Lung Canceraccording to TCM
Symptom family: Neoplasms, Tumors and Cancer
Parent symptom: Cancer
What is Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer, also known as lung carcinoma or pulmonary cancer, is a condition characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the lung tissues. This malignancy can originate in any part of the lungs, leading to severe health complications and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
Its diagnosis and treatment depend on the type of cancer (small cell or non-small cell) and the extent of its spread within the body. Early detection can significantly improve the prognosis, making awareness and regular screenings crucial.
How does TCM view Lung Cancer?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets lung cancer through the prism of imbalance and disharmony within the body's energetic systems. TCM doesn't view cancer as an isolated disease but as a manifestation of underlying imbalances, particularly in the Lung Qi and the body's vital energy.
According to TCM, the health of the lungs is directly connected to the Qi's flow, and disruptions in this flow can lead to disease. TCM seeks to identify and correct these imbalances, using a holistic approach that integrates herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary advice, and Qi Gong exercises to treat lung cancer.
Causes of Lung Cancer According to TCM
In TCM, lung cancer is often attributed to prolonged exposure to pathogenic factors that lead to Qi Stagnation, Dry-Heat accumulation, and Blood stasis, combined with internal imbalances such as Lung Yin Deficiency.
These conditions create a fertile ground for the development of malignant tumors. External factors like exposure to pollutants and smoking are seen as direct attacks on Lung Qi, while emotional distress, particularly sadness and grief, can further disrupt lung function. Addressing both the internal conditions and external influences is key to TCM's approach to treating lung cancer, aiming to restore harmony and balance to the body.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Lung Cancer
TCM offers several formulas and herbs specifically tailored to combat lung cancer, focusing on nourishing Lung Yin, clearing Heat, and resolving Phlegm. One such formula is Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang, which includes Mulberry leaves (Sang Ye) as a key herb.
This formula is particularly effective in treating patterns associated with Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire and Lung Yin Deficiency, common in lung cancer cases. By moistening the Lungs and dispersing Dryness, it aims to alleviate symptoms and support the body's natural healing processes. This approach underscores TCM's belief in the body's innate ability to heal, provided its energetic balance is restored.
See more details below about Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang, a herbal formula used to address lung cancer.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten
Lung cancer can be treated by these formulas when caused by dryness that impairs the body's moisture balance, necessitating herbs that moisten and alleviate dryness.
One such formula is Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Lung Cancer
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address lung cancer, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Lung 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 Bushy Sophora Roots (Shan Dou Gen), which is directly recommended for lung cancer.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for lung cancer
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Bushy Sophora Roots (Shan Dou Gen) | Not applicable |
| Catclaw Buttercup Roots (Mao Zhao Cao) | Not applicable |
| Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai) | Not applicable |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Lung cancer can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye), a key herb in some formulas recommended for lung cancer, like Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang.