Balancing Method for Pain Related to Advanced Cancer

Pain is common among patients with cancer, with estimates as high as 90% for those with advanced disease. Opioid medication, the most common treatment, has potential adverse effects including nausea and fatigue, further interfering with quality of life. Acupuncture has been studied for the treatment of cancer-related pain, with promising results in a few methodologically sound studies with small sample size. Prior studies have found beneficial effects of open treatment using a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-based acupuncture protocol and Dr. Tan's Balancing Method. This open trial seeks to confirm the benefit of acupuncture, utilizing Dr. Tan's Balancing Method, for patients with pain related to advanced cancer.