The Benefits of Acupuncture and Tuina for Post-Cancer Patients

Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine consider that different pathogenic factors (phlegm, heat, blood and Qi Stasis, intestinal peristalsis issues and Coldness) can cause stagnation and toxins (causing fibroids, tumours, cysts, lumps and rashes) to accumulate in the organs or meridians.

These occur in many people to different degrees with the most severe examples resulting in cancer. Acupuncture can help to clear remaining stasis and toxicity after cancer has been surgically removed. It can also help repair the circulation in the meridians and organs in the area where the cancer once resided.  Side effects of chemotherapy and radiation such as pain, anaemia, fatigue, dry mouth and so-called “chemo brain” (which causes difficulty in concentration, clear thinking, memory loss and anxiety etc.) can be significantly ameliorated. Acupuncture also strengthens energy (Qi and blood) flow to rebuild up the immune system.

Acupuncture will support post cancer patients to give a better quality of life, with greater mental clarity and improved physical wellbeing without additional medication. Patients will  have more energy, better sleep and elimination, freedom from nausea, less reliance on pain medications, better appetite, greater range of motion, reduced anxiety , grow back hair, and restore normal sensation to fingers and toes when there is neuropathy. Where some women are thrown into early menopause because of cancer treatment, acupuncture can help minimize those effects.

Dapeng Zhang’s bespoke abdominal acupuncture was created by Dr. Zhiyun Bo (a renowned top acupuncture specialist /educator in China). It is a healing system that utilizes the abdomen focusing on the umbilicus (as a micro system representing the whole body formed when the patient was an embryo) to regulate the function of all organs and meridians. This type of acupuncture is particularly effective for difficult, complex and chronic conditions like cancer.

In the past, old qigong masters imagined a taiji symbol centred on the umbilicus. Embraced in the centre were two fish (yin/yang). From this they produced the yin and yang, the ascending/descending, and entering/exiting of qi and blood through the body.

The three different levels in abdominal acupuncture are similar, but different to the heaven, human and earth sequence of the standard meridian system. Each level has its own functional mechanism and therapeutic effect. By using specific acupoints on the abdomen, the Shenque system can be employed to achieve a holistic body balance called homeostasis. This method creates very minimal discomfort but is still highly effective, making it particularly suitable for patients who have already endured cancer treatment.

Tuina is another therapy for patients who have already undergone orthodox treatment.This is a specialised form of massage which largely uses Chinese medical theory to reorder, regulate and restore vital body energy qi in order to balance the entire system. By applying different pressure or using different parts of hands. Tuina therapists work in different layers of muscle, which relate to three energy levels.  The benefits for the post cancer patients centre on strengthening the main organs and meridian function.