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Ageless Herbs Acupressure for Cancer Support
Traditional Chinese Herbs for Cancer Support
Tumors are often considered 'accumulations of Phlegm nodules and stagnant Blood'. Liver 3 and Large Intestine 4 are used in combination and are called 'The Four Gates; they are basic acupressure points that stimulate the flow of Blood and Qi:
Tonify Acupressure Point LI 4 (Hegu or Union Valley):
Large Intestine 4 is located
on the dorsum of the hand
between the first and second
metacarpal bones in the
middle of the second metacarpal
bone on the radial side.
Release Acupressure Point LV 3 (Taichong or Great Surge) :
Liver 3 is located on the
dorsum of the foot, in
the depression just distal
to the junction of the first
and second metatarsal bones.
One of the most popular acupressure points for normalizing the immune system is Stomach 36:
Tonify Acupressure Point ST 36 (Zusanli or Leg Three Li
Stomach 36 is located three
cun below the distal aspect
of the knee cap in the muscle
tibialis anterior.
Chinese Medical Patterns of Cancer
There are three specific diagnostic similarities with the majority of cancer patients, but this is a generalization of tumor-type cancers that can occur.
Stage 1
A Yin/Yang imbalance develops in the body as described in part one of this book. This can occur in one organ system, or as more common, will involve several organ systems.
Stage 2
As the imbalance worsens, Qi and Blood are depleted and begin to stagnate.
Stage 3
The communication and cooperation among the organs (as described in the Shen and Ko Cycles related to the Five Elements in Part 1 of this book), the immune response becomes impeded, the endocrine system malfunctions, and the adaptive qualities of the body deteriorate.
Qi Deficiency
Qi is generally thought of as the vital force within our bodies. There must be abundant Qi to maintain health in each organ system and for the immune system to function properly. Spleen Qi is vital to prevent an accumulation of damp nodules and accumulations in the body. Cancer tumors are often described as a Blood Stagnation and Damp Phlegm accumulation. The Liver is responsible for the movement of Qi in the body, and Liver Qi Stagnation is typically involved in cancer. Toxins often accumulate in the Liver producing heat and stagnation.
Blood Stagnation
Blood is Yin in nature and requires Qi to circulate correctly, thus, they are interdependent. Chemotherapy consumes blood, and patients who have undergone these therapies need intensive herbal therapy using Blood and Yin Tonics. Additionally, tumors are considered to be stagnant Blood accumulations, and blood-movers are vital in treating cancer. Blood Deficiency is explained in detail in Part 1 of this book.
Yin/Yang Imbalances in Cancer
Traditional Chinese Medical Theory dictates that all of the energies in the body must be balanced relative to one another in order for there to be good health and vitality. Therefore, the Yin (substance) must be balanced with the Yang (energy), the organs must harmoniously work in unison, and the emotions must be stable.
Chinese medicine balances Yin and Yang and can also build these qualities in the body when they are deficient. Initially, a patient may be Yang or Qi deficient leading to the imbalance at the onset of cancer. However, after radiation or chemotherapy, the Yin deficiency & Blood deficiency have to be addressed. Some of the signs that cancer patients often experience after chemotherapy are classic Yin & Blood deficiency symptoms such as dry skin and afternoon and evening sweats. Toxins accumulating in the body would manifest as Heat, and would consume Yin.
Wei Qi Impeded
Chinese medicine has recognized the immune system for thousands of years and has assigned herbs that strengthen the immune system, or Wei Qi, during this time. The general concept is that the Wei Qi must remain strong to protect the body against pathogens and disease, and that the body can only contract these diseases when the Wei Qi is weak. Maintaining a healthy immune system to avoid or treat cancer also depends on a diet of whole organic foods.
Many Westerners have adopted this philosophy, knowing that they are constantly exposed to viruses, but only catching a cold or developing a cold sore when they are run down. Likewise, our bodies always contain cancer cells, it is only when our bodies fall out of balance and our immune system becomes depleted that cancer grows unchecked. Many effective cancer herbs such as astragalus and eleuthrococus have been shown time and time again to support a proper immune function. These herbs are also great for the prevention of cancer and can be consumed throughout the life, possibly two months on and two months off. After chemotherapy or radiation, immune building herbs become critical in rebuilding health in the aftermath of cancer and remaining cancer free.
