Katherine Kim Acupuncture Arts 24 Years as a Trusted Health Partner | Acupuncture, Nutrition & Mind-Body Counseling for All Ages | Connecticut

Holistic Care During & After
Cancer Treatment

Acupuncture is an evidence-based, non-pharmacological therapy that may alleviate cancer treatment side effects, enhance patient resilience, and improve quality of life. It may help with:

• Pain Management: Arthralgia, myalgia, arthritis, bone pain, joint pain, muscle aches, surgical pain, scar therapy (reducing adhesions, improving tissue mobility).
• Neuropathy & Circulation: Peripheral neuropathy (hands and feet), lymphedema, peripheral edema.
• Digestive Issues: Nausea, vomiting (chemo-induced, post-operative), constipation, diarrhea, gastrointestinal dysregulation.
• Energy & Cognitive Function: Fatigue, exhaustion, brain fog, cognitive dysfunction.
• Sleep Health: Insomnia, disrupted sleep patterns.
• Appetite & Metabolism: Loss of appetite, binge eating, weight fluctuations.
• Stress & Emotional Health: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress-related disorders, mood imbalances.
• Head, Face & Jaw: Migraines, tension headaches, TMJ dysfunction (jaw clenching, teeth grinding, bruxism).
• Temperature Regulation: Dysphoria from hot flashes and night sweats.
• Quality of Life: Enhancing resilience, reducing symptom burden, improving overall well-being, and supporting recovery during and after cancer treatment.

Testimonials from patients who have received 1-6 acupuncture treatments:

Insomnia

• "I slept for a solid three hours after (the) first acupuncture appointment. I can't remember sleeping like that in forever.'" (H.H., 50s)

Night Sweats & Hot Flashes

• “I haven't had a single night flash all week.” (A.C., 50s)
• “My hot flashes, night sweats have gotten much better. I used to wake up drenched but that hasn’t happened in a while.” (D.A., 70s)

Fatigue & Energy Levels

• “I have more energy and was able to get more done this past week.” (M.A., 50s)
• “Patient reports improvement in fatigue, +7 out of 10. That’s really good, especially for me.” (K.B., 40s)
• "I can now climb two flights of stairs without resting." (H.H., 70s)
• “Pain made it scary before. I have more confidence that I can do it now.” (S.C., 69)

Constipation & Digestive Health

• "After I come here, I can go for several days. The acupuncture seems to be doing something because usually I can't go at all." (C.B., 30s)
• "Patient said her stress level reduced after the first acupuncture session, and her constipation relieved." (D.F., 63)

General Relaxation & Emotional Well-Being

• “I feel a little lighter, like something lifted.” (B.C. 40s)
• “My stress is low, which is an improvement for me.” (T.B., 50s)
• “I feel more relaxed after acupuncture. When I arrived here I was very emotional but after treatment, feeling 100% better.” (C.D. 40s)
• “Very comfortable and relaxing.” (D.A. 30s)
• “I feel a bit more relaxed!” (C.R. 50s)
• "This is so relaxing.'" (H.H., 50s)
• "My anxiety is a 2 out of 10 now. I'm doing good. I feel calmer. I didn't want to go on medications. I prefer a natural way." (C.B., 50s) 

Neuropathy & Musculoskeletal Issues

• Neuropathy: Patient reported that the foot/ankle issues that have plagued her for nearly 40 years have improved. "It doesn’t feel as heavy, feels more flexible.” (J.E., 60s)
• “My hip pain is better. I was surprised by how much my hip felt better. I don’t have to sit sideways anymore.” (D.S., 60s)
• Sciatica: Patient reports having ‘100% relief’ after acupuncture. No pain or stiffness after sitting on the toilet. Better overall than before. No days of severe pain.” (S.C., 60s)
• "My knee pain is so much better. I can go down the stairs using both legs now instead of one by one. When I don’t feel the pain, I just want it to stay that way." 
• Knee pain: "It’s getting better. It is effective. I have hope. I told my husband that it feels better.” (S.C., 60s)
• "My neck pain is hardly bothering me today. -4/10 today." (D.F., 60s)
• "Shoulder pain has improved in just two sessions: Patient clasped both hands behind her head quickly, with no problems, perfect ROM, no pain." (M.J., 61)

Scar Therapy & Post-Surgical Recovery

• “I feel more movement around the scar than before. It’s definitely getting better.”
• Axillary web syndrome: "My PT said that my ROM was better yesterday and the scar tissue under left arm felt better. I agree, I don't feel it as much. I could do all the reps and it was just fine. My PT was saying 'What is going on?' Before I could only do 3 or 4 max." (Retired orthopedic doctor, 63)

Mindfulness & Breathwork Instruction

• “I had a scan yesterday and the machine was down so I did my breathwork and counting while I was waiting and it was magical.” (C.A., 40s)
• “At night when I breathe, my mind calms down and I can get to sleep. Slowly, I am learning.” (S.C., 69)

Anosmia & Dysgeusia (Loss of Smell & Taste)

• “There's a slight improvement in taste. Spicier foods are clearer now compared to before.” (K.B., 40s)

Dysphagia (Swallowing Issues)

• “Patient reports improvement in swallowing. ‘I was choking or trying as hard to swallow as before.’” (M.J., 60s)

References:

Acupuncture in cancer care: recommendations for safe practice. Supportive Care in Cancer. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-024-08386-6

Acupuncture for Neuropathy, Cancer Pain, Anxiety, and More. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/news/acupuncture-for-neuropathy-cancer-pain-anxiety-and-more

Can Acupuncture Help Cancer Survivors with Chronic Pain? National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2021/acupuncture-for-pain-cancer-survivors

Acupuncture in cancer care: recommendations for safe practice. Supportive Care in Cancer. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-024-08386-6

Acupuncture for Neuropathy, Cancer Pain, Anxiety, and More. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/news/acupuncture-for-neuropathy-cancer-pain-anxiety-and-more

Can Acupuncture Help Cancer Survivors with Chronic Pain? National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2021/acupuncture-for-pain-cancer-survivors

Acupuncture in cancer care: recommendations for safe practice. Supportive Care in Cancer. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-024-08386-6

FOR ONCOLOGY CARE:

Patients from St. Vincent's Medical Center Cancer Institute (Bridgeport) are welcome to treatments at the Wellness Spa, 3rd Floor. (Weds, by appointment only)

All cancer patients who are NOT patients at St. V's are welcome to treatments at our Westport office. (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, by appt only.)