The integration of complementary and alternative therapies is becoming increasingly common within conventional medical settings. One of the most well-accepted and scientifically validated complementary therapies is Oriental Medicine.

Historically, conventional cancer therapy has focused primarily on tumors. However, this paradigm is rapidly changing. As more and more research emerges, many doctors are referring patients to complementary therapies that are aimed at supporting the patient and easing many of the discomforts associated with cancer therapy. Oriental medicine is often used for this purpose.

Oriental Medicine has been used for thousands of years to help strengthen and balance a person’s body, mind and spirit. The ancient Chinese believed that the body has enormous healing capacity, and if the body is kept strong, it can overcome any disease. They developed a wide array of sophisticated techniques aimed at promoting health and longevity.

Today, in the treatment of cancer, oriental medicine has been found to be very useful in helping to combat side effects of conventional therapies and strengthen the body. By combining conventional and oriental medicine, tumor killing activity can be maximized, while minimizing toxic effects on normal cells.

Acupuncture

Many studies have been published showing the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of side effects of conventional cancer therapies. The American Cancer Society and the National Institutes of Health both recommend acupuncture for many of the symptoms that are common side effects of cancer treatment. Many physicians prefer acupuncture since there is no possibility of drug interactions and it can reduce the need for certain medicines with unwanted side effects.

Symptoms that acupuncture commonly addresses: nausea and other abdominal discomfort, fatigue, pain, numbness, hot flashes, lymphedema and dry mouth. It can also help to revitalize and strengthen the body, improving immunity and healing capability.

Dietary Therapy and Nutrition

The importance of diet and nutrition cannot be overstated in helping to improve cancer outcomes. Every food has a specific biochemical effect on the body. Thus, the right foods can be used to help create an environment that is inhospitable to cancer growth, whereas the wrong foods can actually promote tumor growth.

The combination of ancient Chinese dietary therapies and modern nutritional research such as metabolic typing, work synergistically to optimize the body’s innate healing capacity.

Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is a highly sophisticated system that, when used properly, can have a powerful effect on balancing the body and restoring health. Herbs provide an extremely broad spectrum of nutrients in various concentrations that the body needs to maximize its ability to fight disease. Research on the physiological actions of herbs demonstrates an extremely broad range of actions. Some herbs strengthen the immune system and increase energy levels, where others directly inhibit the growth of microorganisms and tumors. Thus, herbs can be a powerful adjunct to any cancer therapy.

Movement therapies

As quantum physics tells us, everything in the universe is energy. The Chinese knew this thousands of years ago and developed modalities to manipulate this energy. The most direct of these modalities are acupuncture and specialized exercises (called “qigong”) that utilize energy or “qi” to help correct imbalances and eradicate disease. In China, there are hospitals that claim to treat every kind of disease by only employing these specialized exercises. Since change is about movement, Oriental Medicine feels it is very important to utilize movement, however mild, to help combat any disease. In the U.S., medical qigong is utilized as a supportive therapy to help keep the body strong.

Prevention

Through subtle diagnostic techniques, Oriental Medicine practitioners are able to discover many imbalances before they become diseases. All of the modalities above can help to neutralize the imbalances and help keep the immune system and organ functions optimized. Thus, oriental medicine is very useful as part of a strategy to keep the body optimized, to help minimize the chances of recurrence.

In conclusion, acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition and qigong are all very powerful adjunctive therapies that can be used to maximize the body’s strength, minimize side effects and support conventional cancer therapies. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, click here