For over two decades, many cancer and post-cancer patients have been seeking a safe and effective method to help them to recover from the treatments they received for their cancer. Some have sought a combination of conventional Western medicine with alternative treatments that have been researched and proven effective.

In Western medicine’s treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, most patients will feel fatigue, weakness, and experience side effects from these treatments. Even though there are new medications that have been FDA-approved for treating the side effects of chemo and radiation, these medications have their own side effects.

Traditional Chinese medicine, in the form of acupuncture and Chinese herbs, is a safe, effective, and powerful treatment to help people recover from cancer and its treatments. It can help relieve side effects including nausea, diarrhea, pain, fatigue, etc. TCM also helps patients by improving their quality of life.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be part of cancer rehabilitation therapy. Cancer rehabilitation starts with removing toxins and boosting immunity to fight and prevent recurrence of cancer and promoting healthy lifestyles.

By stimulating certain acupoints in our body (ST 36, CV 12, CV4 , SP 6 , LI11), it can increase the number of natural killer cells ( a kind of blood cells that can monitor gene mutation ) and their activity, therefore increasing the anti-cancer ability within our body. Acupuncture also can efficiently reduce inflammation levels in our body to repair and prevent organ and tissue damage.

A strong immune system is the key to kill cancer cells and prevent recurrence. Chinese herbs including Astragalus combined with Ligustrum, Codonopsis Pilosulae, Atractylodes, Loranthus Parasiticus, Ecliptae, Semen Cuscutae, Fructus Lycii and Tremella are immune-boosting herbs. They are very effective in suppressing cancer growth and can be used for cancer prevention.

From a dietary aspect, Shiitake and Maitake mushrooms are good dietary supplements for strengthening immune function. Whereas Reishi mushroom, a rare and expensive mushroom, is a strong anti-cancer and immune enhancement herb.

In Chinese medicine theory, cancer and tumors are considered as the accumulation of toxins. There are primarily three types of toxins: heat-toxin, dampness toxin, and phlegm toxin. Toxins can impact the vital Qi (immunity) and blood circulation, causing qi stagnation and blood stasis. This can be clinically indicated by pain, body lumps, and bleeding. The weakness of Vital Qi can affect an organ’s function, and deplete the body’s defense system and immunology function. This can cause a series of weakness syndromes like fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, sweating, indigestion, weight loss and others.

The detoxification and removal of toxins become critical during cancer treatment and post-cancer rehabilitation.

The best detoxification acupoints are, but not limited to, LI11, LI4, LV3, ST 40, SP9, SP11, ST2. An herbalist will choose herbs for detoxification according to the differential diagnosis of each individual.

Besides detoxification, in Chinese herbal medicine, there are some commonly used for reducing body masses or tumors herbs that are often used for cancer patients. In my opinion, those herbs can be used for detoxification and supporting treatment with Western medicine. Those herbs include:
Oldenlandia, Pleionis, Scutellariae Barbatae, Lobeliae Ridicantis, Globethistle, Zedoariae, Sophorae Subprostratae, Paris Polyphylla, Solani Nigri, Polyporus, Dioscoreae Bulbiferae. Those herbs must be used in a formulated remedy and must be prescribed by a Chinese herbalist.

One of the most common factors that impact our immunity function and internal organ function is stress. Managing stress levels is everyone’s responsibility. It can be regulated by regular exercise, especially practicing Yoga and meditation, and eating balanced foods. This includes vegetables, protein, carbs, eliminating excessive sugar and processed food.

Sleeping well is also vital to controlling anxiety. In my experience, acupuncture and some essential oils are the best to help get a deeper sleep and cope with stress.

Finally, it is important to know that prevention and treatment are equally important in dealing with cancer. If you are under stress or you cannot deal with stress well, go to an acupuncturist or Chinese herbalist. Preventative treatment is the key to avoiding serious health issues.

I hope this information will help you to understand that we need both Western and Chinese medicine’s intelligence to help us recover from cancer and maintain a healthy condition.

To make an appointment to see Dr. Liang, please call (212) 779-0468 or click here to fill out our appointment form.