Toxins
Toxins and foreign substances in our tissue can lead to premature aging, disease, pain, and are often suspected as attributing to cancer. Our body does an amazing job of eliminating toxins under normal circumstances. It is only when the body becomes overwhelmed with a large quantity of toxins, or an especially potent toxin, that it is unable to perform the various functions of elimination. These would include pesticides, air pollution, plastics, cleaners, solvents, alcohol (in large quantities), preservatives, food coloring, hair dyes, etc. Pesticides are especially troublesome in the case of cancer, since they are able to mimic hormones.
The body is wise, and initially attempts to store toxins in fat cells far away from vital organ systems. This is why people often become ill when loosing weight rapidly. The less desirable scenario exists when the toxins circulate in the arteries or are lodged in organ tissue or muscle tissue. Often, toxins act as free radicals; these unstable molecules create tissue damage. Free radicals are often linked to cancer conditions.
Pattern Associated with Different Types of Cancer
Lymphatic Cancer
The lymphatic system consists of a myriad of delicate vessels found in almost every tissue of the body containing blood vessels. These vessels perform essential functions including the removal of waste products from cellular metabolism. The proper function of the lymphatic system is vital for proper immune system performance.
This vital system is often overlooked in detoxification programs. The lymphatic system is often referred to as the ‘back alleyway’ for trash removal of the body. Because the lymphatic system can become overwhelmed with toxins and the lymph stops draining effectively, the lymph nodes are common sites of cancer tumors. There are a multitude of common natural herbs that help the lymphatic system work more efficiently; these would include cleavers, Echinacea, burdock and seaweed.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer responds to all of the typical herbs used for cancer, however, breast cancer has some unique patterns of its own. For one thing, the Spleen Channel runs through the breast area, and maintaining the free and abundant flow of Qi through the Spleen channel with Spleen Qi Tonic herbs benefits breast health. Additionally, herbs mentioned above for lymphatic drainage help to maintain breast health also.
Liver Cancer
The liver is actually considered a gland, and performs a large number of vital tasks including storing vitamins, producing cholesterol, and synthesizing fatty acids from sugars and amino acids. As a detoxifying organ, the liver dilutes toxic substances such as metabolic waste, pesticides, and alcohol, with less toxic substances before sending them to be excreted from the kidneys.
The fact that the liver is negatively impacted by toxins and alcohol is well recognized in our culture. In Chinese medicine, the early signs of liver problems are often referred to as ‘Liver Qi Stagnation’. Liver detoxification herbs include dandelion, yellow dock, and eclipta. There are also significant tonic-type natural herbs that can be taken for several months to strengthen the Liver Function such as he-shu-wu. Liver support herbs are necessary with all types of cancer.
Large Intestine Cancer
This obvious route of elimination for toxins is well recognized and appreciated. Maintaining a healthy colon and regular bowel movements is necessary for toxin elimination of the whole body, but accumulations can occur in the bowels when there is insufficient Qi and/or Blood to move the bowels. In addition to the typically herbs used for cancer, many herbs can specifically benefit the colon. Some herbs eliminate heat, or toxins, and heal the walls of the intestine such as aloe and marshmallow. Other herbs are vital in restoring the necessary ‘Large Intestine Qi’ so that the bowels have the energy necessary for peristalsis such as bitter orange. There are actually a multitude of strategies that can help restore proper bowel movements naturally. The Chinese often include oily herbs such as black sesame seed, and blood building herbs such as mulberry fruit, for dry bowel movements. The prevention and treatment of cancer in Chinese medicine relies on eliminating stagnation in the body. Promoting a daily, formed bowel movement is an important part of restoring a body to balance.
Prostate Cancer
In addition to the popular cancer herbs mentioned above, it is beneficial to include herbs that remove Liver Qi Stagnation with prostate issues. The Liver Channel runs through the groin area and stagnation in the channel is often seen in cases of prostate cancer. Saw palmetto berry would be a beneficial botanical to add to prostate cancer, as it is known to reduce the size of the prostate, which will also reduce stagnation and accumulations.
