Understanding Acupuncture
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese healing method practiced for thousands of years, provides a holistic way to heal. It’s well-known for easing pain and relieving stress. However, its role extends further, particularly in cancer care, where it serves as a valuable complementary therapy.
Studies have highlighted acupuncture’s effectiveness in pain reduction, immune system support through increased white blood cell production and lymphocyte activity, and enhancement of lymphatic system function, vital for overall wellness during cancer treatment.
This post focuses on auricular acupuncture for cancer care. We’ll discuss its safety and effectiveness. Stay tuned for future posts on cupping therapy and needling therapy.
Why Use Acupuncture for Cancer Care?
Acupuncture has many benefits, especially when it comes to cancer care. Acupuncture can improve various aspects of cancer care. It can reduce pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression, and improve sleep quality and digestion. It may also boost the immune system and lymphatic system function. Acupuncture can significantly improve a cancer patient’s overall well-being. For more information on the benefits and history of acupuncture, see our blog post on needling acupuncture.
Acupuncture Techniques
Acupuncturists utilize various methods, including:
- Needling: Tiny needles are placed at targeted points along the meridians using either fingers or a machine.
- Auricular Therapy: This method involves using seeds on the ears to stimulate the external surface of the ear, reducing pain
- Cupping: This technique improves blood circulation by applying negative pressure to the skin.
In this blog, we will delve into the practice of auricular therapy, also known as ear acupuncture, and explore its role in promoting health and well-being. Check out our other blogs on needling acupuncture and cupping.
Understanding Auricular Therapy
Auricular therapy, also known as auriculotherapy or ear acupuncture, is a traditional medicine technique based on the idea that the external ear (auricle) is a microcosm of the entire body. By stimulating specific points on the ear, practitioners believe they can diagnose and treat health conditions in other parts of the body. Your entire body is reflected in your ear, and stimulating these points can activate healing from head to toe.
The goal of auricular therapy is to stimulate these acupoints. This stimulation is believed to:
- Balance the Body’s Energy: Practitioners believe that auricular acupuncture helps balance the body’s energy (Qi) flow, restoring harmony and improving overall health.
- Enhancing Detoxification: This technique is thought to support the body’s natural detoxification processes, helping to eliminate toxins and improve metabolic function.
The Theory Behind Auricular Therapy
Microsystem Reflexology: The core principle of auricular therapy lies in the concept that the ear reflects the entire body. Specific points on the ear correspond to various organs, glands, and systems throughout the body. Stimulating these points is thought to influence the corresponding areas and promote healing.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Auricular therapy is closely linked to traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine theory suggests that the body’s vital energy, known as qi, flows along pathways called meridians. By stimulating acupuncture points, including those on the ear, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe they can regulate the flow of qi and restore balance in the body.
Benefits of Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture offers a wide array of therapeutic benefits, particularly for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. By stimulating specific points on the ear that correspond to organs and systems throughout the body, this technique can create systemic changes that support healing, reduce discomfort, and improve overall quality of life.
- Pain Reduction: One of the most well-documented benefits of auricular acupuncture is its ability to reduce pain. By targeting nerve-rich areas on the ear, this therapy can help modulate the central nervous system and release endorphins—the body’s natural painkillers. It is especially useful for managing chronic pain, postoperative pain, and treatment-related pain, such as that from surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
- Improved Sleep: Auricular therapy can help regulate the nervous system, calm the mind, and restore natural sleep cycles. Many patients report falling asleep more easily and experiencing deeper, more restful sleep following treatment.
- Reduced Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea is one of the most debilitating side effects of chemotherapy. Auricular acupuncture has been shown in clinical studies to reduce nausea and vomiting by stimulating points that regulate digestive function and calm the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in the gut-brain connection.
- Enhanced Emotional Well-Being: Cancer affects mental health as much as it does physical health. Auricular acupuncture can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and emotional overwhelm by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and enhancing the release of mood-stabilizing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This can result in greater emotional resilience and a more stable mood during treatment.
- Support for Detoxification: Stimulating auricular points may help balance immune system activity by influencing the autonomic nervous system and modulating inflammatory responses. This may contribute to improved immune surveillance and healing capacity, which are critical during and after cancer treatment.
- Boosted Immune Function: Cancer treatments often place a heavy burden on the body’s detoxification systems. Auricular acupuncture is believed to support the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system by stimulating points that correspond to these organs. This may enhance the body’s natural ability to eliminate toxins, reduce inflammation, and restore balance.
- Hormonal and Nervous System Regulation: Auricular therapy can help regulate hormonal imbalances caused by cancer or its treatments. It may aid in stabilizing cortisol levels, reducing adrenal fatigue, and calming overactivity in the sympathetic nervous system—often responsible for the “fight or flight” response. This shift toward parasympathetic dominance supports deeper rest, recovery, and healing.
