For over 10 years, Dr. Xu has been working with West Cancer Center exclusively for cancer patients’ enhanced treatment programs.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and complementary therapies can play a significant role in alleviating symptoms caused by cancer and its treatments, thereby improving patients’ quality of life and potentially enhancing the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments.
Here’s how TCM and these therapies can help with specific symptoms:
Nausea: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Herbal medicine formulations can also help balance the stomach’s Qi, alleviating nausea.
Sleeping Disorders: Acupuncture and certain herbal medicines can help regulate the sleep cycle, promoting restful sleep. Practices like Tai Chi and meditation can also help improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety.
Chronic Fatigue: Herbal remedies aimed at boosting Qi and blood can help alleviate fatigue. Gentle exercises like Tai Chi, coupled with proper nutritional support, can restore energy levels over time.
Depression and Anxiety: Meditation and Tai Chi have been found to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by promoting relaxation and stress relief. Acupuncture and specific herbal formulas can also help balance the body’s Qi, addressing the root causes of emotional distress.
Pain: Acupuncture is widely recognized for its pain-relieving effects, making it useful for managing cancer-related pain. Herbal poultices or soaks, as well as cupping therapy, can also provide localized pain relief.
Our experience shows the following therapies are greatly helpful to those conditions
Neuropathy: Electrical stimulation acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Certain herbal medicines may support nerve health and reduce discomfort.
Cupping: This therapy can relieve muscle tension and pain, improving circulation and promoting healing.
Herbal Soaking: Soaking in baths infused with specific herbs can help reduce stress, alleviate pain, and promote overall well-being.
Proper Exercise: Regular, gentle exercise adapted to the patient’s capacity can help maintain muscle strength, reduce fatigue, and improve mood.
Nutritional Program: A diet tailored to the patient’s specific needs can help manage side effects, boost immunity, and maintain energy levels.
Integrating TCM and complementary therapies into the cancer care plan offers a holistic approach, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of the disease and its treatment. These therapies can provide symptomatic relief, improve the patient’s quality of life, and may enhance the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments. However, it’s essential for any complementary therapy to be coordinated with conventional medical treatments and under the supervision of healthcare professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.