Tuina as Complementary Treatment Plan for Cancer

The American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine believes that cancer in any form is one of the most devastating diseases that one can be stricken with, especially if the cancer is in its late stages. Specialists also agree that for those already terminal, the patient’s comfort and maintaining minimal pain levels are important.

While most conventional medicine facilitates pain management for cancer patients via drug-focused therapy, there are some who advocate alternative options like traditional Chinese medicine. Meanwhile, although acupuncture may be the most known TCM approach, some advocates are saying that tuina may also prove to be effective as a pain management method for cancer patients.

How is tuina going to be effective in cancer treatment?

According to the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, tuina, like other Oriental medicine methods, focuses on overall health and wellness of mind, body, and soul. This means that even as a complement to conventional medicine, tuina works as a holistic approach to pain management.

What are the benefits of tuina which can particularly help cancer patients?

Pain relief. Tuina is not just simple massage. It stimulates the body to release pain blockers and feel-good chemicals. This makes this TCM method a good complementary approach for pain management

Improved quality of life. The American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine says that a distinct advantage of tuina in cancer treatment plans is making sure that pain and discomfort are minimized, especially after conventional treatments which may have side effects on the body. For those in the terminal stages, having their days free from pain and discomfort is a big help for themselves and their loved ones.

Treats depression. Having a debilitating or even terminal illness will take its toll on a patient. As tuina and other TCM approaches offer holistic wellness, these unconventional methods are known not only to help manage physical pain, but they also offer psychological benefits that help alleviate on depression.

There are other positive effects that tuina brings not just for cancer treatment, but for other disorders as well. However, the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine believes that the main benefit of tuina is promoting over-all health and wellness.