December, 2008— InspireHealth, Canada's foremost integrated cancer care centre, has introduced free acupuncture treatments for chemotherapy patients in British Columbia experiencing side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue and peripheral neuropathy. The clinical program, administered by a medical doctor, is offered twice a week and is free to patients undergoing cancer treatments at InspireHealth. Research has shown that acupuncture lessens common chemotherapy side effects, and promotes deep relaxation and a state of well-being. It helps balance the body's nervous system, improves circulation, and enhances the body's detoxification mechanisms. InspireHealth cites over 40 research studies that validate the effectiveness of acupuncture for the management of chemotherapy-related distress.

"Increasingly, cancer patients are looking to health supportive methods of managing chemotherapy and radiation related ailments," said Dr. Ron Puhky, a medical doctor who leads InspireHealth's acupuncture program."Integrative oncology is being driven by a growing body of clinical evidence substantiating the effectiveness of a whole-person approach to cancer care. As a result, acupuncture is gaining in popularity throughout Canada as a supportive treatment for cancer patients as more provinces accredit practitioners."

With over 30 years of experience, InspireHealth physician Dr. Ron Puhky is a pioneer of integrative medicine. He was a founding member of the American Holistic Medical Association in 1978 and the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture in 1985. He has studied acupuncture in both Europe and China and now teaches throughout the United States and Canada. From 2004 to 2006, Dr. Puhky was the president of the Association of Complementary and Integrative Physicians of British Columbia.

To Book an Acupuncture Appointment

Chemotherapy patients who are interested in this treatment must first book an appointment with an InspireHealth medical doctor for a consultation, a free service covered by MSP. Once a patient is assessed they can then register for the acupuncture program. Interested patients should contact InspireHealth at (604) 734-7125 for more information.