Holistic Cancer Care
- Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Therapy for Cancer Care
- Acupuncture
- Herbal formulas
- Chinese Herbal dietary therapy
- Supportive Therapy for Surgery/Chemotherapy/Radiation/Hormone Therapy
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy and Radiation
- Hormone Therapy
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - Preventive Cancer Care
- Acupuncture strengthens the immune system and improves energy,
- Reflexology foot massage promotes lymphatic drainage and detoxification,
- Herbal-aroma therapy clears heat and enhances the body's regenerative function.
- Ginseng (Rhizoma Ginseng) –The main Herb used to enhance Immunity
- Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps) –Shown to enhance a wide range of immune function.
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) – An especially effective immunomodulator.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Therapy for Cancer Care
Based on the positive results of extensive scientific research and clinical trials, the use of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Therapy in natural Cancer Care is being widely promoted. Acupuncture has been shown to effectively strengthen the immune system, balance adrenal function, improve microcirculation and capillary permeability, support physical energy, and relieve mental stress. It also helps alleviate symptoms like pain, chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, and the side effects associated with therapies such as Chemotherapy, Radiation, and Hormone therapy.
Herbal formulas are prescribed individually for cancer patients according to their specific type and clinical phase of cancer. There are several specific Herbal formulas that have been scientifically shown to decrease cancer growth, increase blood cell counts (especially white cell counts) and prevent recurrence. These Herbal formulas are commonly used in conjunction with Cancer treatment in China to help alleviate side effects, maintain blood counts, strengthen energy and support the immune system. They are extremely effective for those patients who suffer from nausea, vomiting, headache, edema, swollen lymph nodes and hot flashes. The following Chinese Herbal therapy products, readily available in the US, have gained recognition for their anti-tumor efficacy: 1) Mushroom products, 2) Cordyceps products, 3) Wild-grown American Ginseng products and 4) Anti-Pain and Anti-Tumor Plasters.
Chinese Herbal dietary therapy provides patients with different recipes to meet the differing nutritional needs of the body during each phase of treatment. By integrating therapies, patients can have an increased influence on the promotion of the overall curative effect.
- Ginseng (Rhizoma Ginseng) plays a role in enhancing immunity by boosting macrophage phagocytic activity. Ginseng essential oil has been clinically shown to inhibit cancer cells, such as in the prevention or control of chemical carcinogen-induced liver cancer. It is also very beneficial in preventing fatigue and promoting faster recovery from tissue damage.
- Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps) is a great immunomodulatory Herb which enhances a wide range of immune function. It has been shown to bring about T lymphocyte level adjustment that will not affect the function of the body's hematopoietic system, nor induce lymphocyte toxicity. It can also significantly improve the phagocytic and anti-tumor function of the monocyte - macrophage system.
- Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is an especially effective immunomodulatory and anti-tumor Herb. It can increase the cellular immune response, and promote antibody formation against chromosomal damage caused by the mutagenic activity of cyclophosphamide.
Supportive Therapy for Surgery/Chemotherapy/Radiation/Hormone Therapy
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) plays an important role in Cancer patients’ treatment and convalescence. Combining Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in treating tumors can enhance the curative effect, reduce the side effects of medications, promote the overall constitution and lower the recurrence rate of tumors.
Although the combination of Western and Eastern therapies is the most commonly used form of Cancer treatment in China, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) plays the role of supportive therapy for Cancer treatment in the US. Therefore, we recommend that all cancer patients consult their Oncologist while they are using complementary therapies such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). By supplementing their treatment with Chinese natural therapies, patients receive increased benefits as well as reduced overall side effects.
Surgery： For most patients, surgery is the chief course of action in cancer treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides natural therapeutic options for pre- and post-surgical care to promote relaxation; prevent infection; alleviate symptoms and side effects from medication and the procedure, as well as decrease swelling, improve mental alertness, increase intestinal mobility; and micturition, abbreviate healing time, and promote healing from incision. This therapy includes Acupuncture treatments twice before and twice after surgery. When cancer is in remission, the patient should continue monthly treatments for maintenance care.
Chemotherapy and Radiation：For those patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, Acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy will focus on increasing energy, calming the mind, reducing fear, regulating blood pressure, maintaining blood cell counts, as well as relieving nausea, fatigue, edema, dehydration, and neuropathy.
Hormone Therapy：For those patients undergoing hormone therapy for breast, ovarian or prostate cancer, Acupuncture and Tui-Na Acupressure may provide some relief from severe hot flashes and insomnia. The frequency of treatments will vary according to the schedule of radiation and chemotherapy in order to enhance the efficacy and avoid potential side effects. Weekly lymphatic drainage massage and monthly reflexology/scalp massage are also recommended as necessary on a case by case basis.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, there is a proverb saying a Doctor cannot successfully treat or heal a patient who had given up their will to live. This saying demonstrates the importance of the patient’s resolve to heal and live life to the fullest. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner emphasizes the importance of quality of life, even when the illness is terminal, to help the patient achieve peace of mind and ease symptoms during this significant time.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - Preventive Cancer Care
It is generally recognized that it is preferable to prevent rather than treat a tumor. Our Preventive Cancer Care program is highly beneficial in activating the body’s inherent defenses to prevent tumor genesis. Especially recommended for those patients with family history of tumors or previous tumor history, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies aim to provide sound prevention with regular treatment to boost immunity and increase the overall indices of health.
The goal of Preventive Cancer Care is to activate the body’s inherent defenses to protect itself from the illness. Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Therapy, Acupressure, Music Therapy, Reflexology and Mind/Body/Spirit Therapies have been shown to be an effective means of cancer prevention for those in remission as well as those in high risk categories.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is commonly used preventatively to strengthen the immune system for those patients who have a family history of cancer, are over 45 years of age, smoke cigarettes or are exposed to second hand smoke. Additionally, those who suffer from chronic recurrent conditions such as breast and ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, persistent cough with green or yellow sputum, peptic ulcers, or hypochondriac pain with acid reflux, etc. are equally at risk and can benefit from such preventative care.
In cases with long-term high dosages of estrogen, or patients with high PSA levels with negative biopsy, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Therapy is used to balance hormones, lower PSA levels and prevent breast or prostate cancer from developing.
Acupuncture can strengthen the immune system, especially by increasing antibodies and T-cells that monitor and kill cancer cells. Chinese Herbs are used when patients have weakened immune systems, toxicity due to large doses of pharmaceutical drugs and exposure to carcinogens, and also to address symptoms according to individual risk factors. Relaxation Therapy can promote a calm and peaceful state of mind.
The frequency of treatments for Preventative Cancer Care will vary according to the individual. The preventative plan includes Daily Herbal Dietary Therapy and Tai-Qi /Qi Gong Exercise, Weekly Acupuncture, and Monthly Reflexology, Scalp and Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy.