Nausea is a common concern for some people receiving chemotherapy. It can affect appetite, hydration, sleep, daily activities, and overall quality of life.
Medical treatments, including anti-nausea medicines prescribed by your oncology team, are the main approach to preventing and managing chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting.
Some people also explore complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, as part of their supportive care. Acupuncture should not replace prescribed medication or conventional cancer treatment. However, it may be discussed with your medical team as an additional option for selected symptoms.
What Causes Nausea During Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy-related nausea can occur for several reasons. Certain chemotherapy medicines can stimulate areas of the nervous system involved in nausea and vomiting. Other factors may also contribute, including:
- The type and dose of chemotherapy
- Previous experiences with nausea or vomiting
- Anxiety before treatment
- Changes in appetite or digestion
- Dehydration
- Other medications
- Pain or discomfort
- Constipation
- Changes in sleep and daily routine
Nausea may occur shortly after chemotherapy, several hours later, or even before a treatment session. Some people experience anticipatory nausea, where nausea develops in response to memories, smells, or anxiety associated with previous treatment.
If nausea is persistent, severe, or affecting your ability to drink fluids or take medication, contact your oncology team.
Can Acupuncture Help With Chemotherapy-Related Nausea?
Acupuncture has been studied as a complementary approach for chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting.
Some research suggests that acupuncture or related acupuncture-point stimulation techniques may help reduce nausea or vomiting for certain patients. However, the evidence varies according to the treatment method, cancer type, chemotherapy regimen, and study design.
Cancer organisations recognise acupuncture as a possible complementary therapy for selected cancer-treatment symptoms, while also emphasising that more research may be needed in some areas.
The National Cancer Institute identifies nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy as one of the main areas in which acupuncture has been studied. Cancer Council NSW also notes that acupuncture may be considered for chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, but advises patients to discuss suitability with their treating doctor.
Cancer Council NSW
NCI
Acupuncture should therefore be viewed as supportive care rather than a guaranteed treatment.
How Might Acupuncture Be Used as Supportive Care?
During a consultation, your practitioner may discuss acupuncture as part of a broader plan to support comfort and wellbeing.
The treatment approach may take into account:
- Your chemotherapy medicines
- The timing of your treatment
- The severity and pattern of nausea
- Whether vomiting is also present
- Your appetite and fluid intake
- Other symptoms, such as fatigue or digestive discomfort
- Your current medications
- Your blood counts and general health
The practitioner may also discuss other supportive measures, but these should always be coordinated with advice from your oncology team.
Acupuncture is not intended to remove chemotherapy medicines from the body, prevent cancer growth, or replace anti-nausea medication.
Should Acupuncture Replace Anti-Nausea Medication?
No.
Anti-nausea medicines prescribed by your oncologist or treating doctor remain an important part of managing chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting.
Depending on your treatment, your medical team may recommend medication before chemotherapy and for a period after treatment. You should take these medicines according to your doctor’s instructions.
Do not stop, reduce, or delay prescribed medication because you are considering acupuncture.
Complementary therapies are different from alternative therapies. Complementary therapies are used alongside conventional treatment, while alternative therapies are used instead of medical treatment. Cancer Council Australia advises that complementary therapies should not replace evidence-based cancer care.
When Should You Speak With Your Oncology Team?
Speak with your oncology team before starting acupuncture, particularly if you are currently receiving chemotherapy.
You should contact your medical team promptly if you experience:
Repeated vomiting
Difficulty keeping fluids down
Signs of dehydration
Severe abdominal pain
Fever or chills
Blood in vomit
Dizziness or fainting
Confusion
Rapid worsening of symptoms
Inability to take essential medication
Severe nausea and vomiting may require medical assessment and treatment. Acupuncture should not delay medical care.
Is Acupuncture Safe During Chemotherapy?
Acupuncture may be suitable for some people receiving chemotherapy, but additional precautions may be required.
Chemotherapy can affect blood counts, immune function, skin integrity, sensation, and the body’s ability to recover from minor injuries. These factors may change whether acupuncture is appropriate.
