Bridge to Health

14/07/2025

Its amazing to see the coverage of Princess Catherine's recent revelation that she tried acupuncture during her cancer experience. While the Princess did not discuss how it may have helped, she did discuss the challenges of cancer treatment and of recovery from those treatments.

This week's cancer survivorship story sheds some light on how acupuncture can support recovery after cancer treatment. "Christine" is a bowel cancer survivor that I see in my Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors Clinic.

Christine writes:

"I've been seeing Beverley for treatment for nearly a year. Initially it was to see if acupuncture could help the chemo induced neuropathy in my feet.
hashtagin my feet which was causing balance, standing and walking issues.

As acupuncture treatment started I realised and started to process the trauma of a sudden cancer diagnosis, major bowel operation, chemo and how my body and emotions had been affected. It has been a learning journey for both of us and I've really appreciated being able to rely on Beverley's knowledge and expertise when I haven't known what I've needed.

I am now in a completely different place to a year ago. I no longer have any flashbacks and can talk about what happened without any anxiety rising. A bonus was my jaw pain through night teeth grinding disappeared after a couple of months. I've had a gradual return of energy, stamina, resilience and creativity.

Although I still have some neuropathy in my feet my balance has greatly improved, I can drive again and for longer distances, can now stand and chat to people which has helped my social life, can climb stairs more easily, walk faster and further and I can choose whether I sit down when out rather than being forced to find a seat.

As the acupuncture treatment has been tailored to my needs it has also helped with gut problems after my last colonoscopy and helped my body when fighting a virus. Beverley's tips have been very useful to my recovery and ones I won't forget.

It's been a year of ups and downs as life has thrown other things into the mix but looking back I can see how Beverley's tailored approach has really helped. Sessions deal with what is needed at that time and I'm sure that has aided my progress. Although I'm now 18 months clear of cancer I'm on a high monitoring programme as it's the type that can return so I shall still be continuing to see her. I am very glad that I discovered Beverley and I hope that others will benefit from sessions with her and having help with recovery from their cancer diagnosis and effects of treatments."

It was great to see Christine recently in clinic, and to see how vital, alive, and energetic she now is.

Find out more about Beverley's Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinic at Bridge to Health Uxbridge https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/beverley-devalois

Read her book "Acupuncture and Cancer Survivorship: Recovery, Renewal and Transformation" https://lnkd.in/e3PAGhid

Read "Integrative Medicine for Pain Management in Oncology: Society for Integrative Oncology–ASCO Guideline" https://lnkd.in/e4rPf5G8

Book an appointment to see Beverley de Valois at Bridge to Health Uxbridge. Call Kate on 01895 200050

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Dr Beverley de Valois PhD LicAc FBAcC MBLS
Acupuncture & ScarWork
Mobile: 07791 913624

My book is available to order now from all the major booksellers:
https://uk.singingdragon.com/products/acupuncture-and-cancer-survivorship

04/07/2025

In July, Beverley de Valois PhD Lic Ac, extends Cancer Survivorship Month by posting stories from people she sees in her Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors Clinics.

This week "SL" (81, and a survivor of both prostate cancer and multiple myeloma) shares how acupuncture addressed complex pain issues arising from treatment for multiple myeloma.

When SL first came for acupuncture, he could barely walk due to the chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) affecting his feet. His condition became more complex due to pain from hip surgery to replace a necrosing hip joint, another consequence of cancer treatment. SL writes:

"I am a two-time cancer survivor. My recent chemotherapy saved my life but had severe side effects, including peripheral neuropathy to my feet. When I first visited Beverley de Valois, I was weak and could barely walk. The results of three months’ acupuncture have been outstanding. Not only has my pain been reduced to a mild tingling in my toes, which I hope further treatment will eliminate, but I benefit from a greater feeling of wellbeing. I have renewed confidence and my partner tells me I am a better person to be with."

Clinical practice guidelines published jointly by the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), recommend acupuncture for many types of pain experienced by people living with and beyond cancer - shown in the algorithm below. SL's story illustrates how acupuncture can be effective in managing multiple types of cancer treatment-related pain.

Acupuncture can also improve overall quality of life and help cancer survivors regain confidence. It is great to see SL's transformation! Tanned and fit, he now walks easily with little discomfort. No longer needing support when walking, he has resumed his much loved sports activities.

Find out more about Beverley's Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinic at Bridge to Health Uxbridge https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/beverley-devalois

Read her book "Acupuncture and Cancer Survivorship: Recovery, Renewal and Transformation" https://lnkd.in/e3PAGhid

Read "Integrative Medicine for Pain Management in Oncology: Society for Integrative Oncology–ASCO Guideline" https://lnkd.in/e4rPf5G8

Book an appointment to see Beverley de Valois at Bridge to Health Uxbridge. Call Kate on 01895 200050

01/07/2025

DID YOU KNOW!
Having a Massage is equivalent to an additional two hours of sleep!
Its an important tool in promoting mental and physical health for both Men and Women

Massage from £63
Appointments available in both Ealing and Uxbridge

Feel free to ring, email or pop a question below!
01895 200 050
Help@bridgetohealth.co.uk

Kate at Bridge to Health

27/06/2025

In this week of Cancer Surivorship Month 2025, let's focus on the drug-free aspect of using acupuncture to support people with cancer, whether they are undergoing or recovering from active cancer treatments.

