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Timing of acupuncture around treatments?

Page last modified on: September 29, 2008
Question from Sally: When should patients have their acupuncture appointments while going through chemo and/or radiation? Should they have it just before the chemo/radiation, just after, or on the day of treatment?
Answer —Mary Ellen Scheckenbach, M.Ac.: I generally like to see patients one to days before chemotherapy, and as soon as one is well enough afterwards (after 10 days of chemo if it is, for example, a 3-week schedule).

This can vary from practitioner to practitioner. During radiation, weekly is usually fine. I would like to add that during radiation therapy, I will use a technique called Colorpuncture, which is non-laser light shone through crystals of different colors to treat radiation burns for redness.

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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