Treating Cancer with Acupuncture and TCM

Treating Cancer with Acupuncture and TCM

      It is becoming the norm for hospitals to employ Acupuncturists, mostly for pain management departments and oncology clinics. Does Acupuncture and TCM cure cancer?  No. What Acupuncture and TCM do is to give the body the tools it needs to heal. 

     My cancer patients have chosen different paths. I support them in any decision they make for their treatment, and do whatever they want me to to help. Some have used chemo, radiation, and surgery. My job is then to support the immune and digestive system, something that Acupuncture and TCM excels at. If the digestive and immune systems remain strong, people survive. I also help to minimize other side effects of cancer treatments, including leg cramps, hiccoughs, nausea, fatigue, dry mouth, etc. Other patients use everything TCM has to offer.

    There are Acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas that can shrink and resolve tumors, and masses. One patient with an enormous mass had some time before the scheduled surgery to remove it. His surgeons were amazed by how much the mass had shrunk, and how much his energy and overall health had increased by the time of the operation.

      In some cases, patients come to me in such advanced stages that there is little I can do except make them more comfortable. Heat breaking as that is, it is something. In such cases supporting their spouse, significant other, or family care giver with Acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas for stress, grief, and fatigue helps people deal with unbearable situations. 

     One middle aged patient with an advanced stage of cancer, was involved in a cancer study for an experimental treatment. "They said no Acupuncture. " he told me, "It could skew their study." "What about herbs?" I ask." No herbs!" was the response. "What about massage?" I inquired? Not caring as much about skewing their study as I did about the survival and well being of my patient. "Massage is fine." came the verdict. 

     So, we did massage, Tui Na, the Chinese medicinal massage. My patient came through the cancer, and their study, with flying colors. In fact, they informed him that he was their 'poster child' exceeding their expectations, and the recovery of their other patients. 

     Given the right tools, the body can do amazing things.

                                                        Health & Happiness,

                                                            Nancy Burton, L.Ac. 

                                                                534 Washington St.  Ashland, OR   97520

                                                                For Appointments Call:   541-646-0134