Integrative medicine and wellness services are offered at the Abramson Cancer Center. Reiki, yoga and acupuncture can supplement traditional cancer treatments – leading to a better quality of life by reducing the side effects of cancer and treatments. Adam Schreiber, acupuncturist for Penn Medicine’s Integrative Medicine program, explains the advantages of the procedure for cancer patients.

Adam Schreiber

Adam Schreiber is an experienced acupuncturist licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine and certified in Oriental Medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Adam has worked with the director of Penn Medicine’s Integrative Medicine and Wellness program, Jun Mao, MD in National Institutes of Health-funded clinical trials of acupuncture, for pain and symptom management in breast cancer, for the last three years.

Well regarded by patients and colleagues as highly professional, compassionate, and skillful, Adam is the first credentialed non-physician acupuncturist to join Penn Medicine.

What is acupuncture? 

Acupuncture originated in China, and has been practiced for more than 2,500 years. It is a technique in which hair-thin needles are inserted through the skin to treat a variety of conditions.

While it is not fully understood, the mechanism through which acupuncture can help pain and symptom distress may involve helping the brain to release neuro-chemicals such as endorphins and helping the brain to better regulate regulate the autonomic nervous system. Through these and other mechanisms of action, acupuncture can help combat the side effects of cancer and aggressive cancer treatment.

How does an acupuncture session work?

During a typical acupuncture session, patients lay comfortably on a cushioned table. An acupuncturist then inserts hair-thin, single-use sterilized needles into the patient’s skin in key areas, known to stimulate the body to help heal itself.

Sessions typically lasts between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the treatment plan for the individual patient.

Schreiber adds, “most patients tolerate the procedure with minimal discomfort – it’s not at all like having blood drawn, or receiving a vaccination”. Sometimes patients can see results immediately, and sometimes it may take several sessions before any benefit can be realized. Generally speaking, patients will know if acupuncture can help them within four to eight treatments.

How can acupuncture supplement my cancer treatment options and survivorship efforts?

Penn’s Integrative Medicine and Wellness program is designed with the cancer patient in mind. It brings acupuncture directly into a conventional cancer therapy setting and treatment is tailored specifically to the patient’s needs. Our doctors and researchers are also hard at work conducting research to better understand how acupuncture intersects with cancer treatment, which will help us to understand how acupuncture can best help each individual patient.

“I think that’s what’s nice about it,” said Schreiber, “knowing you’re going to an acupuncturist that is comfortable [and experienced] with these types of patients, one who sees them regularly and understands their concerns.”

Join hundreds of others in the Ride to Conquer Cancer® – a two day, 150* mile bike ride through Pennsylvania’s picturesque landscape. Want to know more about what your contribution will bring to the fight against cancer? In this post, we’ll explain just how you’ll be helping the cancer community.An opportunity to help cure cancerJoin Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) in the Ride to Conquer Cancer (RTCC)— an unforgettable experience and epic bike ride on October 11 – 12, 2014, through Pennsylvania’s picturesque landscape, heading towards one life-changing destination: curing cancer.For most riders, covering roughly 150 miles over 2 days will be physically challenging. But all will find it to be a weekend that is incredibly rewarding — a chance to truly change the course of cancer research, riding side by side with our physicians, patients, and families, to raise serious funds and awareness in the ACC’s fight to cure cancer. Clearly, this ride isn’t just for serious cyclists, but anyone looking to make a difference. Putting your dollars to work in the fight against cancer To join, cyclists are asked to raise a minimum of $2,500 in donations. It’s surprising how quickly the donations add up once you put your heart, creativity, and commitment into securing donations.Your participation in The Ride to Conquer Cancer will support our team approach to cancer research, education and care; as well as ensuring the sustainability of our core mission:Development and support of team-oriented research and care programs specializing in each type of cancerExpansion and integration of cancer-related patient services and interdisciplinary clinical programsEducational programs for physicians, scientists, students, nurses, and others to stay current on the latest cancer informationRecruitment and support of new faculty with a commitment to cancer research and careCommunity outreach and education to enhance cancer prevention in our communitiesInvestment in the future – as we break through the next frontier of cancer discovery through programs like Penn Medicine’s Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Translational Centers of Excellence (TCEs), The Roberts Proton Therapy Center and many others leading the fight. Join UsThis event will be a remarkable experience, bringing together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists, and their supporters with a common goal to conquer this disease. We invite everyone to register today and join us in October, by registering today at www.ridetovictory.org or by calling (844) 777-7433.*Please note exact route distance may vary by up to 30 miles.

