One particular research conducted in Manchester by The Christie NHS Foundation Trust studied the effects of acupuncture and its use for patients with neuropathy.

This pioneering research showed that acupuncture did prove helpful for more than 50% of the patients that suffered from this debilitating condition – a condition that can be the result of chemotherapy.

What Is This Research All About?

This was considered vast research for the NHS Foundation – the biggest one ever done. The goal was to figure out whether or not acupuncture should become a standard treatment for patients with chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy.

The results showed that this type of treatment does, in fact, show significant promise in reducing the effects of the condition. It was beneficial for improving the symptoms in many of the participants in the study.

The Results of the Research

Over the course of three years, 120 patients participated in the trial. The research took place at two centers, one was located in Greater Manchester in Oldham, and the other was at Withington.

For the span of 10 weeks, 50% of the group received an hour-long acupuncture session every week. Before and after the session, the patients described their worst symptoms. Their experience helped researchers evaluate the effects of this treatment.

By the end of the sessions, 68% of patients had significantly improved their mobility and dexterity.

Chemo As the Double-Edged Sword

Dr. Jacqui Stringer, the head at the foundation for complementary health and wellbeing, stated the results of this trial were outstanding and helped confirm some previous clinical data.

All the patients that participated in the trial had undergone chemotherapy. But because of the treatment, these patients later developed debilitating issues with their motor function. Some even lived with this problem for many years.

Dr. Stringer stated that researchers are familiar with the fact that neuropathy is a common problem for patients. Particularly those who’ve used specific chemotherapy medications, like “Taxanes.”

The doctor hopes that this trial will be a stepping-stone for more similar research and bigger centers. It can prove beneficial to explore this option and help those who suffer from this condition on a day-to-day basis. So far, acupuncture treatment helped many patients overcome this debilitating condition, even though they can’t still live a normal life.

The Effects of Acupuncture on Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a serious and debilitating health condition that can result in numerous symptoms. Some of these symptoms are unbearable pain, extreme tingling, and paralyzing numbness. Symptoms such as these can make the daily routines a struggle. Those affected can’t drive, perform, or walk well, so tasks such as cooking, cleaning, getting dressed, or going shopping is impossible to achieve.

Professor Andrew Wardley, the chief investigator for the trial and consulting medical oncologist at the foundation, stated that acupuncture shows real promise for patients with this type of neuropathy.

However, there is still a lack of conclusive evidence. Research this big has never been done before, as far as they know. As a result, researchers have decided to continue the study and prove its effectiveness. Professor Wardley stated he hopes this research will bring about a new standard way of treatment for neuropathy and improve the lives of millions of people.

According to Paula Maycock, the trial’s head therapist, some patients had completely lost their dexterity, so it was impossible for them to hold a single cup of tea. During the 10-week treatment, those patients slowly returned their dexterity to some extent.

After the trial, these patients described how they felt. All sensations they had experienced were different for each individual. Some patients stated they felt as if they were walking on foam, while others claimed it felt like strolling over golf balls. Maycock stated that every patient claimed to have obtained something from the acupuncture therapy to a certain degree.

Patient Testimony

One of the patients who participated in the trial is 77-year-old Helen Lowell from Cheadle Hulme. She participated at the research center in Greater Manchester in Stockport.

After Helen was diagnosed with womb cancer, she received chemotherapy. However, shortly after the treatment, neuropathy became an unavoidable side effect.  The condition forced her to stop driving, said Helen. It also made it impossible for her to do even the simplest things in life, like tying the shoes or putting on a necklace.

Plus, every time she tried to write something, the pen would simply slip from her hand. Helen completed her chemotherapy a year ago, but she couldn’t treat the neuropathy.

For her, the acupuncture treatment did a wonderful job and reduced the symptoms of her condition. Now, she is able to drive again. She has taken up embroidery and lace-making and enjoys using her hands. She is excited about the huge difference. Helen also pointed out that she never gave up and was prepared to take up anything to restore her life and get rid of her illness.

What Makes This Research Valid?

This is not the first time the Christie Foundation has made remarkable research. In fact, they are the first specialist trust to receive an “Outstanding” rating twice by the health regulator CQC (Care Quality Commission). The first time they were rated was back in 2016, and the second time was in 2018.

This foundation is referred to as a pioneer in creating innovative treatment options and leaders in cancer care research. The CQC even complimented the researchers for going the extra mile to help patients and their families overcome such a difficult health problem. The CQC even rated the NHS foundation trust as one of the number three best trusts in England and the number one specialist trust in the country.

Sunrise Neuro-Acupuncture Integrative clinic provides treatment for  peripheral neuropathy after chemeotherapy. If you would like to receive mo information about this treatment or to book an appointment, you can call us at 613-853-9099

References

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. Christie research shows acupuncture helps chemo patients.

https://www.christie.nhs.uk/about-us/news/latest-news-stories/christie-research-shows-acupuncture-helps-chemo-patients?fbclid=IwAR0LAB0KQwV4aKpH3tdGr9w2jQYBzToUxoMlfKZHEgYJmbUBhTvvSRbpWlk