treating side effects of traditional cancer therapies with chinese medicine This paper will explore the treatment of Chemotherapy and Radiation side effects with Chinese herbal methods. The formulas will be drawn primarily from the book "Cancer Treatment with Fu Zheng Pei Ben Principle" and additional sources. The emphasis will be upon the use of Chinese herbal methods to support the body in restoring itself following extremely toxic treatments for cancer and ways that enhance the resistance of the body to the cancer itself.
In treating persons who suffer from cancer there are several differentiations that must be made. The most important is to ascertain what the person's underlying root condition was before the development of the specific cancer. This is critical because it allows the development of a comprehensive treatment strategy that recognizes the long term imbalances that contributed significantly to the development of the cancer. The specific effects of the cancer then need to be recognized in order to understand the pathological direction of the signs and symptoms. Finally, the specific side effects of the treatment methods for the cancer must be identified. Depending upon the type of treatment method, certain effects can be anticipated and recognized.
There are are basically three types of cancer treatment in western scientific medicine: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery is used to remove specific growths of cancers. It is most successful when the cancer is localized, encapsulated and has not been identified in the blood stream. It produces serious trauma to the body and reduces the body's ability to resist further growth of the cancer. The positive effect is that it may remove the cancer and give the person time to address the underlying conditions that created the original growth of the cancer.
Chemotherapy is the introduction of chemical substances into the body that attack and kill the cancer. The substances are almost always very toxic and create the dilemma of injuring the body in order to save the body. They also produce a variety of side effects that can complicate or impede the original purpose of the treatment which is to kill the cancer. Some individuals may have severe allergic reactions that can be fatal or seriously debilitating. Occasionally the substances are administered improperly and the patient is killed by the treatment itself (this occurred three times in 1995 within the first six months). The positive effect is that it can kill the cancer under certain circumstances and if the person is reasonably healthy to start with, they may have a long and happy life without any recurrence of the cancer.
Radiation therapy uses radiation in several different forms to kill the cancer. It can produce long term side effects and cause local radiation burns that may weaken the body's resistance to the cancer or other diseases. Internal organs that are near the radiation site may also be injured and weakened. It is also used prophylactically to follow up after surgery or chemotherapy. The problem with all of these treatment methods is that they may further injure and weaken a system that is already in a state of crisis, leaving it more susceptible to the growth of cancer or other diseases. In the following sections the specific patterns of disharmony associated with the use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and their treatment with Chinese Herbal methods will be discussed. In addition, the theory of Fu Zheng Pei Ben will be used as the central focus in developing specific treatment strategies.
Fu Zheng Pei Ben refers to the T.C.M. theory of supporting the Righteous or Healthy, Correct Qi of the body and strengthening the Qi of the organs in order to fight disease. The theory is based on the principle that the body, when healthy, can regulate itself and expel pathogenic influences. This roughly corresponds to the Western scientific view of the Immune system and its ability to respond to pathogenic influences. In T.C.M. the activity of the harmonious circulation of Qi through the channels and collaterals fulfills the same function as that of the Immune system.
In addressing therapeutic circumstances such as cancer and other serious disorders that originate due to chronic imbalances or specific external causes the entire condition of the person must be examined from this perspective. The specific imbalances must be identified and the persons general state must be treated from the perspective of supporting the Righteous and strengthening the the ability to fight the disease. This is the use of Fu Zheng Pei Ben theory. The general condition of cancer patients is the result of the sum of several different factors: the specific toxic effects of the cancer itself, the degree of organ dysfunction due to the cancer itself, the side effects of the specific treatment method , the emotional state for the patient, the previous condition of the patient and the spiritual understanding and development of the patient.
Side effects of surgery include:
Qi and Blood vacuity, Blood Stasis, Spleen, Kidney and Lung Qi vacuity. The gastrointestinal function is disturbed and there may be adhesions due to the surgery. In addition, extreme sweating may occur which exhausts the patient and causes dehydration. The result is that the person is weakened and may be progressively impaired by the remaining functional deficiency that is due to the surgical procedure.
Side effects of Chemotherapy include:
Qi and Blood vacuity, Blood Stasis due to Blood vacuity, Spleen, Kidney and Lung Qi vacuity, Liver Blood Vacuity, Kidney Yin vacuity, Stomach Yin vacuity and Hot Toxins in the Bowels. The toxic nature of the chemicals attacks the fast growing cells of the body causing gastrointestinal irritation and dysfunction leading to loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and loss of peristalsis or diarrhea. The cells of the hair follicles are impaired leading to hair loss. The bone marrow cells that produce blood are reduced which causes a drop in blood counts leading to anemia, low white blood cell counts,a pale complexion and weakened immune system function. This combined with the lack of appetite and weakened digestion lowers the person's energy level and creates a feeling of extreme fatigue and depression. In addition the chemotherapeutic agent may leak out of the vein or catheter and cause local toxic reactions which produce sores, rashes, and swelling. An accidental overdose can cause irreversible liver, kidney or brain damage. Peripheral neuropathy is also common with many agents as well as ringing in the ears and dizziness and impaired memory.
