In my career as a TCM practitioner, I have witnessed many cancer patients wandering between modern medicine and TCM treatments to find the most suitable treatment for them. One case that stood out to me in particular among these experiences was the story of a middle-aged female patient. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, she was extremely anxious and fearful. Western medicine advised her to undergo surgery and chemotherapy, but she was worried about the side effects of these treatments. By chance, she came to my clinic and asked with a hint of tentative thinking if TCM could help her situation. I told her that TCM treatment focuses on holistic conditioning, using herbal medicine, acupuncture and other methods to enhance physical fitness and immunity, and help the body resist diseases. After a thorough understanding of her condition and constitution, we decided to adopt a treatment method that combines Chinese and Western medicine. Once treatment began, we closely observed her response. Over time, her physical and emotional stability has stabilized, and she has become more resilient even in the face of the side effects of Western medical treatments. Through this process, she gradually realized that whether it is Chinese medicine or Western medicine, choosing the most suitable treatment plan for her is the most important thing.
The basic concept of TCM in the treatment of cancer
1. TCM pathology and etiology of cancer: TCM believes that the occurrence of cancer is not only related to local lesions, but also related to the imbalance of the whole system. Cancer is often seen as the accumulation of unhealthy qi such as "blood stasis", "phlegm dampness" and "poison" and forms malignant tumors in the body. These pathological changes are usually related to the lack of qi and blood and the dysfunction of the viscera. Therefore, the goal of TCM treatment is to reconcile qi and blood, remove stasis, dissipate phlegm and dampness, detoxify and nourish the body.
2. Principles of treatment
The core principle of TCM treatment is syndrome differentiation, which means that the treatment plan is comprehensively formulated according to the patient's specific condition, constitution and environment. Traditional Chinese medicine focuses more on prevention and adjustment, that is, in cancer treatment, it not only pursues the elimination of tumors, but also pays more attention to adjusting the physical state, improving the quality of life, and prolonging the life of patients. Adjust the function of the internal organs: Regulate the functions of the liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys and other internal organs through traditional Chinese medicine and other treatment methods to eliminate unhealthy qi in the body and restore the balance of qi and blood. Enhance immunity: TCM also uses a variety of methods to strengthen the body's defense system, such as enhancing the overall immunity of patients by replenishing qi and nourishing blood, strengthening the spleen and stomach, etc. Reduction of side effects and recurrence: With the assistance of Western medicine treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, TCM can help alleviate the side effects of these treatments and prevent recurrence of the condition.
3. Prevention is more important than cure
TCM also attaches great importance to the prevention of diseases. Through daily dietary adjustments, lifestyle improvements, and moderate physical activity, TCM aims to enhance the body's ability to self-regulate and heal itself to prevent the occurrence and progression of cancer.
A common method used by TCM to treat cancer
TCM Treatment: TCM is the most central part of TCM treatment, and its medicines come from a wide range of sources, including plants, animals, and minerals. In cancer treatment, a TCM practitioner will prescribe a personalized prescription according to the patient's constitution and type of cancer. The following are some commonly used Chinese herbs and formulas: Astragalus: Boosts immunity and can help cancer patients improve their body's resistance. Codonopsis: Nourish the body and improve the overall fatigue of the patient. Atractylodes: Strengthens the spleen and invigorates qi, helps digestion, and is often used to treat indigestion caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Radix and White Peony: It has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, and is suitable for patients with heat-toxic cancer. Recipe example: Compound Xuanshen Tang, which is a compound formula composed of various herbs, is often used to treat patients with sore throat or tumors, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and adjuvant therapy.
Acupuncture treatment
Acupuncture is a method of regulating the function of qi, blood, and internal organs by stimulating specific acupuncture points in the body. In cancer treatment, acupuncture is mainly used to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life: Pain relief: Stimulation of specific acupuncture points such as Hegu or Quchi can help reduce pain. Alleviate side effects: Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy can be relieved by stimulating the Neiguan and Zusanli acupoints. Tuina TherapyTuina uses manual massage to adjust the body's structure and internal organ functions, enhance blood circulation, and improve the body's ability to resist diseases. In cancer treatment, Tuina can be used to: reduce muscle tension and improve lymphatic circulation: this is especially important for certain physical discomforts caused by tumors or treatments such as surgery and radiotherapy. Improves sleep: By relaxing the brain and body, it helps patients rest better and regain their strength.
How patients and physicians make treatment decisions
Factors Considered by the PatientCondition Analysis: Understanding the severity and speed of development of the condition is the first step in decision-making. The type of cancer, its stage, and whether other parts of the body are affected can all influence treatment options. Feasibility of treatment: Consider the acceptability of different treatments, including the length of time for TCM treatment, the economic cost, and the individual's acceptance of TCM. Personal preference and quality of life: Factors such as a patient's personal lifestyle, work, and family responsibilities can also influence treatment choices. Consider the minimal disruption to life and personal comfort of the treatment.
Doctor's assessment and recommendations
Patient's overall health: The doctor will assess the patient's overall health, including age, constitution, and the presence of other complications, which are all key factors in deciding whether to use TCM treatment. Goals and expected outcomes of treatment: Depending on the patient's condition, the physician needs to determine whether the main goal of treatment is to control the disease, prolong survival, or improve quality of life. Based on these goals, the doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. Individualized treatment plan: Based on the patient's specific situation, the doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan that includes specific treatment steps and methods. This may include a combination of TCM treatments and Western medicine methods to play a dual advantage.
Decision-making process
Patients should actively participate in discussions and fully express their thoughts and concerns when making treatment decisions. Doctors should provide detailed information, including the potential effects and possible side effects of treatment, as well as monitoring and adjustments needed during treatment. The decision-making process should be a two-way communication process to ensure that the treatment plan is both scientific and in line with the patient's actual situation. In this way, patients can make the most suitable treatment decision with their doctor based on a thorough understanding of the various treatment options. Such a decision-making process can improve the acceptance and effectiveness of treatment, while maximizing the protection of patients' interests and quality of life.