Paul Hrkal ND
  • Home
  • Paul Hrkal
  • Concussions
  • Concussion Fix Program
  • Book a Consult
  • Contact Paul

Acupuncture Can Help With Painful And Dry Mouth After Radiation Treatments

4/3/2013

1 Comment

 
Picture
Natural and complementary treatments for cancer are rapidly growing in use and popularity. While many people undergo conventional treatments such as chemo or radiation, natural and integrative therapies can be very effective in reducing some of the difficult side effects of conventional treatments. 
One common side effect that I see in cancer patients is damage to the mouth and oral mucosa after head and neck radiation. This can be an extremely painful condition causing excess mucous production, dry mouth and the inability to eat and swallow. It is very important to promote the healing of the mouth sores since it often prevents a person from eating which decreases the ability to maintain weight and take in essential nutrients. As part of a naturopathic treatment plan, acupuncture can be used to reduce pain and improve symptoms of dry mouth.  
A very recent study was published this year reporting weekly acupuncture improved symtoms of dry mouth after radiation treatment. After 8 weeks the patients found they did not have to wake at night as often and had less sticky saliva. 
It is great to see that studies are being conducted on natural treatments that are being used to support cancer patients. Acupuncture can be a great tool to address both energetic and physical symptoms. It is often a key part of my treatment plans as a supportive therapy. In the case of mouth sores after chemo or radiation it can help reduce symptoms and promote healing when used along side of other natural therapies such as intravenous vitamin C, glutamine and a herbal mouth rinse. 

For more information about how natural and conventional treatments can fit together please see the cancer section of my website.

Reference: 

Simcock R, et al. ARIX: a randomised trial of acupuncture v oral care sessions in patients with chronic xerostomia following treatment of head and neck cancer. Ann Oncol. 2013 Mar;24(3):776-83. 


1 Comment
Dosimetry badges link
7/22/2013 11:41:09 pm

Wow, nice post,there are many person searching about that now they will find enough resources by your post.Thank you for sharing to us.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Welcome To My Blog

    Picture
    My goal is to post thought-provoking and informative articles so you can learn and apply the latest news from the world of natural health. Feel free to post comments and start a conversation. Stay tuned to my twitter and facebook feeds for the latest posts.

    Archives

    December 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012

    RSS Feed

Book a Consult
Picture
Picture
  • Home
  • Paul Hrkal
  • Concussions
  • Concussion Fix Program
  • Book a Consult
  • Contact Paul