Complimentary cancer treatment
Assisting cancer Treatment
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely & commonly used to treat cancer patients in China. Some TCM experts are frequently invited to share their experience in our association in Vancouver, Canada.
While currently TCM is not a cure for cancer, by using TCM and acupuncture, we can help minimize cancer treatment-induced adverse reactions & side-effects. After chemo or radiation treatment patients suffer discomfort, which is in the purview of TCM and acupuncture to help alleviate.
Acupuncture and TCM can help extend life, improve quality of life, boost the immune system & appetite, relieve pain, nausea and vomiting, reduce inflammation, help hair growth, & improve sleep.
Many TCM herbal formulas are used to treat various cancers in China. Listed below are herbs used frequently for cancer patients:
Ginseng
Panax Various
Ginseng may strengthen the immune system and may help in reducing the risk of certain cancers (1). Some studies exploring its effects on the immune system have focused on cancer patients undergoing surgery or chemotherapy.
Ginsenosides have been shown to help reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant protection (2, 3). Ginsenosides could benefit the cell cycle by preventing abnormal cell production and growth (4, 5). A review of several studies concluded people who take ginseng may have a a 16% lower risk of developing cancer (6).
An observational study suggested people taking ginseng could be less likely to develop certain types of cancer, such as lip, mouth, esophagus, stomach, colon, liver and lung cancer, than those who do not (7).
Ginseng may also help improve the health of patients undergoing chemotherapy, reduce side effects and enhance the effect of some treatment drugs (8).
While studies on the role of ginseng in cancer prevention show some benefits, they remain inconclusive (9).
Turkey tail mushroom
Coriolus Versicolor
Turkey tail mushroom has been used in Chinese medicine since ancient times. It’s considered safe to consume from a verified source.