Many people with cancer do not want to take medications in addition to those essential for the management of their cancer. Acupuncture offers these cancer survivors choice - they can use acupuncture to manage the side effects or consequences of cancer treatments instead of taking more medication.

This can have advantages. For some conditions, for example hormonal therapy-related hot flushes and night sweats, research shows acupuncture to be as effective as the often-prescribed pharmaceutical interventions (gabapentin, venlafaxine; referenced on the infographic below). Having few or no side effects is a further advantage of acupuncture over some pharmaceuticals.

In addition, many people who have acupuncture report that their energy improves, as do symptoms other than those that are the focus of treatment.

These advantages are especially important in the age of the opioid crisis. Acupuncture can be helpful in managing pain - see the Clinical Practice Guidelines published by the Society for Integrative Oncology https://lnkd.in/e4rPf5G8. This makes it possible to reduce or eliminate the need to take painkillers. This reduces the possibility of addiction, and also avoids many of the side effects of painkillers, such as constipation and dry mouth.

What's not to like?

Bridge to Health Uxbridge is pleased to be one of the first acupuncture clinics in the UK dedicated to supporting cancer survivors post-treatment. Our acupuncturist, Beverley de Valois PhD LicAc FBAcC has over 25 years' experience as an acupuncturist working with people living with and beyond cancer, as well as over 25 years' as a researcher at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, part of the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust.

Find out more about the Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinic at Bridge to Health Uxbridge https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/beverley-devalois

To book an appointment online: https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/booking
OR call 01895 200050 and speak to Kate.

25/06/2025

Cancer Survivorship Month is an opportunity to increase awareness of how acupuncture can support people who have completed cancer treatment, and are transitioning to the new normal of life after cancer.

Today's focus is on multiple myeloma. This blood cancer arises from plasma cells and accounts for 15% of blood cancers, and 2% of all cancers.

While treatments for myeloma can be very effective at controlling the disease, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life, they can be challenging. People may experience ongoing consequences of treatment, which may be uncomfortable and disabling.

Acupuncture can help to manage these consequences, and help people to recover from treatment. Chaz has treatment with Beverley de Valois Phd LicAc at her Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinic at Bridge to Health Uxbridge. He has written this account of his experience to help increase awareness how how acupuncture can be used in the supportive care of people living with and beyond cancer:

"After undergoing chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma, I was left dealing with ongoing fatigue, neuropathy, poor sleep, digestive issues, dry mouth, and night sweats. The neuropathy in particular caused numbness and pain in my feet, requiring daily medication. I was introduced to acupuncture through a recommendation by Myeloma UK and, although I felt anxious before my first session, I quickly felt safe and understood. Beverley took real care to tailor the treatment to my specific challenges.

Since starting acupuncture, I've seen a huge improvement in my neuropathy—my medication dosage has halved, and I’m hopeful I’ll come off it entirely. My general wellbeing has also improved: I’m sleeping better, handling infections more easily despite a compromised immune system, and I feel I’ve gained more energy and motivation. It has also really helped me manage the anxiety around returning to work and adjusting to normal life again after a long period of isolation during treatment.

I would absolutely recommend acupuncture to others recovering from cancer treatment, especially if you’re ready to approach it with an open mind."

Beverley says "Its been a privilege to work with Chaz. And a great joy to see his transformation over the months to the vital, inspiring person that he is."

Find out more about the Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors clinic at Bridge to Health Uxbridge https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/beverley-devalois

To book an appointment online: https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/booking
OR call 01895 200050 and speak to Kate.

23/06/2025

We have appointments available in both clinics Ealing and Uxbridge on most days, even Saturdays!

Osteopathy from £73
Massage from £63
Pilates from £60
Acupuncture from £65
Hypnotherapy from £90

Feel free to ring, email or pop a question below!
01895 200 050
Help@bridgetohealth.co.uk

Kate at Bridge to Health

20/06/2025

Cancer Survivors Month is a good time to increase awareness of the evidence supporting how acupuncture can help people experiencing the short-, late-, and long-term consequences of cancer treatments.

Acupuncture is a safe, evidence-informed therapy that many oncologists and cancer health care professionals recommend to help support people living with and beyond cancer.

Especially influential are the recent guidelines for pain management published jointly by the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), which recommend acupuncture as an option to manage many forms of cancer related pain https://lnkd.in/ejhmP5yZ

Many research studies provide good evidence that acupuncture can be helpful in managing many other consequences of cancer treatment, including (and not limited to):
- dry mouth (xerostomia)
- chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)
- cancer treatment-related fatigue
- cancer-treatment related hot flushes and night sweats
- chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting

And it can address the emotional burden of a cancer diagnosis and treatments. These include anxiety, depressed mood, and fear of recurrence.

