space where healing feels gentle and personal.

The room is quiet and softly lit. Dr. Zamora listens closely, understanding not just where it hurts, but how it feels to live with that pain. With her skilled, compassionate touch, each needle is placed with purpose to ease nerve pain, soothe tension, and restore balance.

Dr. Zamora’s expertise and her genuine empathy create an experience that supports both body and spirit, helping patients not only manage pain but rediscover comfort, resilience, and a sense of control on their healing journey.

What are Patients Saying?

“I have only had two treatments so far and have noticed some relief, and am looking forward to further improvement as we progress with the treatment plan.” - J.B 1/19/26

Contact Us:

Chemotherapy can leave you feeling drained and in pain. At Zamora Acupuncture, Dr. Kourtney Zamora offers compassionate, personalized acupuncture treatments to ease nerve pain, reduce fatigue, and restore balance.
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Each session provides a peaceful space to relax and heal and patients often leave feeling lighter, calmer, and more in control of their health. Find comfort and renewed energy with Dr. Zamora’s expert care. Call 480-300-5767 or book online at www.azacu.com. Visit us in North Scottsdale and begin your path to relief and restoration.

​References:
​He, Y., Guo, X., May, B. H., Zhang, A. L., Liu, Y., & Lu, C. (2019). Clinical evidence for acupuncture and related therapies in cancer pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Oncology, 5(12), 1751–1759.
Hershman, D. L., Unger, J. M., Greenlee, H., et al. (2020). Effect of acupuncture vs sham acupuncture or waitlist control on joint pain related to aromatase inhibitors among women with early-stage breast cancer: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 38(32), 3567–3577.
Chien, T. J., Liu, C. Y., Hsu, C. H. (2021). Integrating acupuncture into cancer care: A review of clinical evidence and safety. Pain Medicine, 22(3), 567–578.
Lu, W., Rosenthal, D. S. (2013). Acupuncture for cancer pain and related symptoms. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 17(3), 321.
Bao, T., et al. (2022). Acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A randomized controlled pilot trial. Supportive Care in Cancer, 30(5), 4031–4040.
Mao, J. J., et al. (2018). Integrative oncology: Addressing the global challenges of cancer pain management. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 68(3), 194–210.

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