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

Medications alone are not always 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 technique into the patient’s plan of care.  This session will provide participants with the basics of medical acupuncture, its applications for pain and symptom management and acupressure points that can be utilized on oneself and patients.