Herbs Used for Cancer
There are many herbs that are effective in addressing different aspects of cancer; many support the immune system, break up accumulations (tumors), move blood, or assist in the detoxification process. Most herbal formulas for cancer will also contain supporting herbs, or herbs that direct all of the formula to the site of the tumor. While it would be a stretch to consider herbs a “cure” for cancer, they can be a beneficial aspect of cancer treatments. As any oncologist will tell you, only the body itself can assure a complete recovery from cancer; these herbs are meant to strengthen the body and aid in that effort.
Astragalus
Astragalus membranaceus
Astragalus, or huang qi is a low growing spreading ground vetch easily cultivated from seed. Like many common ground vetches growing as invasive weeds in North America, astragalus is a perennial with purple flower. The plant is grown for at least three years before the roots are harvested for use.
Astragalus is potent immune system modulator that stimulates the production of white blood cells that are vital in fighting cancer. Astragalus has been used for over 2000 years to strengthen the body as a whole and is a Spleen Qi tonic that strengthens muscle, builds blood and improves overall health.
Ligustrum
Ligustrum lucidum
Ligustrum, or nu zhen zi, or Chinese privet is an invasive tree thought to be native to Asia, but naturalized in many locations throughout the world. The berries are harvested for medicinal use as a tonic herb.
Ligustrum is a classic Yin Kidney and Liver tonic herb which is said by the Chinese to prolong life; chemotherapy and radiation consume Yin. It is a significant natural immune enhancing agent, as modern research shows that the plant increases the white blood cell counts and is used to prevent bone marrow loss chemotherapy patients. It also has anti-tumor qualities.
Reishi Mushroom
Ganoderma lucidum - ling zhi
Reishi or ling zhi, is a woody mushroom that grows on the decaying wood of stumps, but is rare in the wild so is more commonly cultivated on logs or wood chips. Reishi must be prepared for use as medicine as a decoction or in other ways.
Not enough can be said about this substance used as an immune system modulator; it is of the highest level tonic herb. The Reishi mushroom has an unparalleled reputation in the Orient as the ultimate herbal substance. For over two thousand years it has been sought-after by mountain sages and by the emperors of China. In the first Chinese herbal text (Shennong’s Pharmacopeia) it says that "continuous consumption of Reishi makes your body light and young, lengthens your life and turns you into one like the immortal who never dies." Reishi was traditionally called "the mushroom of immortality."
Lifestyle Practices that Help Prevent Cancer
Cancer and the Mind
Chinese medicine is a system that recognizes the connection between the body, the mind, and the spirit. The best outcome to cancer, like all illnesses, depends on a re-evaluation and adjustments to all aspects of our being. In addition to improving the diet and utilizing beneficial supplements for the body, cancer survivors must clear underlying emotional imbalances and must feed the Spirit. Meditation, flower essence remedies, traditional counseling, support groups, and stress reduction techniques.
Diet and Cancer
Seeking out nourishing organic foods is critical in the prevention and recovery from cancer. Pesticides can mimic hormones in the body and activate hormone receptor sites throughout the body. Many people associate hormones with sexual function, but hormones play a much larger role in our bodies acting as free flowing communication tools. There are numerous cancers associated with miscommunication throughout the endocrine system resulting in unchecked growth of cells.
For the body to be truly well it must be nourished; therefore a diet filled with whole organic foods must be adopted to avoid or recover from cancer. Many herbs, fruits, and vegetables contain antioxidants that counter free radical damage in the body and help to fight cancer, so chose a varied diet rich in many colors for the best results.
Exercise and Cancer
It has become well established that a sedentary lifestyle as well as obesity lead to higher rates of cancer. A simple brisk walk is able to move lymph fluids that drain toxins from our tissues, and break up Liver Qi Stagnation which is an underlying imbalance in most cancer. Tai Qi and Yoga help to build Qi in the body, remove stagnation in the body, and reduce stress.
For information on conventional treatments for cancer, visit the American Cancer Society, the The New York Times, or the National Cancer Institute. This is not an endorsement of these organization, just a resource guide.
TM
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Chinese Herb Formulas for Optimal Health and Wellness!
