Feel like yourself throughout cancer treatment and recovery with gentle, personalized acupuncture care.

Acupuncture for Cancer Care in Edmonton & Area

Oncology Acupuncture is provided by Erinne Adachi, Dr. Acupuncture in:

Book in Edmonton
Book in St. Albert

Direct billing and free parking are available at both locations.

What is Oncology Acupuncture?

Oncology acupuncture is a gentle, evidence-informed approach to relief that supports patients at every stage of the cancer experience—from diagnosis and treatment through to recovery and survivorship.

Treatments are adapted to your individual needs and work alongside your medical care, with a focus on reducing side effects, improving comfort, and helping you to feel more like yourself again.

How acupuncture helps during cancer treatment

Oncology acupuncture can provide relief or improve many of the common side effects of cancer and its treatment, including:

  • Anxiety, depression, and emotional stress
  • Nausea, vomiting, and other digestive concerns
  • Fatigue, brain fog (“chemo brain”), and sleep difficulties
  • Pain, including peripheral neuropathy and joint pain
  • Low immune function
  • Support during recovery and rehabilitation

The goal is to help you maintain comfort, stability, and quality of life at all stages of the cancer pathway.

Is acupuncture safe during cancer treatment?

Oncology acupuncture is proven safe and does not negatively interfere with chemotherapy or other biomedical treatments. When provided by a trained practitioner, acupuncture can be safely adapted for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Further to this, acupuncture has been proven to help oncology patients tolerate their medical treatments better, helping them maintain treatment and dose schedules, avoiding pauses or delays.

About Dr. Erinne Adachi

Erinne Adachi is a registered acupuncturist based in Edmonton with a special focus on oncology acupuncture. She supports patients through treatment and recovery with personalized, evidence-informed care, helping them navigate the cancer experience with dignity.

She completed her acupuncture diploma with distinction at MacEwan University and went on to earn her International Oncology Acupuncture Certificate (the most thorough oncology acupuncture training available) through the TCM Academy of Integrative Medicine. Erinne is registered with the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta and is a member of the Society for Integrative Oncology. She was also a contributing editor to the book Evidence-Based Oncology Acupuncture.

Erinne is committed to creating a space where patients feel safe and understood. She brings a calm, compassionate presence to her work, offering moments of lightness in the treatment room while remaining focused on alleviating suffering and enhancing quality of life.

FAQs

Acupuncture has been widely studied for its role in supporting cancer care, particularly in managing treatment-related side effects such as nausea, pain, and fatigue. Research continues to support its use as a complementary therapy alongside standard medical treatment. The evidence is strong enough that several centres across the world integrate acupuncture care right in their hospitals.

No. Acupuncture is not a treatment for cancer itself. It is used alongside conventional care to support your body and spirit, and to help manage the effects of the disease and its necessary medical treatments. Acupuncture is not a replacement for biomedical oncology treatment.

Following a thorough initial consultation, treatments typically last between 30–60 minutes. Acupuncture points, number of needles, and treatment timing are all tailored to your individual needs as well as to where you are in your medical treatment cycle. Sessions are typically gentle and relaxing, with the goal of creating a calm, supportive space for rest and recovery.

Acupuncture can be integrated at any point during the cancer experience.

Some patients benefit from occasional treatments for rest, relief, or recovery, particularly with peak post-chemotherapy symptoms. Others find more frequent (typically weekly) sessions helpful for managing ongoing side effects. Treatment frequency can be adjusted based on your needs and response.

No. Herbs and supplements require utmost caution. Consult with your oncologist. More information on herbs in relation to cancer treatment can be found through the Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center Website.

Yes. It is important that your healthcare team is aware of all treatments you are receiving, including acupuncture.

Accessibility & Community Acupuncture

Access to more regular treatment can be important, particularly when managing ongoing symptoms. Community/group acupuncture options are currently being developed to offer lower-cost treatments and support consistent care. Feel free to reach out directly with questions regarding potential community acupuncture opportunities.