How is Auricular Therapy Performed?
There are several ways to stimulate auricular points:
- Acupuncture needles: Thin, sterile needles are inserted at specific points on the ear. The needles are usually left in place for a short period, ranging from a few seconds to 30 minutes.
- Acupressure: Practitioners apply pressure using their fingers, thumb, or a blunt probe to specific points on the ear.
- Ear seeds: Tiny seeds affixed to adhesive patches are placed on specific auricular points. These seeds can be left in place for several days, allowing for sustained stimulation.
- Electrical stimulation: Low-level electrical current may be applied to acupuncture needles inserted in auricular points.
Auricular Therapy for Cancer Patients
In addition to its potential benefits for general well-being, auricular therapy has shown promise in supporting cancer patients. Some studies have investigated the use of auricular acupuncture as an adjunct therapy to manage cancer-related symptoms such as pain, nausea, and fatigue. Auricular acupuncture has been suggested to help alleviate treatment-related side effects and improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, acupuncture, particularly auricular acupuncture, offers a unique approach to addressing various health concerns, including its potential benefits for cancer patients. By targeting specific points on the ear, this technique taps into the body’s innate healing abilities and promotes overall well-being.
For additional details on alternative acupuncture techniques, explore our other blog posts covering Needling and Cupping.
Contact us today to begin your acupuncture journey and experience the healing benefits it can offer.
References
- Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2018;55(4):e11-e12. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.08.020
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28859882/
- Cho JH, Moon JY, Kim JI, et al. The Effect of Auricular Acupressure on Anxiety in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:3976845. doi:10.1155/2017/3976845 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36545041/
- Yeh CH, Chien LC, Chiang YC, et al. Auricular point acupressure for chronic pain: a feasibility study of auricular point acupressure for cancer-related pain in breast cancer survivors. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2014;47(2):213-222. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.03.014 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25439120/
- Li J, Liu J, Vickers AJ, et al. Acupuncture for neck pain: An overview of systematic reviews [Cochrane Database Syst Rev]. 2016;(7):CD007584. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007584.pub3 https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013814/full/hr
- Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Ear acupuncture for chronic pain conditions: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials [Pain Medicine]. 2010;11(4):400-412. doi:10.1111/j.1526-4637.2009.00932.x https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6205765/
| Feature | Mebendazole | Fenbendazole |
|---|---|---|
| Approved for humans | Yes (various parasitic infections) | No (veterinary use, off-label interest) |
| Binding affinity | High for parasite β-tubulin, moderate for human cancer β-tubulin | Similar β-tubulin binding but some differences in metabolic handling |
| Bioavailability | Low (but increased with fatty meals; absorption may increase up to ~20–25% with a fatty meal, compared to <10% fasting). High variability between patients. | Low; often given with fatty food to enhance absorption; food improves absorption in general |
| Additional effects | Anti-angiogenesis, CSC inhibition | Anti-angiogenesis, CSC inhibition |
Oncology Dosing Comparisons
Mebendazole in cancer studies:
- Human trials have used 100–200 mg daily (sometimes higher, up to 1–1.5 g/day for 3–4 days per week).
- Toxicity is usually low, but high doses can cause liver enzyme elevation.
Fenbendazole in anecdotal oncology use:
- Common “off-label” patient-driven dosing is 222–444 mg/day to twice daily, 3–4 days/week with food.
- No formal clinical trials in humans; evidence is preclinical and anecdotal.
- Recent publication by Baghi et al. showed fenbendazole 1000 mg/day for 3 days.
So it seems that it does not matter much between mebendazole and fenbendazole especially if taken with a fatty meal. Other microtubule agents either work by stabilizing and freezing (Taxanes: Paclitaxel/Docetaxel or destabilizing (Vinka alkaloids: Vincristine/Vinblastine) but all are poorly absorbed in oral form and need to be given intravenously. It seems that both mebendazole and fenbendazole have a low solubility for water making an intravenous formulas difficult. There is work on liposomal and nanoparticle forms. From what I can tell at this time, both of these forms are free of mRNA and nano-bot technology but recheck if this delivery routes become available.
As always, it is best to be taking these medications under the supervision of a physician where your liver enzymes can be monitored. The medications are relatively safe with less side effects than the FDA approved chemotherapeutic agents like paclitaxel or vincristine but the efficacy is questioned due to its low bioavailability. The publication by Baghi et. al. proposes using these medications with other therapies including high dose intravenous vitamin C etc.
Targeting Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs)
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells with self-renewal capabilities and resistance to conventional therapies. Certain antiparasitics have demonstrated potential in targeting CSCs:
- Ivermectin: Shown to inhibit CSC self-renewal and promote differentiation in various cancer types.
