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A TCM Perspective
on Female Cancer
Article contributed by:
Mdm Ong Chwee Ting, TCM
Physician
ECON Chinese Medicine
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An increasing number of
women are suffering from
breast, cervical or other female cancers.
The
understanding of cancer
from the TCM perspective
can help them better
manage their condition. |
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Signs and symptoms
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Irregular
menstruation and
menstrual cramps
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Breast
tenderness
and
headache
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Looking
pale
with
bloated
signs
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Unexplained
bleeding
or
discharge
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Tongue
and
pulse
diagnosis:
- Tongue: red,
pale, white or
yellow coating
- Pulse: tight,
fine, deep,
ripple
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The main causes of
cancer
According to TCM, there
are 3 main causes of
cancer:
1. the stagnation of qi
and blood;
2. the retention of
phlegm and dampness;
3. the accumulation of
toxins that can cause
cancerous changes.
TCM: A complementary
role
TCM can play a
complementary role to
conventional cancer
treatments such as
surgery, chemotherapy
and radiation.
Before any such
treatment, a patient can
get the body into
tip-top condition by
using TCM to enhance
blood circulation, body
resistance and vital
energy. As for
post-treatment
rehabilitation, TCM
speeds up wound
recovery; increases body
fluidity; boosts immune
system; and improves
stomach-spleen
functionalities.
TCM: Types of treatment
Over the years, Chinese
medicine and acupuncture
have grown in
popularity. The
following herbs are
often used to address
common cancer symptoms:
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Tonify
the
liver
kidney:
Radix Polygoni
Praeparata, Fructus
Ligustri Lucidi
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Soothe
liver:
Rhizoma Cyperi, Radix
Bupleuri, Radix Paeoniae,
Alba
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Detoxify
and
improve
fluidity:
Tuber Ophiopogonis,
Radix Scrophulariae,
Herba Ahdrographitis
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Activate
blood
circulation:
Semen Vaccariae, Radix
Salviae Miltiorrhizae
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Tonify
vital
energy
and
blood:
Radix Angelicae Sinensis,
Radix Astragali, Radix
Codonopsis
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Clear
phlegm:
Poria, Rericarpium Citri
Reticulatae |
Acupuncture, a technique
where fine needles are
inserted into human
acupoints, can alleviate
pain; improve energy;
reduce nausea, vomiting
and chemotherapy related
hot flashes. It
also boosts the immune
system and helps in
post-surgery recovery.
Article contributed by:
Mdm Ong Chwee Ting, TCM
Physician
ECON Chinese Medicine
Dated: March 2011
|
ECON Chinese
Medicine
is a wholly
owned
subsidiary
of ECON
Healthcare ,
an
established
brand backed
by 21 years
of
experience
in the
nursing home
industry.
Established
in 1991,
ECON
Healthcare
was the
first in
Singapore to
advocate the
best of
Eastern and
Western
medicine in
its recovery
approach. |
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