Many studies report the success of acupuncture and herbal therapy in conjunction with pain and symptom management for cancer.
This is mostly used to ease the negative effects during radiation, or chemotherapy.
Tongue ulcers, and mouth sores, peeling skin, rashes, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, headaches, depression and anxiety are common side effects of Western treatment. All improved through Traditional Chinese Medicine (which includes acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine).

How else should we be using this ancient medicine to help the serious problems of today’s toxic world?
Let’s look at what TCM does:
• Reduces stress- mental and physical.
• Supports and improves the immune system.
• Releases beta endorphins, affects the central, autonomic and sympathetic nervous systems.
• Balances hormones and positively affects the endocrine system with the goal of bring in g the body to balance (homeostasis).
• Helps detoxify the liver and kidneys.
• Promotes blood flow and circulation.
• Removes stagnant energy. Stagnation is a result of energy and blood getting “stuck” or congested. Tumors, cysts, fibroids, growths- are considered ‘stagnation of blood” that can be alleviated, reduced, removed.
• Uses a holistic-treatment of the root cause- versus symptomatic approach. Thereby resolving the problem, not just masking symptoms.
• Discusses the importance of holistic nutrition and balance of lifestyles part of treatment and prevention whereas Western medicine devotes little or no focus on this.

Cancer is on the rise and TCM is still overlooked as a prevention mechanism and as an adjunct with Western treatment protocol. Cancer is best treated by bridging the gap between Western and Eastern medicine. It is best addressed by educating our people on healthier living, and healthier eating. Stress, processed food, chemicals and drugs are major causes of cancer yet little time is devoted to the root cause. Why? Samuel Epstein wrote of “The Politics of Cancer” in 1978. The economic gains of treating cancer form the basis of Western treatment at the expense of eradicating cancer. Cancer survivors are the first to reduce the stress, exercise, and improve their nutrition. They change- forever. Their wake up call was received and they know all to well that they need to maintain a balanced lifestyle with proper diet and nutrition. Why don’t we as a nation “get it?” Why can’t we as a nation promote prevention?

How can TCM help? 9 Reasons
1. Promotes the flow of energy (Qi) and blood. If Qi and blood are flowing, there is no disease. This balanced flow opens up all of the body’s systems with the brain so that they function optimally.
2. TCM supports the immune system. A strong immune system fights off disease before it affects your body. Qi relates to your level of vitality and energy. It, in a sense, is your immune system. Qi and blood are interdependent and both must be strong for the body to be healthy and disease free.
3. TCM has long been used to fight colds, flu, build white cells and lymphocytes and this is well supported with research. My patients know to call for acupuncture treatment and herbs as soon as they start feeling sick. New patients who have been sick with a cold, flu, bronchitis, or sinus infections get well quicker with TCM. Their immune system gets the boost they need to fully restore and recover them from illness. No need to stay sick, fatigued, irritable, and run down when you can incorporate TCM.
4. TCM reduces stress. Stress over stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, increases cortisol, weakens the adrenals, causes irritability, depression and anxiety. TCM balances and stabilizes all of these factors. Got stress?!
5. TCM addresses lifestyle (overworking, lack of proper rest, drug use), the importance of holistic nutrition and eating properly. Processed foods and ingested chemicals are toxic. Each generation suffers more and more from allergies (food, chemical, environmental), obesity, diabetes, lowered immune system, ADD and autism. Our diet, drugs, and environments are the root cause. If our children are sicker, less able to compete with disease, it is no wonder autoimmune disorders and cancers are on the rise. Read “The China Study” which details the connection between nutrition, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. The report also examines the source of nutritional confusion produced by lobbies, government entities, and opportunistic scientists. We can change how we eat…and how we die.
6. TCM treats emotions. Depression, anxiety, irritability, worry, and fear can be the cause of disease, or a symptom. In case, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine balances these emotions. You will feel better.
7. TCM reduces risk factors. Overall your focus is on prevention and keeping your body “tuned up.”
8. If you learn how to take care of yourself- through diet, nutrition, exercise and balance your lifestyle you are more likely to be healthier, longer, in your life, with less chronic disease. If you are able to stay off medications which harm your liver and kidneys, your body will function better over the long term. Many patients are on 3, 4 or 5 medications and still pay no attention to diet or exercise. Are doctors talking about better health to their patients?
9. We live longer today, but not necessarily healthier. It is more likely that you will live through stroke, or a heart attack, and that you will need long term care. Prevention and proper care of you on a daily basis—starting at a young age- throughout our life- is the key to reducing cancer and chronic disease in the US.

Education and behavior change towards better health will lead us in the right direction. TCM is here to help get you started on the right foot.

Author's Bio: 

Kathie is a licensed acupuncturist,and herbalist in practice for over 15 years.
She is the author of "Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Women's Health: Bridging the Gap Between Western and Eastern Medicine."
She holds a PhD in Holistic Nutrition.
OC Acupuncture, Inc. Irvine CA