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cancer treatment support

Oncology Acupuncture Northside Brisbane

At my clinic in Chermside West, I have a special interest in oncology acupuncture in Northside Brisbane, supporting those undergoing treatment for cancer or navigating the recovery phase. Many people will undergo a variety of treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or hormone therapy. While these treatments can be very effective, it can be extremely difficult to endure their side effects both physically and emotionally. By providing oncology acupuncture on Brisbane’s Northside, my aim is to alleviate the side effects and complications that can adversely impact a cancer survivor’s quality of life, helping you regain balance and strength during and after your medical treatment.

Managing Treatment Side Effects with Oncology Acupuncture in Brisbane North

Patients seeking oncology acupuncture in Northside Brisbane often do so to manage the cumulative impact of their medical treatments. While every journey is unique, the common side effects addressed in my clinic include nausea, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, and chronic pain.

Common side effects whilst undergoing cancer treatments include

Photo of teas to help manage side effects

  • chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
  • chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
  • fatigue (during and post treatment)
  • cancer pain
  • hot flushes due to medically-induced menopause or hormone therapy.
  • depression and anxiety
  • insomnia or difficulty sleeping
  • radiation or chemotherapy induced xerostomia (dry mouth)
  • joint pain whilst using hormone blockers

How Can Oncology Acupuncture Support Patients in Northside Brisbane?

 

•Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

Some research (1,2) has explored the use of acupuncture and acupressure as supportive therapies for nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy treatment. Nausea can significantly affect quality of life during cancer treatment and is a common side effect experienced by many people undergoing chemotherapy.

While anti-nausea medications can be helpful for many people, symptoms are not always fully controlled and some medications may also cause unwanted side effects. As a result, many people look for additional supportive approaches alongside their medical care to help manage symptoms and improve overall wellbeing during treatment.

Acupuncture and acupressure are commonly used as complementary therapies during cancer treatment and may help support relaxation, nervous system regulation, and symptom management as part of an integrative care approach.

• Fatigue during or after cancer treatment

Cancer-related fatigue is a common experience both during and after cancer treatment. Many people report ongoing exhaustion, reduced energy, and difficulty recovering physically and emotionally during survivorship and recovery.

The causes of cancer-related fatigue are complex and may relate to the effects of cancer treatment on the body, nervous system, sleep, stress levels, inflammation, and overall wellbeing.

Some research has explored acupuncture as a supportive therapy for cancer-related fatigue. A number of studies and reviews (3)have suggested acupuncture may help support energy levels, wellbeing, and quality of life in people undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment, although more high-quality research is still needed.

Many people choose to include acupuncture as part of their broader supportive care plan during treatment and recovery, alongside their existing medical care. Treatments are tailored to the individual and may focus on relaxation, nervous system regulation, sleep, stress management, and overall wellbeing.

 

• Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of some chemotherapy medications, including certain taxane-based treatments. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling, burning sensations, pain, or altered sensation in the hands and feet.

For some people, symptoms may be mild and temporary, while for others they can significantly affect daily activities, mobility, sleep, and overall quality of life. Peripheral neuropathy can sometimes continue even after cancer treatment has finished.

Management approaches vary depending on the severity of symptoms and individual medical circumstances. Some people may be prescribed medications to help manage nerve pain, while others also explore supportive therapies such as acupuncture, massage, physiotherapy, and lifestyle support alongside their medical care.

Some research has explored the use of acupuncture as a supportive therapy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, with studies investigating its potential role in symptom management and overall wellbeing. More research is still needed, however many people choose acupuncture as part of an integrative supportive care approach during and after cancer treatment.

At my clinic, treatments are tailored to the individual and focus on supporting comfort, nervous system regulation, circulation, and overall wellbeing throughout recovery. For more information about peripheral neuropathy here is a link to my article.

 

• Cancer-related pain

Cancer-related pain may be due to the cancer itself or as a consequence of the treatment of it. Cancer-related pain can be related to a malignancy, or be a result of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and hormone therapy.  Research has found acupuncture can reduce pain levels on its own and reduce the amount of medications required.

A 2017 systematic review (5) of 29 trials concluded effective  in relieving cancer-related pain, and was particular useful for malignancy and surgery-related pain.

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Why Choose Me? A Perspective Rooted in Experience

When you are navigating a cancer diagnosis, you aren’t just looking for a practitioner—you are looking for someone who truly understands the physical and emotional toll of the road ahead.