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Ageless Herbs Exclusive Formulas:
Astragalus-huang qi
Astragalus is a potent immune system herb and has been used for over 2000 years to strengthen the body as a whole. As a Spleen Qi tonic, Astragalus strengthens muscle, builds blood and improves all bodily functions. It is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to protect the body against the effects of chemotherapy and lessen its side effects.
Arctium lappa-Burdock Root
Burdock drains lymphatic fluids, reduces toxins and removes uric acid. Burdock is highly effective for all types of skin ailments including acne, psoriasis, rashes and eczema. Historically used as an anti-tumor herb in Essiac remedy, burdock root is sometimes referred to as a 'blood cleanser'.
Ganoderma lucidum-ling zhi-Reishi Mushroom
The Reishi mushroom has an unparalleled reputation in the Orient as the ultimate immune tonic. For over two thousand years it has been sought-after by mountain sages and by the emperors of China. In the first Chinese herbal text (Shennong’s Pharmacopeia) it says that "continuous consumption of Reishi makes your body light and young, lengthens your life and turns you into one like the immortal who never dies." Reishi was traditionally called "the mushroom of immortality."
Trifolium pratense-Red Clover
A classic "blood cleanser", Red Clover is a preeminent detoxification herb and is classically used as an anti-tumor herb in the Essiac remedy. Red clover blossoms are used in Western herbalism as an anti-inflammatory. Additionally, red clover has antioxidant qualities and encourages cell regeneration.
Eleutherococcus senticosus- wu jia pi
Eleuthro is a famous adaptogenic tonic herb used for thousands of years in China to enhance immune function, protect the body from stresses and build vital energy. This cure-all herb increases physical and mental endurance, builds blood and to improves memory. It aids in the recovery of over exertion of the body or mind. It is used to protect the body against the effects of radiation.
Rumex Crispus-Yellow dock root
A gentle, yet effective, detoxification herb, yellow dock reduces Liver congestion and clears damp heat. It is especially useful with digestive disorders clearing Large Intestine Qi stagnation and supports the proper flow of bile. In menstrual disorders, it builds blood and clears uterine blood stagnation. Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for leukemia.
Atractylodes-bai zhu
Atractylodes is an important Qi tonic famous for regulating the digestive functions. It is a powerful energy booster and is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for cancer support. It has a mild diuretic action and drains dampness. Relieves headaches and body aches.
Spatholobus spp- ji xue teng
Millettia is an important herb for gynecological disorders including irregular menses due to Blood stasis or Blood deficiency. It is useful to treat muscle and joint pain by opening obstructions to Qi flow in the meridians. Because it both nourishes and moves the blood, millettia is a good choice for those who are weak or deficient. It is often included in formulas for cancer patients suffering from blood deficiency due to radiation or chemotherapy.
Thallus algae-kun bu-Seaweed
Softens and clears nodules or masses and drains lymph fluids. Seaweed has many micronutrients & minerals necessary for good health and beautiful hair, skin and nails. Seaweed is a classic herb used in Chinese medicine for tumors.
Prunella Vulgaris - xia ku cao-Heal All
Clears Liver Fire, reduces headaches, detoxifies and removes lymphatic blocks. Also clears heat from the Heart and controls high blood pressure. Heal all is also sometimes referred to as 'self heal' and is generally a detoxifying herb. Liver Qi Stagnation and Liver Heat are common indications in cancer conditions according to Chinese medicine.
Salvia miltiorrhiza - dan shen - Red Sage Root
Salvia is a "blood vitalizing" herb used to improve circulation and break up blood stagnation. Recent research in China and Japan indicates that salvia improves the condition and functioning of entire cardiovascular system. It is a famed longevity herb.
Carthamus-hong hua-Safflower
Breaks up blood stagnation and moves blood as tumors are generally considered a stagnant blood and phlegm accumulation. Safflower is also used to alleviate pain from trauma, unblocks uterine stagnation and removes heart blood stagnation.
Rumex acetosella - Sheep Sorrel Herb
Another one of the four herbs in essiac formula. Sheep sorrel is detoxifying, but more importantly, it directs all the herbs in the formula to act on the cancer site.
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