Ask for a visit

Acupuncture has risks, and some of them matter more during cancer treatment: soreness, light bruising and, rarely, bleeding or infection. That is why I ask about your blood counts, your medicines and your surgery before any needle, and why some days I use touch and ear seeds instead. I work alongside your oncology care, never in place of it, and I explain the risks before we begin.

Yes. Tell them, and with your written permission I send them a short summary after your first visit. If a plan changes, such as a new medicine, a new port or a surgery date, tell me before your next visit and I will change what I do.

Most people feel a small pinch, a dull ache or a heavy, warm feeling, and some feel nothing at all. The needles are much thinner than the ones used for shots, and I use fewer of them than usual. Tell me if anything feels like too much and I will adjust or stop.

Tell me the date and the numbers of your latest blood work. When your white blood cells, platelets or red blood cells are low, I may skip needles and use gentle touch and ear seeds, or ask you to wait. If you have a fever, chills or bleeding, call your oncology team's number first.

It changes where I place needles. I keep needles and cups out of the arm or leg on the side where nodes were removed or treated with radiation, unless your surgeon or oncologist says otherwise. Tell me which side and when.