CANCER

What is Cancer? 

According to the National Cancer Institute(NCI), cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.

Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells. When the normal regulated process of cell division and growth malfunctions, the cells will grow and divide uncontrollably. As they continue to grow and multiply, they may amass to form tumors. which are lumps of tissue.

Tumors can be cancerous(malignant) or not cancerous (benign). Cancerous tumors spread into, or invade, nearby tissues and can travel to distant places in the body to form new tumors(through metastasis). Whereas benign tumors do not spread into or invade nearby tissues.  

Why TCM for Cancer?

Many clinical studies have shown that TCM is effective in supporting treatments against breast, gastric and lung cancer. An example from one of the researches shows that when TCM is used as a complementary therapy combined with conventional chemotherapy, patients increased the survival rate, had a better response to chemotherapy and experienced reduced side effects, including vomiting and the decline of red blood cells.

TCM can improve the effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in fighting cancer, guided by therapeutic principles of tonifying Qi and producing Blood, strengthening the Spleen and Stomach, nourishing the Liver and Kidney, and removing Heat or inflammation from Blood and toxic material from the body.

For advanced cancer patients, elderly patients, or in those for whom radiotherapy and chemotherapy are unsuitable, TCM plays a strong role. Research shows that TCM can stabilize tumor lesions, improve symptoms, enhance the quality of life, and prolong survival time. 

How TCM Help Manage Cancer Treatment Side Effects

The treatment of cancer is viewed holistically in TCM, with a systematic approach being taken to treat and improve the condition of the body. TCM strengthens the body’s immune system and boosts the body’s energy levels, also known as Qi. This helps improve the body’s ability to fight off the disease naturally and in tandem with various types of biomedical treatment.

Furthermore, TCM helps alleviate certain side effects that are associated with chemotherapy and other types of cancer treatments so that the body can retain more strength for fighting off the disease. Cancer treatment side effects that can be improved with TCM include:

• Pain and discomfort
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Inflammation
• Diarrhea
• Stress
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea/vomiting
• Numbness and tingling
• Hot flashes
• Infertility after cancer treatment

What Kind of Practices Used in TCM

TCM employs a number of different practices that can be used to alleviate the side effects of cancer treatment. Although it’s often referred to as “alternative care”, TCM is best seen as a supplementary form of treatment that works alongside conventional cancer treatment methods.

Here are some practices that are commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for cancer patients:

• Acupuncture
• Herbal mixtures
• Lymphatic drainage massage  
• Diet and nutrition guidance
• Cupping
• Moxibustion
• Meditation
• Acupressure

What Are the Risks of TCM for Cancer Treatment Relief 

For the most part, TCM is a very safe form of side effect relief for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy.

However, it is important to seek professional consultation from certified Physicians as some patients may be allergic to certain herbs, or certain herbs are not suitable when patients are undergoing chemotherapy. The supporting TCM Physicians will be able to match the herbs more effectively and to reduce the risk of herb-drug interactions when patients get clarity from their primary care conventional oncologists on any contraindications. 

Your Healing is the Top Priority!

Every patient experiences and responds to treatment differently, it’s important to create a specialized treatment plan that addresses each issue.

At Shanghai Medical Clinic, we have a team of registered TCM physicians who have been working in the field of Chinese medicine for more than 30 years. In our clinic, we see an increasing number of patients who suffer from side effects of chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy, and they are seeking complementary TCM therapies to reduce the side effects and alleviate symptoms such as pain management.

By TCM and acupuncture therapies, we offer personalized plan for each individuals and strive to provide the best health care for people of the local communities in Dubai, UAE.