Check out the SIO website for their full range of clinical practice guidelines https://lnkd.in/ePnXheh7
Bridge to Health Uxbridge is pleased to offer one of the first acupuncture clinics in the UK to focus on helping people recover from cancer treatments. Our acupuncturist, Dr Beverley de Valois PhD LicAc FBAcC, has over 25 years' experience as a practising acupuncturist and as a researcher in the NHS. She has conducted many pioneering studies on using acupuncture in the supportive care of people with cancer. Check out her publications at https://beverleydevalois.com/publications
To book an appointment with Beverley, contact Bridge to Health Uxbridge and speak to Kate on 01895 200050, or book online at https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/booking
Dr Beverley de Valois PhD LicAc FBAcC MBLS
Acupuncture & ScarWork - Mobile: 07791 913624

04/06/2025

June is Cancer Survivorship Month. Many people believe that life returns to normal when cancer treatment ends. However, at least 25% of
hashtag
cancer survivors suffer late and long-term after effects of cancer and its treatment.

Often these consequences are not adequately addressed by the healthcare system. Many people are told that nothing can be done to alleviate their symptoms and that they need to learn to live with them. Acupuncture can help!

Bridge to Health Uxbridge is pleased to be one of the first acupuncture clinics in the UK dedicated to supporting cancer survivors post-treatment. Our acupuncturist, Beverley de Valois PhD LicAc FBAcC, has over 25 years' experience of research and clinical practice in using acupuncture to help people manage the consequences of their cancer treatment. These include troublesome symptoms such as:
- cancer treatment-related hot flushes and night sweats
hashtag
- chronic cancer-related fatigue
hashtag
- chronic post-cancer treatment pain, including chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy
hashta (including chemotherapy induced peripheral
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- cancer treatment-related lymphoedema
hashta
- anxiety and fear of recurrence
- and much more!

For more information, read Beverley's blog at https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/blog/acupuncture-for-cancer-survivors-efady-lb3x6

To book an appointment, call Kate on 01895 200050 or book online at https://www.bridgetohealth.co.uk/booking
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Dr Beverley de Valois PhD LicAc FBAcC MBLS
Acupuncture & ScarWork
Mobile: 07791 913624

My book is available to order now from all the major booksellers:
https://uk.singingdragon.com/products/acupuncture-and-cancer-survivorship

02/06/2025

1 June 2025 is Cancer Survivors Day.
hashtag
, is a theme of this year’s National Cancer Survivors Day, which marks the beginning of Cancer Survivorship Month. The aim is to bring attention to the challenges of cancer survivorship and commit to improving cancer survivors’ quality of life.

Cancer survivorship isn’t about just being alive after cancer. It’s about living life as fully as possible. A cancer survivor is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.

All cancer survivors deserve to thrive after cancer, not just survive it - to enjoy a life with less complication and more celebration. National Cancer Survivors Day is a Celebration of Life, but it is also a call to action for further research, more resources, and increased public awareness to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life

Today, and throughout June, I will be posting to raise awareness of the challenges of cancer survivorship, and to talk about how acupuncture can help support recovery, renewal, and transformation – both during cancer treatment and especially after cancer treatment ends.

Beverley de Valois PhD offers an Acupuncture for Cancer Survivorship clinic at Bridge to Heatlh Uxbridge. She says "My mission is to increase awareness of the challenges cancer survivors face after completing treatments for cancer (surgery, systemic anti-cancer treatments, radiotherapy) and to promote awareness of how acupuncture can help. It's important to spread the word that acupuncture is a safe, effective, evidence-informed, non-pharmacological option that can be offered to cancer survivors experiencing the consequences of cancer treatment."

National Cancer Survivors Day is a day to recognize cancer survivors, to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges cancer survivors face because of their diagnosis and treatment, and – most importantly – to celebrate life
Dr Beverley de Valois PhD LicAc FBAcC MBLS
Acupuncture & ScarWork
Mobile: 07791 913624

01/06/2025

Thriving after cancer is possible — and you deserve it.

Acupuncture is a gentle, drug-free way to ease the physical and emotional challenges that can follow cancer treatment.

Bridge to Health Uxbridge is proud to be one of the first UK clinics offering a dedicated “Acupuncture for Cancer Survivors” service, led by Beverley de Valois PhD LicAc.

Many survivors say, “Acupuncture has given me my life back.”
Ready to feel like you again? Book your session today.

28/05/2025

We have appointments available in both clinics Ealing and Uxbridge on most days, even Saturdays!

Osteopathy from £70
Massage from £60
Pilates from £60
Acupuncture from £65
Hypnotherapy from £90

Feel free to ring, email or pop a question below!
01895 200 050
Help@bridgetohealth.co.uk

Kate at Bridge to Health

21/05/2025