A resource for oncologists, nurses, social workers, and palliative care teams looking for trusted post-treatment support for their patients.
I'm a nurse acupuncturist with a clinical background in oncology nursing. Before training in acupuncture, I worked directly with patients through chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplants. I understand the physiological reality of what these treatments do to the body — the cumulative fatigue, the neuropathy, the disrupted immune regulation, the nervous system burden that persists long after the last cycle.
That background shapes how I work. When your patients describe what they're experiencing, I don't need it translated. And when I'm working with someone post-treatment, I'm doing so with full awareness of their history, their protocol, and the terrain their body is recovering from.
I also understand the importance of staying in my lane. My role is to support your patients' recovery and quality of life — not to advise on or interfere with their oncology care. Communication with referring providers is always welcome.
The patients I work with most often are those in the post-treatment window — weeks to months after completing chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery — who are navigating the gap between end of active treatment and full recovery. I also work with patients in active treatment who want adjunctive support for side effect management.
Common presenting concerns I address:
For patients who have undergone stem cell transplants, I work carefully and conservatively, with full awareness of immunosuppression timelines and the particular vulnerabilities of that recovery period.
Acupuncture for oncology support is not fringe. It is endorsed by the Society for Integrative Oncology and recognized within the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines for specific indications including cancer-related pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and cancer-related fatigue. Major NCI-designated cancer centers offer acupuncture as a standard integrative service.
The mechanism of action is increasingly well-understood: acupuncture modulates the autonomic nervous system, influences inflammatory cytokine expression, supports endogenous opioid pathways, and promotes parasympathetic activation — all of which are directly relevant to the post-treatment recovery picture.
I am happy to share specific research on any of the above indications if that would be useful for your practice or your patients.
A simple warm referral is sufficient: "I'd like you to consider working with an acupuncturist who specializes in post-treatment recovery. She has a background in oncology nursing and understands what your body has been through." Patients who feel their provider endorses the referral are significantly more likely to follow through.
Patients should bring a brief summary of their diagnosis and treatment history to their first appointment, or have it available to share. I do not require formal referral paperwork, though I welcome any clinical notes you wish to share. HIPAA-compliant communication is available.
With patient consent, I'm happy to provide a brief summary of my assessment and treatment focus to referring providers. I view this work as collaborative, and I take seriously my responsibility to stay coordinated with the care team.
Patients should be advised to check their individual coverage. Many plans cover acupuncture for specific indications; I can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. I also offer a sliding scale for patients navigating financial hardship post-treatment.
I do not make claims about acupuncture's ability to treat cancer directly, reduce tumor burden, or replace any component of conventional oncology care. My scope is supportive and restorative: helping patients tolerate treatment, recover from its effects, and return to the highest possible quality of life.
I follow safe needling protocols appropriate for oncology patients, including modified approaches for patients with lymphedema risk, low platelet counts, implanted devices, or compromised immune function. Patient safety and clear communication with the care team are non-negotiable priorities.
For provider inquiries, referral questions, or to schedule a brief call:
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I am also available to speak with care teams or present to your department.