The results of an exploratory study in the UK suggest acupuncture can help improve the quality of life for patients with lymphoedema following cancer treatment.
A total of 35 breast, head and neck cancer patients, who had been experiencing lymphoedema for three or more months following their cancer treatment, received seven individualised acupuncture treatments plus six optional additional treatments. On a self-assessed scale, patients reported significant improvements in their symptoms at four and twelve week follow-up. Additionally after acupuncture treatment, pain and vitality scores showed significant improvements.
(Assessing the Feasibility of using Acupuncture and Moxibustion to Improve Quality of Life for Cancer Survivors with Upper Body Lymphoedema. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, on-line September 2011.)