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Skin cancers as its name implies are cancers that have their origin in the skin. They are caused by the development of abnormal cells that spread to other parts of the body. There are three types of skin cancers: basal-cell (BC), squamous-cell (SC) and melanoma. The first two are known as non melanoma skin cancer and they are characterized by a painless raised area of skin, with small blood vessel running over it or present with an ulcer. Squamous-cell skin cancer is well known for its tendency to spread. This type of cancer usually presents itself with a lump or form an ulcer. Melanomas are known to be the most aggressive ones. Some of the signs include a mole that changes in size, shape or color, although it also might involve itchiness and bleeding.1
RESEARCH
While acupuncture has not been used as treatment for cancer itself, evidence suggests it relieves its symptoms, including chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. Some studies even recommend acupuncture to reduce pain and shortness of breath. However, acupuncture needles should never be used directly on the skin where there cancer is located. In this vein, acupressure, which is a treatment that involves pressing on specific points on the body, rather than needling acupuncture points, has also been successful controlling breathlessness. Acupressure is clearly a technique that anybody can always learn and use to treat oneself. Whereas, some acupuncturists wait until the person has finished conventional medical cancer therapy, others do provide acupuncture or herbal therapy during chemotherapy or radiation itself. In this regard, it is a standard practice that acupuncturists always treat cancer patients based on an individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of qi located in different meridians. In cases of cancer-related symptoms, a qi deficiency is usually detected in the spleen or kidney meridians.2
The following areas and points are those commonly blocked in patients suffering skin cancer and related issues. The treatment focuses on the scalp and Huatuojiaji points along the spine. You may always use acupuncture and massage focusing on the following areas. The main points are T-1 which targets the bone marrow, useful for regulation of the blood and the immune system function. T-4 is known to affect the breasts, sweat glands, hair follicle’s quite used to treat skin conditions. T-7 in the right side targets the abdominal blood vessels and is used to treat cancers and blood circulation. Whereas, the secondary points include BL-9 both, or side most sore, influences the cerebellum which is responsible for muscle control and coordination. SP-6 tonify qi and blood. The Ashi point is treated locally where the patient experiences pain.3
Footnotes
- Skin Cancer Treatment- cancer.gov – 2017, https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/hp/skin-treatment-pdq#section/all
- Skin cancer – pennstatehershey.adam.com – 2015, http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=113&pid=33&gid=000029
- Chinese herbal and acupuncture treatment protocols for skin cancer – theory.yinyanghouse.com – 2017, https://theory.yinyanghouse.com/conditions-treated/alternative-natural-options-for-skin-cancer