Side effects of Radiation therapy include:
Qi and Blood vacuity, Yin vacuity, Hot Toxin, and Hot Blood Escaping from the Vessels. Radiation is a very strong heat source that produces damage to the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract and the fluids of the body. A common side effect is extreme dryness, thirst, loss of appetite, heat sensations and radiation burns that do not heal or heal very slowly. The general energy level of the person is reduced and the immune system is weakened making them very susceptible to external diseases.
The general conclusion is that the side effects of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are characterized by a state of Qi and Blood vacuity, Blood Stasis, Yin vacuity and Hot toxin damage to various parts of the body. In the book "Cancer Treatment with Fu Zheng Pei Ben Therapy" a number of formulas and suggestions are given in order to minimize and lessen the impact of these toxic substances and traumatic conditions. In working with cancer patients who are undergoing western scientific medical treatments, the Chinese medical practitioner is as Ze'v Rosenberg states in a recent article "in the unfortunate position of being the 'mop up crew', cleaning up the side effects of excessive treatment". Currently in China there is extensive use of combined Western Scientific Medicine and T.C.M. treatments.
The following sections will list and describe the uses of Chinese Herbal Formulas to treat and minimize the side effects of these "excessive treatments". The formulas appear to be predominately empirical formulas that are designed around classical formulas such as Si Wu Tang, Si JunZi Tang, Liu Jun Zi Tang, Bu Zhong Yi Chi Tang, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, Ba Zhen Tang and others. They are then adapted to fit the usual side effects of particular treatments and then further modified to fit the individuals symptomology. Most of the formulas are decoctions and pills but pastes, boluses, powders, gruels and gargles are also used. The formulas will be listed from the most general to more specific organ based formulas. They are all designed for the treatment of side effects or the prevention or minimization of side effects. They are not for the treatment of the cancer per se.
Formulas for use Pre-Surgery:
When surgery appears to be the treatment of choice it is advisable to utilize a tonification strategy before the surgery if it is not a critical emergency situation. The Fu Zheng Pei Ben principle is to strengthen the Spleen, nourish the Yin and strengthen the Kidneys. Functionally surgery and the anesthetic agent combine to slow down peristalsis and secretions within the gastrointestinal tract. This combined with blood loss, local trauma from the surgery itself and the accompanying post-surgery pain severely weakens the entire body, making it extremely vulnerable to infection or the spread of any cancer left in the system. The use of tonifying and nourishing formulas helps to strengthen the body before surgery to try and help mitigate the impact and increase the person's ability to recover full function.
Jian Pi Li Qi Tang-
This formula is used widely as a pre-and post surgery formula. It helps to strengthen the Qi and Blood, strengthen digestion, nourish the Yin and decrease Heat pathogens.
Rx.Codonopsis-Dang Shen- 10g
Poria Cocos-Fu Ling 12g
Rx.Atractylodis Macro.-Bai Zhu 9g
Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi 12g
T.Ophiopogonis-Mai Men Dong 10g
Rx.Auklandia-Mu Xiang 6g
Rx.Glehnia-Sha Shen 10g
Peri.Citri-Chen Pi 6g
Semen Trichosanthis-Gua Lou Ren- 15g
Semen Nelumbinis-Lian Zi 15g
Fr.Hordei Germ.-Mai Ya 9g
Massa Medicata ferm.-Shen Qu 9g.
Rz.Coptidis-Huang Lian 4.5g
Rx.Glycyrrhizae-Gan Cao 3gDecocted and taken for seven days prior to the surgery.
Empirical Formula for Pre-Surgery-Esophageal Cancer
This formula is used often before esophageal cancer surgery.
Rx.Codonopsis-Dang Shen 15g
Rz.Atractylodes Macro.-Bai Zhu 12g
Poria Cocos-Fu Ling 12g
Rx.Glycyrrhizziae-Gan Cao 3g
Rx.Pseudostellariae-Tai Zi Shen 15g
Rx.Glehniae-Sha Shen 10g
Rz.Polygonati-Huang Jing 12g
Fr.Ligustici-Nu Zhen Zi 12g
Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi 15g
H.Oldenlandiae-Bai Hua She She Cao 24g
Fl.LOnicera-Jin Yin Hua 10g
H.Solani- 24gAdd Rx.Ginseng-Ren Shen 6g or Rx.Panacis Quinquefoili-Xi Yang Shen (Amer. Ginseng) seperately after decocting.
Take 2x a day for 2-3 days prior to surgery.
Empirical Formula Pre-Surgery-Liver Cancer
Used to clear intestinal heat and bowel contents before surgery.
Rx.-Rz.Rhei-Da Huang 9g
Rz.Coptidis-Huang Lian 9g
Rx.Scutellaria-Huang Qin 9g
Rz.Gynostemmatis Pent. 15g
T..Ophiopogonis-Mai Men Dong 10g
Rx.Glehniae-Sha Shen 9g
Rx.Pseudostellariae-Tai Zi Shen 12g
Rx.Astragli-Huang Qi 24g
H.Solanii- 15g
Rx.Asparagi-Tian Men Dong 15g
Empirical Formula Pre-Surgery-Lung Cancer
Used for strengthening Body, relieving Heat in the Lung(infection), Lung Yin Deficiency, moistens the Lung, dissolves Phlegm and stops coughing.
