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Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine as Supportive Care Treatment for Cancer Patients |
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are effective alternative therapies to help cancer patients through their journey of healing.
A diagnosis of cancer challenges the patient's physical, emotional and spiritual well being and introduces a fear of survival. Western treatment for cancer of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation confronts the physical body by attacking and eradicating the cancer but these treatments do little to support the whole person.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine as supportive care for cancer can help heal and strengthen the body, mind, and spirit. These therapies can help wounds heal and enhance the lymph flow to prevent lymphedema. Acupuncture helps prevent the side effects of chemotherapy. It can help alleviate nausea and vomiting and helps protect the organs from toxicity. Acupuncture and herbal therapies can also enhance the the immune system by increasing the white blood cells that have been depleted through chemotherapy.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine help to restore health and prolong life by strengthening the vital force or chi of the body. This vital force in Chinese medicine is the kidney yang chi and the kidney yin chi, which is sometimes called the life gate energy of the body. The kidney yang chi in the body is the functional energy that provides the drive to the organ systems. It provides the fire that fuels and strengthens our body. The kidney yin chi helps maintain the nutrient essence and elctrolyte balance of the body. Acupuncture and herbal medicine strengthen the life gate energy therby enhancing the vital force to all organ systems of the body to promote health and healing.