Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can play a valuable supportive role for patients undergoing chemotherapy by enhancing immune function, improving metabolism, and alleviating treatment side effects. Here’s how TCM contributes and when to integrate it:
Benefits of TCM for the Immune and Metabolism Systems During Chemotherapy:
- Supports Immune Function
- Herbal medicine (e.g., Astragalus, Lingzhi/Reishi, Ginseng) helps boost white blood cell production, reducing chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression.
- Acupuncture stimulates immune regulation, helping to restore balance and reduce inflammation.
- Enhances Metabolic Function
- TCM can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption, which are often compromised during chemotherapy.
- Regulates energy metabolism by addressing Qi deficiency and Blood stagnation, which are common patterns seen in cancer patients.
- Reduces chemotherapy-induced weight loss or gain by harmonizing Spleen and Stomach functions.
- Reduces Side Effects
- Nausea and vomiting: Acupuncture (e.g., P6 point) has strong evidence for reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea.
- Fatigue: Qi-tonifying herbs and acupuncture can help counteract extreme exhaustion.
- Neuropathy: Acupuncture and certain herbs help alleviate numbness and tingling.
Best Time to Start TCM Treatment
- Before Chemotherapy: Ideally, 1–2 weeks before chemotherapy starts to strengthen the body’s resilience.
- During Chemotherapy: Helps mitigate side effects and improve overall recovery.
- After Chemotherapy: Supports recovery, boosts immunity, and detoxifies residual toxins.
Recommended Frequency
- During treatment: 1–2 times per week (especially for managing nausea, fatigue, and immune function).
- After chemotherapy: Once a week or biweekly, depending on the patient’s recovery progress.
Each case should be personalized based on the patient’s condition and TCM pattern diagnosis.
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