At Diablo Acupuncture in Walnut Creek, Dr. Sophia Scheffel offers acupuncture for oncology support to help patients navigate cancer treatment, recovery, and the physical and emotional side effects that can come with chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and long-term medical care.
This work is focused on supporting the body’s resilience during treatment, improving quality of life, and helping regulate the nervous system during periods of medical stress and transition.
Support Through Every Stage of the Cancer Journey
I have worked with many patients across all phases of cancer care—from the initial shock of diagnosis, through active treatment, and into recovery and survivorship.
Each phase brings its own physical and emotional challenges. Treatment is adapted to meet you where you are, whether that is:
Doctoral Research in Acupuncture & Oncology
My clinical work is informed by advanced study in integrative oncology.
I completed my doctoral research focusing on acupuncture and oncology support, with particular attention to how acupuncture can help manage treatment side effects, support nervous system regulation, and improve quality of life for patients undergoing cancer care.
This background informs a careful, evidence-informed approach that is both clinically grounded and deeply individualized.
What Acupuncture Can Help With
Acupuncture is widely used as a supportive therapy alongside conventional cancer care. It may help with:
A Chinese Medicine & Nervous System Approach
In Chinese medicine, cancer treatment is understood as a significant stress on the body’s internal systems, including Qi (vital energy), Blood, digestion, and the nervous system.
Rather than treating isolated symptoms, care is focused on supporting:
Chinese Medicine Diagnostics & Pulse Diagnosis
Treatment is guided by classical Chinese medicine diagnostics, including detailed intake, observation, and pulse diagnosis, which provides real-time insight into how your system is functioning.
Pulse diagnosis helps assess:
Evidence-Informed Supportive Care
Acupuncture is increasingly recognized as a supportive therapy in integrative oncology care.
Research has shown that acupuncture may help:
Treatment in this setting is always collaborative and complementary, not a replacement for oncology care.
What to Expect
Each session includes:
Many patients experience:
Emotional & Nervous System Support
Cancer care impacts both body and mind. Acupuncture provides a space for:
Work With Me
If you are navigating cancer treatment or recovery and are looking for supportive care to help manage side effects, regulate your system, and improve quality of life, acupuncture offers a grounded, individualized, and integrative approach.
This work is focused on supporting the body’s resilience during treatment, improving quality of life, and helping regulate the nervous system during periods of medical stress and transition.
Support Through Every Stage of the Cancer Journey
I have worked with many patients across all phases of cancer care—from the initial shock of diagnosis, through active treatment, and into recovery and survivorship.
Each phase brings its own physical and emotional challenges. Treatment is adapted to meet you where you are, whether that is:
- Processing the overwhelm and uncertainty of a new diagnosis
- Supporting the body through chemotherapy or radiation
- Managing side effects and maintaining strength during treatment
- Rebuilding energy and resilience after treatment
- Navigating long-term recovery and life after cancer
Doctoral Research in Acupuncture & Oncology
My clinical work is informed by advanced study in integrative oncology.
I completed my doctoral research focusing on acupuncture and oncology support, with particular attention to how acupuncture can help manage treatment side effects, support nervous system regulation, and improve quality of life for patients undergoing cancer care.
This background informs a careful, evidence-informed approach that is both clinically grounded and deeply individualized.
What Acupuncture Can Help With
Acupuncture is widely used as a supportive therapy alongside conventional cancer care. It may help with:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Nausea and digestive discomfort
- Neuropathy and nerve-related symptoms
- Pain and musculoskeletal tension
- Sleep disruption and insomnia
- Anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm
- Brain fog and cognitive fatigue
- Appetite changes and digestive regulation
A Chinese Medicine & Nervous System Approach
In Chinese medicine, cancer treatment is understood as a significant stress on the body’s internal systems, including Qi (vital energy), Blood, digestion, and the nervous system.
Rather than treating isolated symptoms, care is focused on supporting:
- The body’s capacity to recover and repair
- Nervous system regulation during prolonged stress
- Circulation and nourishment of tissues
- Emotional resilience and stability
Chinese Medicine Diagnostics & Pulse Diagnosis
Treatment is guided by classical Chinese medicine diagnostics, including detailed intake, observation, and pulse diagnosis, which provides real-time insight into how your system is functioning.
Pulse diagnosis helps assess:
- Levels of depletion and fatigue
- Nervous system stress and regulation
- Digestive and metabolic function
- Circulation and fluid balance
- Overall resilience and recovery capacity
Evidence-Informed Supportive Care
Acupuncture is increasingly recognized as a supportive therapy in integrative oncology care.
Research has shown that acupuncture may help:
- Reduce chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting
- Improve cancer-related fatigue
- Support management of pain and neuropathy
- Improve sleep and overall quality of life
Treatment in this setting is always collaborative and complementary, not a replacement for oncology care.
What to Expect
Each session includes:
- Review of current symptoms and treatment phase
- Chinese medicine diagnostic assessment
- Pulse diagnosis to evaluate system function
- Gentle acupuncture treatment tailored to your condition
- Herbal recommendations when appropriate and safe
Many patients experience:
- Reduced fatigue and improved energy regulation
- Better sleep quality
- Decreased nausea or digestive discomfort
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Improved overall sense of stability and resilience
Emotional & Nervous System Support
Cancer care impacts both body and mind. Acupuncture provides a space for:
- Nervous system regulation
- Emotional processing and support
- Reduction of anxiety and overwhelm
- A sense of grounding during uncertainty
Work With Me
If you are navigating cancer treatment or recovery and are looking for supportive care to help manage side effects, regulate your system, and improve quality of life, acupuncture offers a grounded, individualized, and integrative approach.