Cancer Care with Integrative Oncology
For anyone the diagnosis of cancer is both shocking and frightening. The disease has become so widespread that we all know someone who has been touched by it. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in America, killing more than one person every minute of the day.
There are many factors that contribute to the cause of cancer, including environmental toxins, radiation exposure, microbial infections, and genetics.
Contrary to popular belief, genetics play a role in only 20-30% of all cancer conditions. Even cancerous genetic expressions can be modified through nutrition, lifestyle and mindfulness according to the science of epigenetics.
In Chinese Medicine the care and prevention of cancer is called Fu Zheng. It is a specialized program of integrative oncology that supports the body’s own cancer-fighting immunity, and emphasizes the reduction of toxicity.
Fu Zheng harmonizes, enhances and protects the healthy structure and function of the organs. The spleen system—the Chinese equivalent to the body’s metabolism—is strengthened to improve digestion, absorption of nutrients, and immune functions. By fortifying energy and blood, the immune system is enhanced, the endocrine system is balanced, and bone marrow is protected and nourished.
After recovering from the initial shock of discovering cancer, the patient is guided by their oncologist in choosing therapies that may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone-blocking, or biologic therapies.
After deciding the best treatment protocol, there are the side effects from the anti-cancer therapies to consider.
The success of one’s therapy often hinges on how well the patient copes with the side effects, which can include fatigue, hair loss, low appetite, nausea, anemia, low white blood cells, weight loss, poor concentration and memory, neuropathy, diarrhea, mouth sores, dry mouth, insomnia, muscle and joint pain and depression.
If the side effects are unbearable, a patient may be forced to interrupt or change the treatment protocol, thereby lessening the treatment efficacy.
Integrative oncology seeks to bring Eastern and Western medicines together to achieve the best results for a patient’s cancer condition while enhancing quality of life. Here are the Fu Zheng, or complementary therapies, offered at Chinese Medicine Lady.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used successfully for many years both in China and the US as part of an integrative oncology protocol to speed recovery from surgery and manage side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
Research has shown that acupuncture can increase the production of the immune system’s natural killer cells (NK cells) which specifically target cancer cells, reduce nausea and gastric distress from chemotherapy, and improve neuropathy and radiation-induced dry mouth syndrome.
Additionally, studies at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York have shown that acupuncture is effective for lymphedema—the swelling of parts of the body associated with lymph gland removal. Most importantly, acupuncture supports a patient’s quality of life by increasing energy and a sense of wellbeing.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Like acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine has had a distinct role in integrative oncology as adjunctive support during anti-cancer treatment. Herbs are used to provide relief for symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, nerve pain, numbness, low energy, muscle aches, and joint pain.
Chinese herbal medicine focuses on treating both the whole person and the specific condition. Therefore, specific herbs are prescribed for various purposes resulting in a customized formulation that’s different from patient to patient even if the cancer diagnosis is the same.
In other words, if an herbal formula is put together to relieve a chemo drug’s side effects, the formula will be experienced differently from patient to patient and is dependent on the type of chemo drugs used.
No two individuals’ formulas are exactly alike and we will prescribe a personalized herbal combination after assessment of each patient.
Learn more about Chinese herbal medicine.
Cleansing and Detoxification
While chemotherapy and radiation treatment are life-savers in combating cancer, the resulting toxic accumulation in the body leads to a decline in immune, endocrine and neurological functions. Chemo and radiation toxins remain in tissues for months and sometimes years afterwards, and unless cleared out of the body, they continue to create discomfort for patients.
Some of the lingering symptoms after the conclusion of cancer treatments may include poor memory, focus, and concentration—called “chemo brain.” Others include depression, anxiety, insomnia, hot flashes, weight gain, frequent colds or flus, and slow healing. As well, there can be neuropathies including numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet.
We advocate a program of cleansing and detoxification to eliminate residual toxins from the body after cancer treatments.
The principle of detoxification is fundamental to Chinese medicine and our program utilizes an integrative approach consisting of skin brushing, cupping, lymphatic tuina bodywork, joint rotations, acupuncture, moxibustion therapy and Chinese herbal medicine.
All of the healing techniques were designed to activate your liver, kidney, lungs, lymphatic system and skin to eliminate toxins from your body.
Learn more about our cleansing and detoxification protocol.
Prevention of Recurrence
The great Chinese physician of antiquity, the Yellow Emperor, noted that it is far easier to prevent a disease than is to cure a condition after it occurs.
To take care of your life, you need to maintain optimal health and wellbeing. Chinese Medicine provides life-affirming treatments and guidance for achieving the goal of wellness that creates health and inner peace. For cancer survivors, preventing recurrence is not an option but a way of life.
We work with you combining the time-tested wisdom of Chinese medicine with the latest scientific findings to create a health maintenance and lifestyle program that seeks to lower the risks of recurrence.
CONSULTATION
Call to make an appointment for a Consultation and let us help you set up a program for you to be proactive in maintaining your health the CHINESE MEDICINE WAY! (818) 280-9133
“I am a true believer that some people come into your life at the right time. Lydia, Stephanie & Bruce are heaven sent. Very knowledgeable, caring, and skilled in the sacred healing of Chinese Herbs and medicine. I could not have prayed for a better practitioner here in Los Angeles (and even better The Valley). . .”
“The way she took care of me is one of a kind, Lydia is a gifted healer. I left her clinic feeling stronger and pain-free. The following morning, I honestly don’t have the pelvic pain and discomfort anymore. I was able to move without cringing or grimacing. I cannot thank Linda and Bruce for their remarkable service! . . .”