Tumors have become a common abnormality in modern-day society. While many cancerous tumors have reached an advanced stage by the time they’re discovered, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can offer a viable treatment option.
TCM Strengthens the Body’s Immune Response
TCM treatment of cancer focuses primarily on enhancing the body’s immune response and ability to fight cancer. In terms of medication, Yuen noted that the herb commonly used to treat cancer is ginseng because ginseng can greatly replenish vitality.In TCM, qi and blood are the most important fundamental substances necessary for life. The concept of “qi” can be understood as the “vital energy” or “vitality” that constitutes life in the body. Yuan-primordial qi is the fundamental qi of the human body, which is crucial to promoting the physiological activities of various tissues and organs within the body.
Modern medicine is also aware of the potential of ginseng in the production of anti-cancer drugs. Hundreds of studies have been published proving the anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory benefits of ginsenosides and ginseng, and their positive impact on the immune, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.
“Relatively speaking, if there is a problem with the internal organs, there will be a problem with the acupoints where the disease qi will accumulate. Acupuncture at the appropriate acupoints can speed up the movement of energy in the meridians and let the disease qi dissipate faster. When combined with Chinese medicine, the effect will be even better,” Yuen said.
Medicine Plus Acupuncture May Cure Cervical Carcinoma in Situ
Yuen said that with this treatment method, she successfully cured a young woman suffering from carcinoma in situ of the cervix. Carcinoma in situ is an abnormal change in the cells of the cervix, a likely precursor of full-blown cancer that may follow. Western medicine usually uses surgery to remove the abnormal cells and may even need to remove the entire uterus. Yuen’s patient, who wasn’t yet married, began to cry at the thought of possibly losing her womb. Fortunately, after acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatment, when she went to the hospital for a pap smear a few months later, she found that her cervical cells had returned to normal.Tumor No Longer Spreads in Advanced Cancer Patient
For tumors or cancers in the early stage, TCM treatment focuses on stimulating the body’s self-healing abilities to fight the tumor. For advanced cancer patients, TCM treatment can also inhibit the spread of cancer cells, improve symptoms of discomfort, and allow the patients to maintain their quality of life for a longer period.One of Yuen’s patients, a man in his 70s, was diagnosed with stage 4 (terminal) throat cancer. Yuen recalls that he was very depressed when he initially came to see her.
She asked him, “Are you worried?”
He nodded in agreement.
Yuen told him, “First of all, don’t mention the word ‘cancer,’ just say what problem you want to solve.”
He replied, “I don’t sleep well and have constipation.”
Yuen replied, “I will help you solve the problem. If I can make you sleep and have a regular bowel movement, will you feel better?”
The patient agreed.
After acupuncture, moxibustion, and Chinese medicine, the patient’s insomnia and constipation symptoms improved. Prior to one of his clinic treatments, the patient’s phone rang. Yuen asked him to answer the phone first, but he refused. He said: “It’s the government hospital calling me for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The hospital said that if I didn’t do it, I would die in six months. I am very scared.” Yuen suggested that since TCM treatment had been effective, he could continue with the same treatment instead of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient chose to cancel the appointment with the hospital and continue his TCM treatment.
After that, the patient felt much more relaxed. In addition to acupuncture treatment and medicine, he practiced Zhan Zhuang—a meditative martial arts practice of standing still—while improving his daily eating habits, all under the guidance of Yuen. Six years later, he’s still alive, is no longer as thin and frail as before, and has a much-improved complexion. Although he can still feel the tumor in his throat, the cancer has stopped spreading. Blood tests show a normal cancer index with no detectable cancer cells.
TCM May Lower the Risk of Death in Advanced Breast Cancer Patients
Yuen recently treated a patient with advanced breast cancer. The cancer cells had spread, and ascites (a condition in which fluid collects in spaces within your abdomen) occurred, making radiotherapy and chemotherapy impossible. After acupuncture and taking Chinese medicine, the patient’s pain was relieved, and the edema disappeared.In addition to giving acupuncture treatment and prescribing medication, Yuen also spoke with the patient and her family regularly to help alleviate her depression, having learned that the patient was worried about her child.
Acupoint Massage Strengthens Immunity
Yuen encourages the practice of massaging the Zusanli (ST 36) acupoint, making the body less vulnerable to tumors. The Zusanli is located about four finger widths below the outer knee. She recommends regular massage of this acupoint while resting or watching TV. This can help strengthen the immune and digestive systems.
