A 3,000-year-old Chinese therapy is now used to help women with breast cancer.  And it's working so well, some insurance companies are paying for it.

Deb Simpson, 47, had breast cancer in 2000.

"I found a lump," said Simpson.

Three years later, it came back with a vengeance.

"It came back in my bone, brain, liver and lung," said Simpson.

She had surgery, chemo, radiation and now acupuncture.

"There are acupuncture points which are basically areas on the body that affect other areas of the body if you insert a needle into those places," said Karen Sulger, acupuncturist.

"I'm a needle ninny, so I don't like needles," said Simpson.

But Simpson liked the results: fewer side effects from cancer treatments.

"When you're being treated with acupuncture for cancer it can help keep some of the nausea away and keep your energy level higher - at least that was my experience," said Simpson.

"Western medicine is very good at directly going to the areas and getting rid of the tumors," said Sulger. "We're very good at trying to help with the side effects caused by these very strong treatments."

A heated herb is sometimes held over the needle to speed up the process, but Simpson says she's in no hurry. Now in remission, she keeps coming back just because she says it's relaxing.

Studies also show that acupuncture may help eliminate pain and hot flashes caused by the breast cancer drug tamoxifen.