Before treatment, your practitioner should know if you have:
A low white blood cell count
A low platelet count
An increased risk of infection
An increased risk of bleeding or bruising
A central venous catheter or implanted port
Recent surgery
Fragile skin
Radiotherapy-related skin changes
Peripheral neuropathy
Fever or an active infection
Significant weakness or dehydration
Any recent changes to medication
Cancer Council NSW explains that acupuncture involves penetrating the skin barrier and may increase infection or bleeding risks for some people undergoing cancer treatment.
Cancer Council NSW
For this reason, your oncology team and acupuncture practitioner should consider your current health status before treatment.
What Information Should You Bring to Your Consultation?
If you are considering acupuncture during chemotherapy, it may be helpful to bring or provide:
Your cancer diagnosis
The name of your chemotherapy medicines
The date of your most recent treatment
Your next scheduled treatment date
A list of current medications
A list of supplements
Relevant blood test information, if available
Information about recent surgery or radiotherapy
Details about your nausea and vomiting
Any advice already provided by your oncology team
You should also explain whether your nausea occurs:
Before chemotherapy
During chemotherapy
Several hours after treatment
The following day
In response to certain smells or environments
Alongside vomiting, dizziness, constipation, or appetite changes
This information can help the practitioner determine whether acupuncture may be appropriate and whether any modifications are needed.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Consultation?
An acupuncture consultation generally begins with a discussion of your health history and current concerns.
Your practitioner may ask about:
- Your cancer diagnosis and treatment history
- Your current chemotherapy regimen
- Your nausea and vomiting pattern
- Your medications
- Your blood counts and infection risk
- Your appetite and fluid intake
- Other symptoms or treatment side effects
If acupuncture is considered appropriate, the practitioner may adapt the treatment according to your circumstances.
This may include:
Using a gentler treatment approach
Avoiding certain areas of the body
Adjusting the number of acupuncture points
Taking additional hygiene precautions
Modifying treatment around surgery or treatment sites
- Delaying treatment if there are safety concerns
Treatment should always be individualised. A standard acupuncture protocol may not be appropriate for every person receiving cancer treatment.
Other Ways to Support Chemotherapy-Related Nausea
Acupuncture should be considered alongside, not instead of, medical advice.
Your oncology team may recommend strategies such as:
Taking prescribed anti-nausea medication as directed
Drinking small amounts of fluid regularly
Eating smaller, more frequent meals
Avoiding strong food smells when possible
Choosing foods that are easier to tolerate
Resting after meals
Keeping a record of nausea and vomiting
Discussing medication timing with your doctor
Seeking dietitian support if appetite or weight is affected
If nausea is making it difficult to eat or drink, ask your medical team for advice rather than waiting for symptoms to become severe.
Choosing an Acupuncture Practitioner in Chatswood
If you are searching for cancer acupuncture in Chatswood, choose a practitioner who:
At Ming Yi Tang TCM Centre in Chatswood, an initial consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your current health concerns, treatment history, medications, and individual needs before acupuncture is considered.
Acupuncture for Chemotherapy Nausea in Chatswood
Ming Yi Tang TCM Centre is located in Chatswood, Sydney’s North Shore.
If you are experiencing nausea during chemotherapy and would like to explore acupuncture as a complementary supportive-care option, contact our clinic to discuss your circumstances.
Your suitability for acupuncture will depend on your diagnosis, treatment plan, medications, blood counts, symptoms, and overall health. We recommend discussing any complementary therapy with your oncologist or treating doctor before starting.
Ming Yi Tang TCM Centre Shop 58, 427–441 Victoria Avenue Chatswood NSW 2067 Australia
Phone: 0452 166 965
Final Thoughts
Acupuncture has been studied as a complementary approach for chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. Some people may consider it as part of supportive care, but results vary and it should not replace anti-nausea medication or conventional cancer treatment.
Before starting acupuncture, speak with your oncology team, provide your practitioner with complete medical information, and ensure that treatment is adapted to your current health circumstances.
