How Acupressure Points for Cancer Patients Help Manage Symptoms

For cancer patients in Malaysia, managing treatment side effects often involves more than medical procedures alone.

Acupressure, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is increasingly recognised as a supportive therapy that can complement conventional care.

This article outlines what acupressure involves, how it connects with acupuncture, and key considerations for those seeking holistic relief during their cancer journey.

Key Takeaways

• Acupressure targets specific points along the body’s meridians to help regulate energy flow and ease discomfort.
• Acupuncture enhances the effect of acupressure by stimulating the same acupoints at a deeper level using fine needles.
• Acpuncture can reduce pain, nausea, fatigue, and anxiety, improving the overall wellbeing of cancer patients.
• Mild side effects like soreness, bruising, or dizziness may occur, especially in patients undergoing intensive cancer treatment.
• Always consult your oncologist and choose a licensed TCM practitioner with experience in evidence-based acupuncture in cancer care for safe, effective treatment.

4 Acupressure Points That Support Cancer Symptom Relief

Acupressure focuses on specific points across the body to encourage natural balance and relieve discomfort.

Studies by Razali et. al. (2020) indicate that approximately 51% to 88% of cancer patients in Malaysia utilise some form of T&CM during their treatment journey.

For cancer patients, several points are frequently used to ease common side effects of treatment. Here’s a simplified guide:

These points are selected by practitioners based on individual conditions and are often included in broader treatment strategies designed to enhance comfort during cancer recovery.

How Acupuncture for Cancer Patients Supports Acupressure Point Activation

Acupuncture for cancer patients builds upon the principles of acupressure by offering a more direct method of stimulating specific points in the body. Instead of applying surface-level pressure, acupuncture uses thin, sterile needles to access deeper layers of the body's energy channels, or meridians.

A 2022 meta-analysis involving 361 patients undergoing acupuncture and acupressure reported a total effective rate of 90% in alleviating cancer-related symptoms.

This method is especially helpful in enhancing the responsiveness of acupressure points. By combining both techniques, practitioners can personalise treatments to match the patient’s needs—adjusting intensity, duration, and focus areas for more effective point stimulation.

Acupuncture doesn't replace acupressure but works alongside it, often used when a more precise or long-lasting response is desired.

Acupuncture for Cancer Pain Control and Symptom Relief

A systematic review published in Frontiers in Oncology reported that over 80% of women who underwent acupuncture experienced benefits, with more than half noting a reduction in symptom severity, while JAMA Network Open’s study (No_Follow) highlighted that acupuncture is associated with long-term  highlighted that acupuncture is associated with long-term acupressure for cancer pain relief.

Acupuncture and acupressure are increasingly used as complementary approaches to help manage cancer-related discomfort. When applied by trained professionals, these therapies support physical and emotional wellbeing throughout the treatment journey.

These combined effects make acupuncture and acupressure valuable tools for cancer pain control and overall symptom management.

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4 Potential Side Effects of Acupuncture for Cancer Patients

While acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner, some mild side effects may occur—especially for individuals with weakened immune systems or low platelet counts due to cancer treatment. Common side effects include:

• Minor Bruising or Bleeding: Especially around needle insertion points, which is more likely if the patient is on blood-thinning medication.
• Soreness or Tenderness: Temporary discomfort at needled areas, typically resolving within a few hours.
• Dizziness or Light-headedness: Some patients may feel faint during or after treatment, particularly on their first visit.
• Fatigue: Acupuncture can be deeply relaxing, and some patients may feel unusually tired post-session.

To minimise risks, it's essential to seek treatment from licensed practitioners familiar with support from integrated oncology centre, and always inform them of your medical history, current medications, and treatment stage.

What to Know Before Starting Acupuncture for Cancer Support

Ensuring acupuncture safety in oncology begins with key precautions before adding acupuncture or acupressure to your cancer care plan.

By addressing these points, you can confidently explore acupuncture and acupressure as supportive options in your cancer treatment journey.

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Experience Professional Acupuncture Services for Cancer Relief at Sunway TCM

Sunway TCM Centre provides integrative oncology therapies for cancer care rooted in TCM in Malaysia, offering expert acupuncture in KL to help manage common treatment-related symptoms.

Patients can expect:

• Personalised treatment plans based on individual symptoms and medical history.
• Targeted acupuncture sessions for pain, fatigue, anxiety, and digestion.
• Qualified TCM practitioners with oncology expertise.
• A safe, sterile environment located in KL (Sunway City HQ) and Kuching.

Our services are tailored to support patients through pain control, nausea relief, and improved overall quality of life—delivered by certified practitioners with experience in oncology-focused Traditional Chinese Medicine for cancer care.

Conclusion

Acupressure and acupuncture provide cancer patients with safe, complementary options to manage pain, fatigue, and other side effects of treatment.

While they do not replace medical therapy, these Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques can greatly improve comfort and emotional wellbeing when integrated into a patient’s care plan.

Contact Sunway TCM today to schedule a consultation and explore how our expertise in acupuncture for cancer patients can support your healing journey.