Traditional Chinese Medicine and Cancer
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back more than 5000 years and has its origin in ancient Taoist philosophy, which states that the complementary forces yin and yang blend together to form harmony in the universe. According to TCM, the life force qi normally circulates throughout the body and diseases occur when there is an imbalance between qi and blood flow, resulting in blockage and stagnation. Health is restored after the blockage is removed and qi is able to flow again. TCM practitioners use a number of therapies including herbal medicine, qigong and tai chi, and acupuncture to treat many conditions, such as cancer and its related symptoms and side effects.
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Research Highlights on TCM and Cancer
Chinese herbs and natural products
- Improving Cancer Treatment Side Effects: The Promise of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulation, PHY906
- Compound in Red Sage Plant May Help Control Blood Vessels that Feed Tumors
- NCI-funded International Team Investigates Wild Toad Extract in Combination with Gemcitabine as Potential Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
- Herbal Gel may Help Improve Cancer-Related Pain
Qigong and tai chi
- MD Anderson Study Finds Qigong Improves Quality of Life for Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy
- Pilot Study Examines Feasibility of Tai Chi Intervention in Older Cancer Survivors
- Meditating on Potential Use of Taiji (T’ai Chi) and Qigong to Reduce Cancer-Related Symptoms
Acupuncture
- MD Anderson Study Suggests Acupuncture Given Alongside Radiation may Help Reduce Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
- Acupuncture PDQ® Health Professional Summary
- Acupuncture PDQ® Patient Summary
- Acupuncture Reduces Joint Pain in Some Women with Breast Cancer
- A Mixed Bag When it Comes to Acupuncture Randomized Control Trials Reporting
Clinical Trials
- Acupuncture and Cancer Clinical Trials (NCI)
- Traditional Chinese Medicine and Cancer Clinical Trials (NCI)
- Traditional Chinese Medicine and Cancer Clinical Trials (Clinicaltrials.gov)
Resources from around NIH and NCI
- TCM Backgrounder (NCCIH)
- Tai chi Backgrounder (NCCIH)
- Botanical Dietary Supplements (ODS)
Selection of NIH-funded research projects
- Development of Dihydroartemisinin as a Novel Preventive Agent for Prostate Cancer
- Tanshinones for Prevention of Bladder Cancer Progression
- Biobehavioral Effects of Qigong During Treatment for Rectal Cancer
- Acupuncture to Prevent Chemotherapy Dose Reduction