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By the Staff of Tao of Wellness The history of Chinese medicine in the treatment of cancer has spanned
several thousands of years throughout Asia. In recent years, Chinese medicine is
noted as an effective adjunctive therapy when used in conjunction with
conventional oncology. It is used extensively not only to manage side effects of
conventional cancer therapies but also to increase and support the patient's
immune system in combating the disease.
Chinese medicine is a complete medical system currently serving about a
quarter of the world's population. The modalities of Chinese medicine in cancer
therapy include: acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and Qigong/energy
enhancement exercise. Chinese medicine has helped patients undergoing
chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments avoid or recover from nausea, vomiting,
gastric distress, nerve damage, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and dizziness
much quickly as compared to no supportive measures at all.
National Institute of Health has sponsored research that has confirmed that
acupuncture is indeed effective for the relief of nausea, gastric distress and
pain. Herbal medicine plays an important role in increasing or regulating the
production of white and red blood cells and platelets. Therapeutic nutrition
uses food as medicine to help nourish the body during the harsh assaults of the
therapies while attacking the cancer cells indirectly. Qigong, a type of moving
meditation, helps one restore a sense of well-being and balance while increasing
one's level of energy and vitality.
When used in careful coordination with conventional cancer therapy, Chinese
medicine can increase a patient's quality of life while safely and effectively
reducing side effects from his or her treatments, thereby, furthering the chance
of success in conquering the disease.
See the
Tao of Nutrition for more information on how good eating can help take
control of your health.
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