Can Acupressure Help Fatigue from Cancer?

People who survive cancer frequently have to deal with another problem - cancer fatigue. Fatigue from cancer and its treatment can leave a cancer survivor feeling wiped out, weak and tired. Some of the fatigue is related to radiation and chemotherapy - the effects of which can persist for months after treatment. Some cancer survivors develop anemia due to their treatment, which reduces energy levels - and many don't eat as well as they should due to nausea. Could there be a natural way to relieve cancer fatigue?

Acupressure for Energy is put to the Test

Acupressure is a technique that involves using the hands and fingers to apply pressure to certain points on the body. Applying pressure to these points encourages the proper flow of qi or energy through the body. Studies already show that it helps some conditions including post-operative pain, nausea and stress-related ailments. But does it work for cancer survivors?

Researchers at Michigan State University are putting acupressure to the test to see if it helps reduce cancer fatigue among 300 breast cancer survivors. The women will be divided into three groups. One group will receive "stimulating" acupressure, while another will get "relaxation" acupressure - and the final group will serve as a control group. They'll monitor the effects acupressure has on energy level and sleep quality among these cancer survivors.

Other Alternative Therapies Cancer Survivors Use

More women with cancer are using alternative remedies to help them deal with the challenges of cancer fatigue and the emotional burden of a cancer diagnosis. The appeal of such remedies as acupressure is they're safe with few side-effects.

Some of the most popular alternative treatments cancer survivors use to deal with cancer pain, fatigue and mental stress include hypnosis, biofeedback, guided imagery, yoga and spirituality. These treatments may have benefits by stimulating the release of brain biochemicals that reduce fatigue, lower the perception of pain and elevate mood.

Acupressure for Cancer Survivors

Acupressure has already shown benefits for cancer survivors. In one small study published in Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, wearing an acupressure wrist band reduced nausea in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy - and they're beneficial for chemotherapy-related nausea.

Acupressure and Fatigue from Cancer: The Bottom Line?

Alternative remedies like acupressure should never be used in place of standard treatments, but they may be helpful for relieving some of the side-effects. Stay tuned to find out whether acupressure can help one of the most frustrating aspects of cancer - cancer fatigue.

References:

Medical News Today. "Relief from Fatigue in Cancer Survivors with the Aid of Acupressure"

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. "Acupressure Bands Are Effective in Reducing Radiation Therapy-Related Nausea". 2009.