Join hundreds of others in the Ride to Conquer Cancer® – a two day, 150* mile bike ride through Pennsylvania’s picturesque landscape. Want to know more about what your contribution will bring to the fight against cancer? In this post, we’ll explain just how you’ll be helping the cancer community.

An opportunity to help cure cancer

Putting your dollars to work in the fight against cancer

To join, cyclists are asked to raise a minimum of $2,500 in donations. It’s surprising how quickly the donations add up once you put your heart, creativity, and commitment into securing donations.

Your participation in The Ride to Conquer Cancer will support our team approach to cancer research, education and care; as well as ensuring the sustainability of our core mission:

• Development and support of team-oriented research and care programs specializing in each type of cancer
• Expansion and integration of cancer-related patient services and interdisciplinary clinical programs
• Educational programs for physicians, scientists, students, nurses, and others to stay current on the latest cancer information
• Recruitment and support of new faculty with a commitment to cancer research and care
• Community outreach and education to enhance cancer prevention in our communities
• Investment in the future – as we break through the next frontier of cancer discovery through programs like Penn Medicine’s Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Translational Centers of Excellence (TCEs), The Roberts Proton Therapy Center and many others leading the fight.

Join Us

This event will be a remarkable experience, bringing together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists, and their supporters with a common goal to conquer this disease. We invite everyone to register today and join us in October, by registering today at www.ridetovictory.org or by calling (844) 777-7433.

*Please note exact route distance may vary by up to 30 miles.

As a leader in breast reconstruction, Penn Plastic Surgery offers comprehensive services for women at every stage of the breast reconstruction process, from the initial surgery to nipple reconstruction and tattooing.Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure, designed to re-create the shape and appearance of a woman’s breast. Most commonly, the procedure is done as part of a mastectomy – surgical removal of the entire breast as treatment for breast cancer.After breast reconstruction, many women choose to have nipple reconstruction, including nipple tattooing. Nipple tattooing, or micropigmentation, re-pigments the area to make it look more realistic.Mandy Sauler, micropigmentationspecialistAt Penn Medicine, nipple tattooing is performed by Mandy Sauler, a micropigmentation specialist in plastic surgery. Mandy grew up learning about the art of tattooing at her mother’s body art shop, expecting to work alongside her as she perfected her craft.After working for more than a decade as a tattoo artist, Mandy decided to apply her expertise on patients, focusing on permanent cosmetics and micropigmentation. She specializes in 3D nipple tattoos, along with tattoos for other cosmetic purposes. She is board certified by the American Academy of Micropigmentation and is a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetics.Learn more about nipple and areola enhancement or schedule an appointment with Penn Plastic Surgery.

As a leader in breast reconstruction, Penn Plastic Surgery offers comprehensive services for women at every stage of the breast reconstruction process, from the initial surgery to nipple reconstruction and tattooing.

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure, designed to re-create the shape and appearance of a woman’s breast. Most commonly, the procedure is done as part of a mastectomy – surgical removal of the entire breast as treatment for breast cancer.

After breast reconstruction, many women choose to have nipple reconstruction, including nipple tattooing. Nipple tattooing, or micropigmentation, re-pigments the area to make it look more realistic.

At Penn Medicine, nipple tattooing is performed by Mandy Sauler, a micropigmentation specialist in plastic surgery. Mandy grew up learning about the art of tattooing at her mother’s body art shop, expecting to work alongside her as she perfected her craft.

After working for more than a decade as a tattoo artist, Mandy decided to apply her expertise on patients, focusing on permanent cosmetics and micropigmentation. She specializes in 3D nipple tattoos, along with tattoos for other cosmetic purposes. She is board certified by the American Academy of Micropigmentation and is a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetics.

Learn more about nipple and areola enhancement or schedule an appointment with Penn Plastic Surgery.