Feist-Weiller Cancer Center adds acupuncture
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: October 4, 2012
The Feist-Weiller Cancer Center (FWCC) at LSU Health Shreveport has announced the addition of clinical instructor and acupuncturist Meredith Stewart to its staff. Licensed in Louisiana, Meredith received her Master's degree in acupuncture and oriental medicine from the Academy of Oriental Medicine in Austin, TX. She comes to FWCC after three years in private practice.
Meredith will be working with patients as part of FWCC's Integrative Oncology program under the supervision of Syed Jafri, MD, and Tannaz Armaghany, MD.
"We are excited to offer our cancer patients yet another resource," said Dr. Jafri, an oncologist and hematologist. "Acupuncture, used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, has been found to be useful for cancer patients in improving their health and side effects from chemotherapy. We are providing a holistic approach to care for our cancer patients taking into account patients' psychological, physical, social and emotional needs. Acupuncture is the perfect addition to the growing integrative oncology program."
Acupuncture releases endorphins, which function as natural pain killers. It is proven useful to relieve pain, fatigue, dry mouth, hot flashes, insomnia and other conditions. In addition to treating the side effects of chemo and radiation, acupuncture can aid in speedy recoveries from surgical procedures.
Cancer patients currently under treatment and in remission stages may be eligible to participate under a doctor's supervision. For more information, call Lori Panu at 318.813.1405.
