Skin Canceraccording to TCM
Symptom family: Neoplasms, Tumors and Cancer
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells, which can lead to malignant tumors. The most serious form is melanoma, which can spread to other organs if not treated early.
Other common types include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are typically related to sun exposure and can appear as persistent sores or abnormal growths on the skin. Recognizing these signs early is key to effective treatment and management.
How does TCM view Skin Cancer?
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, skin cancer is understood as a manifestation of internal Disharmony and imbalances within the body's energies.
TCM does not separate the skin from the rest of the body but sees it as a reflection of the body's overall health. Thus, treatment aims to correct the internal imbalances that lead to the manifestation of skin lesions, using a holistic approach that involves herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes.
Causes of Skin Cancer According to TCM
In TCM, skin cancer may be considered a result of prolonged Heat and Toxicity accumulation in the body. Factors such as Excess sun exposure, which is akin to Heat, and environmental toxins, correlate to Dampness and Toxic Heat in TCM.
These imbalances can stagnate and concentrate in the skin, eventually leading to the formation of malignant lesions. Emotional stress and poor diet are also seen as contributing factors that disrupt the body's Qi, or vital energy, and can lead to Blood Stagnation and Phlegm, further contributing to the development of tumors.
TCM Herbs for Skin Cancer
In treating skin cancer, TCM practitioners may turn to herbs that clear Heat and expel Toxicity. For instance, Selaginella Herbs (Shi Shang Bai) are often employed for their properties to clear Toxic Heat and Damp-Heat from the Liver.
Such herbs are selected based on a detailed diagnosis of the individual's specific pattern of Disharmony, considering their overall constitution and the nature of their skin lesions. The goal is to detoxify the body, nourish the Blood, and restore the free flow of Qi, thereby addressing both the symptoms and root causes of skin cancer.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Skin cancer can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai), which is directly recommended for skin cancer.