- Niclosamide: Effectively targets CSCs by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which is crucial for CSC maintenance.
- Mebendazole: Can disrupt microtubule function and target CSCs, affecting their proliferation and survival.
Turning Cold Tumors into Hot Tumors
Tumors are often classified as either ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ based on the presence or absence of immune cell infiltration. ‘Hot’ tumors are infiltrated with immune cells, making them more susceptible to immunotherapy. ‘Cold’ tumors, on the other hand, lack immune cell infiltration and are often resistant to immunotherapy.
Some antiparasitic medications have shown promise in converting cold tumors into hot tumors by:
- Enhancing immune cell infiltration: Some antiparasitics can promote the recruitment of immune cells, such as T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, into the tumor microenvironment.
- Increasing antigen presentation: They can enhance the presentation of tumor-associated antigens, making cancer cells more visible to the immune system.
- Reversing immunosuppression: Certain antiparasitics can counteract immunosuppressive mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment.
Antiparasitics with evidence for turning cold tumors into hot tumors:
- Ivermectin
- Niclosamide
This conversion is significant because it can make tumors more responsive to immunotherapies like checkpoint inhibitors. Checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab) work by blocking proteins that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells. When combined with antiparasitics that can ‘heat up’ tumors, the results can be more promising. This combination allows the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively
Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment (TME)
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is the complex ecosystem surrounding a tumor, comprising blood vessels, immune cells, fibroblasts, and signaling molecules. The TME plays a crucial role in cancer progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance.
Mechanisms by Which Parasites Promote Cancer:
| Process | Effect on Tumor Microenvironment (TME) |
|---|---|
| Chronic inflammation | Leads to constant cell turnover, DNA damage, and mutation risk |
| Immune modulation or suppression | Reduces tumor surveillance, allowing cancer cells to escape detection |
| Fibrosis & tissue remodeling | Alters extracellular matrix, promoting invasion and angiogenesis |
| Oxidative stress | Produces free radicals that damage DNA and mitochondria |
| Co-infection with oncogenic viruses | Suppresses the immune system, allowing latent viruses (like EBV, HPV) to drive cancer |
| Nutrient hijacking | Depletes host of nutrients, leading to immune dysfunction and mitochondrial damage |
Why is the tumor microenvironment important?
The tumor microenvironment provides support for cancer cells, promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), and suppresses the immune system, allowing the tumor to grow and spread. Modulating the TME can disrupt these processes and enhance the efficacy of cancer therapies.
Several antiparasitic medications have demonstrated the ability to modulate the TME:
- Ivermectin: Can reduce angiogenesis and inflammation within the TME.
- Niclosamide: Can inhibit signaling pathways that promote TME remodeling and
- Mebendazole: Exhibits anti-angiogenic properties and can disrupt the interaction between cancer cells and stromal cells within the TME.
Why Stool Tests are Negative for Parasites
Parasites commonly enter through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but many species have evolved to migrate into other organs, where they may encyst, reproduce, or cause systemic disease.
This behavior — called tissue migration or extraintestinal dissemination — is not rare. In fact, for many parasites, leaving the GI tract is a normal part of their life cycle. It’s the goal.
Once ingested via contaminated food, water, or soil, some parasites:
- Penetrate the intestinal wall
- Enter the bloodstream or lymphatics
- Migrate to target organs (e.g. liver, lungs, brain, muscle)
- May form cysts, cause chronic inflammation, or lay eggs.
Migrating parasites cause chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and immune dysregulation — all of which promote tumor development, autoimmunity, and neurodegeneration.
It is possible that many people may be chronically infected with asymptomatic, encysted forms of parasites in non-GI tissues, especially in the liver, brain, and muscle that are missed by stool testing. However, there are significant benefits to stool testing. A comprehensive stool analysis is designed to assess the gut microbiome, digestive health, and intestinal inflammation which can be useful in both pre and post cancer treatments.
Do These Antiparasitic Meds Work?
The million dollar question- do antiparasitic meds work for cancer? Laboratory studies, animal models, and early human case reports have shown tumor shrinkage or slowed growth when antiparasitic drugs are used alongside other therapies. The effect isn’t limited to one cancer type — responses have been noted in brain, colon, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers, among others. Lacking are large randomized trials demonstrating consistent, clinically meaningful benefit across cancer types and settings. Much human evidence is through case reports, small phase-I studies, or is limited by poor formulation/bioavailability
Summary
In summary, anti-parasitic medications represent a promising area of research in cancer therapy. Their diverse mechanisms of action, including targeting cancer stem cells and modulating the tumor microenvironment, offer potential benefits in combating cancer. Furthermore, some anti-parasitics can turn immunologically ‘cold’ tumors ‘hot’, making them more susceptible to checkpoint inhibitors. While further research is needed, the existing evidence suggests that anti-parasitic medications may play a valuable role in future cancer treatment strategies. Like many things, anti-parasitics are not a stand alone therapy. Always consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new cancer therapy. Protocols should be different for every patient as they area a unique individual. This information should not be used as medical advice.
