Catherine, Princess of Wales, has revealed how she turned to acupuncture — a practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) — as part of her wellness journey during cancer treatment.
During a July 2 visit to Colchester Hospital’s Wellbeing Garden, the 43-year-old royal spoke to therapist Amanda Green about supportive care options, sharing that she had tried acupuncture herself. “What’s amazing is that there’s a personal approach,” Kate told patients, according to The Telegraph. (The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/07/02/kate-middleton-cancer-recovery-acupuncture-wellbeing-garden/)
Acupuncture: A Time-Tested Practice
Acupuncture is one of the cornerstones of Traditional Chinese Medicine, dating back thousands of years. Its method — placing very thin needles at specific points on the body — is used to ease pain, encourage relaxation, and support overall wellness. The Mayo Clinic describes it as a safe and natural therapy that can complement other medical treatments.
Research shows acupuncture may help with cancer-related symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and pain, making it a helpful partner to conventional cancer care.
Why Acupuncture Is Gaining Popularity Worldwide
Acupuncture is no longer confined to boundaries. Today, it is widely practiced around the globe and is being integrated into mainstream healthcare systems. Hospitals and cancer centers increasingly offer acupuncture as part of supportive or integrative oncology programs, giving patients more choice in their healing journey.
By offering acupuncture, these programs aim to improve quality of life and reduce treatment side effects — safely and naturally. Unlike some alternative therapies, acupuncture is generally considered low-risk when performed by a qualified practitioner, making it an appealing option for patients looking for additional support.
Kate Middleton’s Story Highlights a “New Normal”
The Princess of Wales opened up candidly about the emotional impact of her cancer journey, noting that recovery involves more than finishing treatment. “You put on a brave face through treatment, but afterward, it’s really difficult,” she shared with patients at Colchester Hospital.
Kate described how finding a “new normal” can be challenging, and how holistic therapies like acupuncture may help ease that transition.
As Kate continues to re-engage with her royal duties, she has shown that blending traditional and modern health practices is not only possible but empowering. Her experience could encourage more patients to explore acupuncture as part of a wider toolkit for healing, resilience, and overall wellness.
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