My approach to oncology acupuncture is built on two pillars: clinical expertise and personal lived experience.

Professional Foundation

Before becoming an acupuncturist, I spent over a decade as a Registered Nurse and Midwife. This clinical background gives me an indepth understanding of the Australian medical system, how to work alongside your oncology team, and how to interpret the complexities of your treatment plan.

Personal Lived ExperiencePicture of Georgie Smith when undergoing cancer treatment

In addition to my professional training, I have personally walked the path of a cancer patient. I have navigated the full spectrum of modern breast cancer treatment, including:

  • Surgery: Understanding the recovery process, scar tissue, and physical limitations.
  • Chemotherapy & Immunotherapy: Experiencing firsthand the profound fatigue, “brain fog,” and nausea that these life-saving treatments can cause.
  • Radiation Therapy: Managing the cumulative exhaustion and skin changes associated with localized treatment.
  • Hormone Therapy: Navigating the long-term side effects and systemic changes that continue long after active treatment ends.

What This Means for You

I didn’t just research side effects – I know exactly what some of them feel like. I know the difference between “tired” and “chemo-fatigue.” I understand the concerns around developing peripheral neuropathy and the anxiety that comes with every new stage of treatment, including when it ends.

In my clinic, you don’t have to convince me of how hard it is. I am here to provide a safe, supportive space where your acupuncture treatments are tailored not just to a diagnosis, but to the person who is currently navigating one of life’s greatest challenges.

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Oncology Acupuncture Northside Brisbane: Your Questions Answered

Yes. When performed by a practitioner familiar with oncology acupuncture, it is considered a safe, non-invasive complementary therapy. I will work alongside your medical team’s recommendations. With my background as a Registered Nurse and my own personal experience with chemotherapy and radiation, I am aware of the clinical precautions required for cancer patients. I don’t routinely wear a mask whilst at work but if you are more comfortable with that please let me know when you book or arrive.

You can start at any stage of your journey. Many patients in Northside Brisbane begin acupuncture:

  • Before surgery: To manage anxiety and prepare you body.
  • During chemotherapy/radiation: To manage acute nausea and fatigue.
  • Post-treatment: To address long-term side effects like pain, peripheral neuropathy or hormone therapy-related joint pain.

No. Acupuncture does not interfere with the efficacy of your medical treatments. Instead, it is used as an integrative support to help your body tolerate these life-saving treatments better by reducing the intensity of the side effects.

This is no problem, I have a portacath myself and regularly have acupuncture treatments. I can adapt treatments for patients with ports or PICC lines. If you have had lymph nodes removed (common in breast cancer surgery), I avoid needling the affected arm to prevent any risk of lymphedema in that arm.

Oncology acupuncture uses extremely fine, sterile, single-use needles. Most patients find the treatment very relaxing—many even fall asleep during their session. Given the fatigue many cancer patients feel, I prioritise making your experience as comfortable and restorative as possible.

This varies depending on your treatment and goals. For acute side effects like nausea, I may recommend weekly after your chemo cycle. For chronic issues like neuropathy or fatigue, a block of 4–6 sessions is often recommended to see a cumulative benefit. It will be discussed at your initial appointment and you are not tied into any sort of treatment plan.

Research links

1. McKeon C, Smith CA, Hardy J, Chang E. Acupuncture and acupressure for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a systematic review. Australian Journal of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. 2013 Jan;8(1):2-7.

2. Yan Y, López-Alcalde J, Zhang L, Siebenhüner AR, Witt CM, Barth J. Acupuncture for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Med. 2023; 12: 12504–12517. doi:10.1002/cam4.5962

3. Yuxia Jin, Yunxia Wang, Jiayuan Zhang, Xiao Xiao, Qi Zhang, “Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture against Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2020, Article ID 8875433, 10 pages, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8875433https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2020/8875433/

4. Zhang Y, Lin L, Li H, Hu Y, Tian L. Effects of acupuncture on cancer-related fatigue: a meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer. 2018 Feb;26(2):415-425. doi: 10.1007/s00520-017-3955-6. Epub 2017 Nov 11. PMID: 29128952.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29128952/

5. Chiu HY, Hsieh YJ, Tsai PS. Systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture to reduce cancer-related pain. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2017 Mar;26(2). doi: 10.1111/ecc.12457. Epub 2016 Feb 7. PMID: 26853524.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26853524/

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