New Documentary Explores Acupuncture’s Potential in Helping Cancer Victims

LA VERNE, Calif., May 07, 2018 -- In recognition of May as Brain Cancer Awareness Month, the Acupuncture Now Foundation (ANF) and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM®) today announced the release of a new documentary exploring the role of acupuncture in the treatment of cancer victims. Now available for free viewing on the ANF’s website, the 30-minute film chronicles the stories of two young boys diagnosed with brain cancer who were cared for at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) in the city of Orange, California.

“While acupuncture is certainly gaining in popularity, its potential is still being underestimated,” said Matthew Bauer, President of the ANF. “We wanted to produce a documentary that shows how this ancient health care approach can and should be incorporated into modern medicine.”   

Co-produced and directed by Doug Dearth (also the producer of the documentary 9000 Needles), this first ANF episode of the documentary series Getting to the Point has Dearth meeting the families of young Cade Spinello and Max Wilford. Viewers learn the touching stories of how they and their families dealt with the devastating effects of childhood cancer.

Facing the complications from brain surgery and their upcoming chemotherapy treatments, CHOC neurosurgeon Dr. William Loudon suggests to Cade’s and Max’s parents that they try something outside the box—and introduces them to CHOC hospital acupuncturist Ruth McCarty. This unique treatment approach helps ease the fatigue, nausea and pain so common in cancer victims, while Cade is also aided in the recovery of a devastating stroke he suffered after his second brain surgery.

“Many people struggling with cancer, as well as parents of children suffering serious illnesses like cancer, would not think of acupuncture as a viable additional resource,” said Bauer. “We want to help people better understand the strengths and weakness of this natural healing system as well as how they can find qualified practitioners and facilities.”

As a longstanding national advocate of the practice of acupuncture, the NCCAOM was the perfect partner to join forces with the ANF as a major sponsor for the film. The NCCAOM’s mission is to assure the safety and well-being of the public and promote national evidence-based standards of competence. 

“The wide-ranging, profound healing effects of acupuncture remain largely unknown to the general public,” said Kory Ward-Cook, Ph.D., CAE, Chief Executive Officer of the NCCAOM. “This documentary is of great importance not only to the acupuncture community, but to potential viewers everywhere. We are honored to sponsor the film, and we recognize the need for additional funding so that more such films can be made.”

To learn more about how acupuncture can help alleviate or relieve different health conditions, visit the NCCAOM’s Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine News and Resource Center. To find an NCCAOM National Board-certified Acupuncturist in your area, click on Find a Practitioner at www.nccaom.org. For more information about the film or the “Getting to the Point” documentary series, contact the ANF via their website.

About NCCAOM
The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM^®) is a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization established in 1982. NCCAOM is the only national organization that validates entry-level competency in the practice of acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) through professional certification. NCCAOM certification or a passing score on the NCCAOM certification examinations are documentation of competency for licensure as an acupuncturist by 44 states plus the District of Columbia which represents 98% of the states that regulate acupuncture. All NCCAOM certification programs are currently accredited by the National Commission for Certification Agencies (NCCA).  To learn more about the NCCAOM, or about acupuncture and national board certification visit www.nccaom.org.

About ANF
The Acupuncture Now Foundation is a U.S.-based, international organization dedicated to educating the public, healthcare providers and health policymakers about the practice of acupuncture. The ANF has particular interest in public outreach campaigns, the role of research and encouraging the development of acupuncture best practices. Visit acunow.org for more information.  

CONTACT:

Matthew Bauer, ANF
(909) 599-2347
[email protected]

Sabrina Suarez, NCCAOM
[email protected]
714.573.0899 x227