Cancer Prevention and Control
Cancer and tumors are indeed frightening conditions. Even in today's advancing medical field, we should not take them lightly. In addition to regular check-ups, I have compiled some insights based on my own experiences and teachings from my mentor, hoping to help those who are in need or fearful of this matter:
1. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), tumors and cancer cells are often associated with phlegm, dampness, and toxins.
2. The spread of tumors or cancer cells within the body is closely related to the spleen in TCM. The spleen and stomach are considered the foundation of acquired constitution, along with the kidneys as the foundation of innate constitution. They are the most important organs for maintaining human life.
3. According to TCM concepts, the spleen is responsible for the transformation and transportation of water and dampness within the body. When the spleen and stomach are healthy, the nutrients generated through digestion and metabolism can be smoothly transported to their intended destinations, while waste that cannot be utilized can be eliminated through the intestines. This reduces the likelihood of accumulation in the body and the development of cancer.
4. Therefore, whether it is for prevention or treatment of cancer, the most important thing is to take care of our spleen and stomach.
5. Western medicine and some TCM blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs often have a bitter and cold nature, which can harm the spleen and stomach. Therefore, it is necessary to combine them with methods that tonify the spleen.
6. Common anti-cancer TCM herbs in the market primarily focus on tonifying the spleen, such as Job's tears (薏仁), Euryale seeds (芡實), and Chinese yam (山藥).
a. Job's tears: It breaks upon contact with water, so it should not be used by pregnant women as it may rupture the amniotic sac. It has the effect of tonifying the spleen and resolving dampness.
b. Euryale seeds: Similar to Job's tears, it tonifies the spleen and resolves dampness. It has a high starch content and is not easily digested. Its ability to break water is limited, so pregnant women can use it in small amounts. However, it has astringent properties, so it may exacerbate constipation in individuals with difficulty in bowel movements.
c. Chinese yam: It has a relatively mild nature and can be steamed or cooked with congee. Currently, there are no serious side effects reported, so it should be safe to consume as long as it is not consumed in excessive amounts.
7. Regarding tumors, Huang Huang, a renowned TCM expert, taught that cancer patients should not use donkey-hide gelatin (阿膠). In fact, based on the experiences of my teachers, any blood-activating and stasis-resolving medicine (including Western medicine) may potentially promote the spread of cancer cells. Caution is advised.
8. Cancer patients should never underestimate common colds, especially if accompanied by a fever. It can be highly dangerous and even life-threatening for cancer patients to have a fever. It is recommended to promptly use TCM or acupuncture for treating colds.
9. Chemotherapy can result in the accumulation of what TCM calls "heat-toxin" in the body. If the tongue appears red, it is recommended to massage the Zhuchi acupoint. If the tongue appears pale, massage the Sanyinjiao acupoint.
10. Based on cancer experiences, the spread of cancer cells often follows the meridians in TCM. For example, individuals with breast cancer should be cautious about the possibility of brain tumors or uterine fibroids.
11. The three major anti-cancer factors are: a. The radiance of the morning sun. b. The glow of the evening sunset. c. The grounding effect of walking barefoot on the earth's surface. It is recommended to find a safe place, keep warm, take off shoes and socks, and walk on the grass during sunrise or sunset.
12. Acupressure: For upper-body cancer, try massaging the Tianjing acupoint; for abdominal cancer, massage the Diji acupoint.
13. Avoid consuming sugar, especially brown sugar and artificial sweeteners, as they are considered carcinogenic. As for chocolate, it is classified as a damp-producing and difficult-to-digest food in TCM, so it is advisable to avoid it. However, there are conflicting opinions on whether chocolate can have anti-cancer effects from a Western medicine perspective.
14. For individuals with inflammation, heat symptoms, or a red tongue due to cancer: a. Avoid eating red meat such as pork, beef, lamb, goose, duck, salmon, and tuna. You can consume chicken and white fish.
b. Avoid spicy foods such as chili peppers, garlic chives, garlic, red garlic, coriander, and sesame oil.
c. You can use ginger, holy basil, light-colored bitter tea oil, olive oil, and avocado oil as substitutes.