Acupuncture to Support People Living with Cancer
A cancer diagnosis can bring significant physical and emotional challenges. Many people experience symptoms related to cancer itself, as well as side effects from treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and hormone therapy.
At Evidence Acupuncture in the Barossa Valley, we provide compassionate, evidence-informed acupuncture care to support people at every stage of their cancer journey. Our focus is on improving quality of life, managing treatment-related side effects, and supporting overall wellbeing alongside your medical care.
Acupuncture is not a treatment for cancer itself. Rather, it may be used as part of an integrative care approach to help manage symptoms and improve comfort during and after cancer treatment.

How Can Acupuncture Help During Cancer Treatment?
Research suggests acupuncture may help support people experiencing a range of cancer-related symptoms and treatment side effects, including:
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Fatigue
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Nausea and vomiting
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Pain
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Peripheral neuropathy
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Hot flushes
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Dry mouth
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Sleep disturbances
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Anxiety and stress
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Joint and muscle pain
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Headaches
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Digestive disturbances
Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual's symptoms, treatment stage, and healthcare needs.
Acupuncture for Cancer-Related Fatigue
Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and distressing symptoms experienced during and after treatment.
People often describe:
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Persistent exhaustion
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Reduced stamina
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Difficulty concentrating
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Reduced motivation
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Feeling physically and mentally drained
Acupuncture may help improve energy levels, support sleep quality, and assist with overall wellbeing.
Acupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Some cancer treatments may cause numbness, tingling, burning, pain, or altered sensation in the hands and feet.
Symptoms may include:
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Pins and needles
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Burning sensations
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Numbness
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Reduced balance
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Sensitivity to touch
Emerging research suggests acupuncture may help reduce symptoms and improve function in some people experiencing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Acupuncture for Nausea and Digestive Symptoms
Nausea remains a common side effect of many cancer treatments.
Acupuncture may be used alongside standard medical care to help manage:
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Reduced appetite
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Digestive discomfort
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Bloating
Treatment is always provided in conjunction with your oncology team's recommendations.
Acupuncture for Pain Management
Pain may arise from cancer, surgery, radiation therapy, or treatment-related side effects.
Acupuncture may assist with:
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Musculoskeletal pain
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Joint pain
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Post-surgical discomfort
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Treatment-related pain
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Chronic pain conditions
Many patients seek acupuncture as part of a broader pain management strategy.
Acupuncture for Sleep, Stress and Emotional Wellbeing
Cancer treatment often affects emotional health as well as physical wellbeing.
Patients commonly experience:
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Anxiety
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Stress
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Sleep disturbances
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Emotional overwhelm
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Difficulty relaxing
Acupuncture may help support nervous system regulation, improve sleep quality, and promote a greater sense of wellbeing.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your initial consultation includes a comprehensive assessment of:
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Your cancer diagnosis
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Current and previous treatments
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Symptoms and side effects
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Medications
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Sleep, energy and digestion
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Overall health goals
Treatment may include:
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Acupuncture
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Gentle electro-acupuncture where appropriate
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Relaxation-focused treatment strategies
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Lifestyle support
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Symptom management advice
All treatments are adapted to your individual needs, comfort level, and medical circumstances.
Working Alongside Your Healthcare Team
At Evidence Acupuncture, we believe in collaborative healthcare.
Acupuncture is provided as a complementary therapy and does not replace conventional cancer treatment.
We encourage patients to continue working closely with their:
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Oncologist
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General Practitioner
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Specialist physicians
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Allied health practitioners
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Cancer care team
Patient safety is always our highest priority.
Why Choose Evidence Acupuncture?
At Evidence Acupuncture, we provide evidence-informed, patient-centred care with a strong focus on compassion, safety, and quality of life.
We understand that every cancer journey is unique and tailor treatment plans to support your individual needs and goals.
Our approach focuses on:
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Evidence-informed acupuncture care
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Individualised treatment plans
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Supportive and compassionate care
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Collaborative healthcare
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Improving quality of life throughout treatment and recovery
Book an Appointment
If you are living with cancer or experiencing treatment-related side effects, acupuncture may provide additional support alongside your medical care.
Evidence Acupuncture welcomes patients from across the Barossa Valley, including Tanunda, Nuriootpa, Angaston, Lyndoch, Gawler, and surrounding regions.
