Chinese Medicine and acupuncture does not 'treat" cancer, what it does is prevent tumor growth and treat the pain the cancer can cause, and the side effects of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. It also helps to prepare the body for surgery and get it back in shape post-op. There are several tools to tackle with. Three are discussed here : Food Therapy, Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture.
First : Food therapy- a licensed acupuncturist can design a diet plan that suits the individual. Foods like shitake mushrooms, seaweed, asparagus and figs are known to fight tumor growth.
Other foods such as red meats, coffee, dairy products and chemically extracted vegetable oils are known to be carcinogenic. There are some surprising foods and spices too that should be avoided by the cancer patient such as cinnamon and black pepper. These and some others should be avoided.
Second: Herbal Medicine- According to one's constitution, and symptoms, herbs can be prescribed to prepare and sustain the body through the surgery, post operation and course of chemo or radiation therapy given. Herbs address things like anemia, nausea, hot flashes/night sweats ( which can become severe with treatment), constipation ,hair loss and tumor growth. The aim is to get and keep the body as healthy as possible while surgery, recovery and treatment proceeds. They can help enable one to tolerate and complete the full course of treatment in order to obtain the full benefits.
Third: Acupuncture- designed by your acupuncturist, treatment points are used to keep the body as healthy as possible- building red blood cells, calming the stomach, increasing energy, decreasing the rising heat of hot flashes and night sweats, allowing one to get a better night's sleep. Place your first three fingers on your inner wrist, starting at the crease of the wrist, and under your third finger, in between the two central tendons, you'll find a point that treats nausea, and also calms anxiety.
For more information on how Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture can help you or a loved one, contact your acupuncturist.
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