References
- Crump, A. (2017). Ivermectin: enigmatic multifaceted ‘wonder’ drug continues to surprise with its potential for beneficial new applications. Chemotherapy, 62(6), 293–301.
- Emran, T. B., et al. (2021). Niclosamide, a repurposed drug: An overview of its prospective application in oncology. Investigational New Drugs, 39(3), 861–872.
- Mukhopadhyay, S., et al. (2013). Mebendazole elicits potent anticancer effects on human cancer cell lines. Anticancer Research, 33(4), 1295–1302.
- Navarro, M. L., et al. (2020). Praziquantel inhibits growth and induces cell death in colorectal cancer cells. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 130, 110558.
- Meng, X., Luo, Q., Sun, S., & Wei, X. (2019). Parasite infection, carcinogenesis and human malignancy. eBioMedicine, 43, 37–45.
- Gouveia, M. J., Santos, J., Brindley, P. J., Rinaldi, G., Lopes, C., Santos, L. L., & Vale, N. (2016). Carcinogenesis associated with parasites other than Schistosoma, Opisthorchis and Clonorchis: A systematic review. International Journal of Cancer, 139(6), 1175–1184.
- Li, X., Li, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2024). Parasite-enhanced immunotherapy: transforming the “cold” tumors to “hot” battlefields. Cell Communication and Signaling, 22(1), 205.
- Zhang, Q., Chen, L., & Huang, H. (2025). From pathogen to cure: exploring the antitumor potential of Toxoplasma gondii. Infectious Agents and Cancer, 20(1), 12.
- Baghli, I., Makis, W., Marik, P. E., Gonzalez, M. J., Grant, W. B., Hunninghake, R., Levy, T. E., Lim, H., Cheng, R. Z., Bondarenko, I., Bousquet, P., Ortiz, R., Mary, M., D’Agostino, D. P., Martinez, P. (2024). Targeting the Mitochondrial-Stem Cell Connection in Cancer Treatment: A Hybrid Orthomolecular Protocol. Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, 39(3).
- Yu, S. (2010). Accidental Cure: Extraordinary Medicine for Extraordinary Patients. Louis, MO: Prevention and Healing, Inc. ISBN-13: 978-0-9797342-6-7
- Yu, S. (2025, April 16). The Parasite Connection: How Treating Hidden Infections May Impact Cancer Outcomes [Podcast episode]. In Integrative Cancer Solutions with Dr. Karlfeldt. Retrieved from Apple Podcasts
- Manson, P. Tropical Diseases: A Manual of the Diseases of Warm Climates. Early editions (1898–1921) mention cocaine drops for ocular extraction of Loa loa.
- Duke, B. O. L. The clinical features of Loa loa infection. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. Mid-20th century papers describe local anesthetic use for worm extraction.
- Bouvard, V., et al. Parasite Infection, Carcinogenesis and Human Malignancy. (review) — see PMC.
- Sripa, B., et al. The tumorigenic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini – multiple pathways to cholangiocarcinoma. (review) — PLoS / PMC.
- Smout, M. J., Laha, T., Mulvenna, J., et al. (2009). A granulin-like growth factor secreted by the carcinogenic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini promotes proliferation of host cells. PLoS Pathogens.
- IARC / reviews on Schistosoma haematobium and bladder cancer; see relationship reviews and Frontiers article on urogenital schistosomiasis and bladder carcinoma.
- Hamar, B., Teutsch, B., et al. (2023). Trichomonas vaginalis infection is associated with increased risk of cervical carcinogenesis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet.
- Fichorova, R. N., et al. Trichomonas vaginalis virus/TVV — reviews and primary research on dsRNA viruses in vaginalis and pro-inflammatory effects (see PMC).
- Bai, R. Y., Staedtke, V., Aprhys, C. M., Gallia, G. L., Riggins, G. J. (2011). Antiparasitic mebendazole shows survival benefit in 2 preclinical models of glioblastoma multiforme. Neuro Oncol, 13(9), 974–982.
- Meco, D., Attinà, G., Mastrangelo, S., Navarra, P., Ruggiero, A. (2023). Emerging Perspectives on the Antiparasitic Mebendazole as a Repurposed Drug for the Treatment of Brain Cancers. J. Mol. Sci., 24, 1334.
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