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How does acupuncture work?

Page last modified on: September 29, 2008
Question from Bairboak: How does acupuncture work, specifically, and how many sessions would a Stage II breast cancer need?
Answer —Mary Ellen Scheckenbach, M.Ac.: No one knows how acupuncture works. The Chinese have spent the last two thousand years trying to figure out how to make it work, because it treats so many different conditions and functions of the body. Scientists have been unable to determine a mechanism of action. I frequently treat people during their conventional treatments of chemotherapy and radiation. I will treat weekly or bi-weekly through the course of treatment, and sometimes afterwards, but that is more rare unless the person has a special request.

On Wednesday, March 16, 2005, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Acupuncture and Touch Therapies. Mary-Ellen Scheckenbach, M.Ac., Tracy Walton, L.M.T., M.S., and moderator Beth Baughman Dupree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about acupuncture and touch therapies.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Mary Ellen Scheckenbach, M.Ac. is co-founder of Hidden River: A Center for Health in Philadelphia. Ms. Scheckenbach has practiced acupuncture and chinese herbology since 1986 with an emphasis on women's health, chronic disease, and pain.

Tracy Walton, L.M.T., M.S. consults to hospitals and massage schools and teaches "Caring for Clients with Cancer," courses offered nationally for massage therapists.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.

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