Medical Acupuncture: A Non-Pharmacologic Approach to Symptom Management at the End of Life

Medications alone are always not fully effective in the management of a patient's pain and symptoms. The utilization of medical acupuncture as a non-pharmacologic approach to pain and symptom management is an effective adjunct to conventional care. By understanding the basics of acupuncture and learning some simple acupressure points and techniques, hospice and palliative care professionals can incorporate this treatment into the patient plan of care. At the completion of this presentation, participants will understand the basics of medical acupuncture, its applications for pain and symptom management and various acupressure points for patients.