Acupuncture and Herbs for Cancer Care
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Cancer Care and Supportive Therapies
Cancer is a term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide
without control and can invade other tissues. Cancer cells can
spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph
systems. Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases.
There are more than 100 different types of cancer. The main
categories of cancer include Carcinoma, Sarcoma, Leukemia ,
Lymphoma and myeloma, and Central nervous system
cancers.
There is no cure for many types of advanced cancer and clinical
management of these patients is often difficult by conventional
medicine alone or traditional medicine. Many cancer survivors
are seeking help from Chinese medicine, including
acupuncture and herbal supplements. These alternative
therapies may help patients by reducing cancer related
symptoms and side effects caused by chemotherapy or
radiation.
The practitioners of Traditional Chinese medicine emphasize
on holistic approach in managing cancer patients. Acupuncture
and herbal remedies are often used supportive treatments to
elevate energy level, reduce stress, and enhance immune
responses. There are also various individual herbs and herbal
formulas which have been shown to have anti-tumor activity
both in lab research and clinical studies.
Cancer patients seeking alternative therapy are encouraged to
consult with an experienced herbalist or acupuncturist about
the potential benefits of Chinese medicine for his/her medical
conditions.
Reference Information and Links:
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
National Cancer Institute - Patient Version
National Cancer Institute - Health Professional Version
American Cancer Society, Cancer.org
www.acupuncture.com/newsletters/m_jan08/tcm_cancer.htm
Herb Acupuncture 908-619-0601
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Cancer cells divide without control and can invade other tissues
An early record of breast cancer management by
Chinese herbs was described in an ancient medical
book. The figure shows the location and clinical
presentation of the breast lesion.