TCM for tumorour diseases

TCM in integrative oncology:
What is possible?

 

Tumorous diseases are an area in which it makes good sense to apply a combination of conventional medical techniques and complementary therapies such as TCM. This approach is known as integrative oncology. It supports the healing process, strengthens the body and relieves the physical and mental pressures on the patient.

 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine as practised today, the focus is not on treating the tumour directly but on building up patients’ strength, reinforcing their immune system and stabilizing their mental state. Important roles for TCM methods include supporting mainstream tumour therapies, giving pre- and post-operative treatments and applying therapies to counter the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Differentiated diagnosis

The approach starts with TCM’s characteristic general tongue and pulse diagnosis. This provides information about disruptions to the flow of the life energy Qi or the deficiency of Qi in individual functional areas. If there is a pronounced imbalance in the energy flow, the patient’s TCM diagnosis can play an important role in the early detection of a tumorous condition, as well as providing the basis for a supporting therapy.

External and internal causes of disease

Apart from disruptions to the Qi flow, Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes other causes of disease that present in various combinations. External influences such as cold, damp and wind are as important as bacteria, viruses, allergens and toxins. Among the internal causes, TCM includes emotional problems. Their suppression may result in blockages that are conducive to the formation of tumours. Other risk factors identified by TCM include stagnation of the blood – impairment of the circulation – and the build-up of excessive substances, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as “mucus”. These can be partly responsible for a number of illnesses and conditions.

Activating defensive energy and eliminating pathogenic factors

The methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine are designed to ensure that a sufficient quantity of the life energy Qi is maintained and guarantee the free flow of Qi in the meridians. They also activate the circulation of blood and ensure that the internal and external causes of illness and the “mucus” are eliminated.

Integrative oncology effectively implemented

Integrative oncology, combining the methods of conventional medicine with the complementary approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine, creates favourable conditions for the effective treatment of tumorous diseases. While mainstream medicine focuses on the disease itself, Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic view of the patient to develop individualized concepts for diagnosis and treatment. This combination of Western and Eastern approaches increases the chances of achieving a successful outcome.

Expertise based on knowledge and experience

Working with leading oncology clinics, TCM Chan offers cancer patients TCM treatments such as acupuncture, herbal therapies and other appropriate TCM methods. These are deployed as part of a treatment plan individually tailored to the patient's personal state of health.
TCM Chan draws on a network of key contacts in the field of conventional medicine, ensuring that patients gain the maximum benefit from integrative oncology.




Studies published by renowned institutions in the USA and China document the positive role of Traditional Chinese Medicine as a complementary therapy in cancer treatment. More information at: tcm(at)tcm-chan.ch