Question 1

Is acupuncture safe during chemotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, acupuncture is generally safe during chemotherapy when performed by a qualified, registered practitioner. The British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC) sets strict safety standards covering needle sterility, point selection, and treatment adaptation for patients with compromised immune function. Your acupuncturist should be aware of your full treatment regimen, including any anticoagulant medications or low blood counts, as these may influence point selection and needling depth. Acupuncture is used as a complementary therapy alongside chemotherapy — never as a replacement — and you should keep your oncology team informed. At this practice, all needles are single-use, sterile, and disposed of after each treatment.

Question 2

How does acupuncture help with cancer-related hot flushes?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture may reduce both the frequency and intensity of hot flushes associated with cancer treatment, particularly for people undergoing hormone therapy for breast or prostate cancer. The mechanism is not fully understood, but research suggests acupuncture influences the hypothalamus — the brain region that regulates body temperature — and may modulate serotonin and beta-endorphin levels, both of which play a role in thermoregulation. Clinical experience at Maggie's Cancer Charity showed that in over 95% of people treated, hot flushes were at least somewhat reduced in frequency and intensity. A typical course involves weekly sessions for 6 to 8 weeks, with many patients reporting noticeable improvement after the third or fourth session.

Question 3

Can I have acupuncture alongside radiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture can be used alongside radiotherapy, with some important precautions. Needles should not be inserted directly into the radiation field or into skin that is red, blistered, or tender from treatment. A qualified acupuncturist will take a full treatment history and adapt point selection accordingly, often using distal points — points on the hands, feet, or ears — to avoid the treatment area entirely. Many patients find acupuncture helpful for managing radiotherapy-related fatigue, anxiety, and localised discomfort. As with chemotherapy, acupuncture is a complementary support, not an alternative to radiotherapy, and you should tell both your oncology team and your acupuncturist about all treatments you are receiving.

Question 4

What happens at a cancer support acupuncture session?

Accepted Answer

Your first session begins with a thorough consultation lasting 75 to 90 minutes, covering your diagnosis, treatment history, current symptoms, medications, energy levels, sleep quality, and emotional wellbeing. This detailed picture allows the practitioner to design a treatment specific to you — not a generic cancer protocol. During treatment, very fine single-use sterile needles are inserted at specific points and retained for 20 to 30 minutes while you rest. Most patients find the experience deeply relaxing. Follow-up sessions are typically 45 to 60 minutes. The practitioner will explain every step, check in regularly, and adjust your treatment plan as your needs change through different phases of treatment and recovery.

Question 5

Does Amanda have experience treating people with cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Amanda Ody spent over 3 years working at Maggie's Cancer Charity in Cambridge, providing acupuncture to men and women at every stage of their cancer journey — from diagnosis through active treatment, recovery, and in some cases end-of-life care. She has particular clinical experience supporting people with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, treatment-related hot flushes, persistent fatigue, nausea, and the anxiety and sleep disruption that frequently accompany a cancer diagnosis. Amanda holds full MBAcC and MRCHM registration, maintains up-to-date safeguarding and clinical safety training, and works closely with oncology teams where patients wish her to. Her approach is gentle, evidence-aware, and deeply respectful of the emotional complexity of living with cancer.

Cancer Support

How Acupuncture May Help

Reduce Nausea

Improve Sleep

Relieve Pain

Relieve Hot Flushes

Peripheral Neuropathy

Fatigue

Experience at Maggie's Cancer Charity

Research & Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Is acupuncture safe during chemotherapy?

How does acupuncture help with cancer-related hot flushes?

Can I have acupuncture alongside radiotherapy?

What happens at a cancer support acupuncture session?

Does Amanda have experience treating people with cancer?

Gentle Support Through Treatment