Effects of Five-Element Music Therapy Combined with Acupuncture Based on “Inhibiting Wood and Supporting Earth” Theory on Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Cancer patients frequently experience anxiety and depression, which adversely affect their quality of life and may compromise treatment outcomes. Five-element music therapy, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, has shown potential in alleviating emotional distress. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of five-element music therapy combined with acupuncture based on the “Inhibiting Wood and Supporting Earth” theory on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in cancer patients. Methods A total of 100 cancer patients with anxiety and depression [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score ≥8] were randomly assigned to either the control group ( n = 50) or the intervention group ( n = 50). Both groups received routine oncology care. The control group received five-element music therapy (Gong tone) for 30 min daily for 30 days. The intervention group received the same Gong tone music therapy combined with acupuncture at the following acupoints: Taichong (LR3, liver meridian), Zusanli (ST36, stomach meridian), Neiguan (PC6, pericardium meridian), and Sanyinjiao (SP6, spleen meridian). Acupuncture was administered three times weekly for 4 weeks. Outcomes included HADS, Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) assessed at baseline and after 30 days of intervention. T lymphocyte subsets were also measured in a subset of 60 patients (30 per group). Results After 30 days of intervention, the intervention group showed significantly greater reductions in HADS-Anxiety scores (mean difference: −3.2, 95% CI: −4.1 to −2.3) and HADS-Depression scores (mean difference: −2.8, 95% CI: −3.6 to −2.0) compared to the control group (both P < 0.001). The intervention group also demonstrated significant improvements in QLQ-C30 functional subscales and global health status ( P < 0.05). PSQI scores improved in both groups, with the intervention group showing superior sleep quality ( P = 0.012). CD3 + and CD4 + T-cell counts increased significantly in the intervention group compared to controls ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Five-element music therapy combined with acupuncture based on “Inhibiting Wood and Supporting Earth” theory is more effective than music therapy alone in reducing anxiety and depression and improving quality of life in cancer patients. This combined approach shows promise as a safe and effective intervention. These findings support further research into its implementation, and the approach has the potential to be incorporated into routine oncology care following confirmatory studies and health economic evaluations.