Acupuncture for Breast Cancer Patients

Honolulu-based acupuncturist Jayne Tsuchiyama is the first Hawaii recipient of a Susan G. Komen grant created to make acupuncture available to low-income women undergoing breast cancer treatment. The grant will allow Tsuchiyama to give treatments at The Queen’s Cancer Center to about 30 women who are under-insured or uninsured. Tsuchiyama has a private practice, Integrated Medicine Oahu, and also provides services at Queen’s, treating people for the side effects of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The treatments target side effects such as nausea, pain and neuropathy (numbness and pain). Next up for Tsuchiyama? Applying for an HMSA grant to study the effects of acupuncture on neuropathy. “There are very few drugs that can treat that, and it can be so bad it can stop the chemotherapy process.” For more information, visit  imoahu.com or queens.org.