Rx.Panacis Quiquefoil-Xi Yan Shen 4-6g or Rx.Ginseng-Ren Shen
Rx.Pseudostellariae-Tai Zi Shen 15g
T.Ophiopogonis-Mai Men Dong 12g
Rx.Glehniae-Sha Shen 10g
H.Dendrobi-Shi Hu 10g
Fr.Lycii-Gou Qi Zi 10g
Polyporous Sclerotium-Zhu Ling 15g
Poria Cocos-Fu Ling 15g
H.Houtuyniae- 20g
Rx.Platycodi-Je Geng 10g
Rx.Asteris-Zi Wan 9g
Caulis Bambusae-Zhu Ru 10g
Bul.Fritillariae Cirr-Chuan Bei Mu 9g
Fol.Eriobryae-Pi Pa Ye 10g
Sm.Armeniace- 9g
Bulbus Lilli-Bai He 10g
Rz.Gynostemmatis 12g
H.Oldenlandiae-Bai Hua She She Yao 24g
Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi 15g
Fr.Schizandrae-Wu Wei Zi 6g
Formulas for use Post-Surgery:
The formula Jian Pi Li Qi Tang can also be used for post-surgical conditions starting on the fourth day following surgery. It is especially helpful for abdominal distention, constipation, bitter taste in mouth, thickly coated tongue, no appetite, diarrhea, and dyspepsia. It functions to strengthen the Spleen, regulate the flow of Qi, remove obstruction in the bowels, and cause rebellious Qi to descend. If the person has profuse sweating due to a vacuity of Wei Qi or protective Qi due to the extreme debilitation of the surgery, Yu Ping Feng San-Jade Windscreen Powder can be used to help consolidate the Wei Qi and help to stabilize the disharmony between the Ying and Wei Qi which is due to the extreme vacuity condition.
Yu Ping Feng San-Jade wWind Screen Powder
Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi 30g
Rz.Atractylodi Macro.-Bai Zhu 60g
Rx.Ledebouriellae-Fang Feng 60gground into powder and taken as a draft (in hot water) with 2-3 pieces of fresh Ginger-Sheng Jiang in 6-9g doses. May be taken as a decoction by reducing amounts by75%
Empirical Formula for Excessive Sweating .
This formula is used generally to strengthen the Wei Qi, stabilize the Wei and Ying relationship.
Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi- 20g
Rx.Saposhinkoviae Rx.Atractylodis-Bai Zhu 10g
Fr.Schizandrae-Wu Wei Zi 9g
Fr.Tritic Levis-Fu Xiao Mai- 12g
Concha Ostreae-Mu Li 20g
Rx.Codonopsis-Dang Shen 15g
Rx.paeonia Alba-Bal Shao 9g
Rx.Glcyrrhiziae-Gan Cao 6gDecoct, one dose daily for 2-3days.
Empirical Formula for Yin Vacuity - Damage caused by a Surgical Wound
With Yin Vacuity Due to Surgical Wound-thirst, dry mouth with fever, constipation, restlessness, uncoated crimson tongue, rapid weak pulse, coughing, shortness of breath, may be infection, bronchial pneumonia, poor healing of the wound, fistula formation, urinary or biliary infections.
Rx Panacis Quinuefoil-Xi Yang Shen (Amer.Ginseng)
Rx.Ginseng alba-Bai Ren Shen
H.Dendrobi-Shi Hu
Rz.Polygonati odorati-YuZhu
Rz.Anamarrhenae-Zhi Mu
Poria Cocos-Fu Ling
Polyprous Sclerotium-Zhu Ling
Rx. Scrophularia-Xuan Shen
Rx.Rhemanniae-Sheng Di Huang
Nodu Nelumbinis-Ou Jie
Rz.Imperatae- Rz. Polygonati-Huang Jing
Rx.Paeoniae Albae-Bai Shao
Cx.Moutan-Mu Dan Pi
Fr.Trichosanthis-Gua Lou
Tremmella-Bai Mu ErThe decoction can be infused through a gastric tube in case of anastomose fistula. The doses are said to be massive but no specific amounts are given.
Esophageal Post-Surgery Empirical Formula
Rx.Glehnia-Sha Shen 10g
T.Ophiopogonis-Mai Men Dong 10g
Poria Cocos-Fu Ling 12g
Rz.Polygonati-Huang Jing 12g
Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi 15g
Rx.Pseudostellariae-Tai Zi Shen 15g
Rx.Codonopsis-Dang Shen 12g
Fr.Trichosanthis-Gua Lou 24g
Fr.Hordei Germ.-Mai Ya 24g
Endothelium Cornu Gigeria Galli-Ji Nei Jin 9g
Rx.Giseng-Ren Shen or Panacis Quinc.-Xi Yang Shen 4-6g.Begin 3-4 days after surgery to resolve surgical complications and trauma.
Stomach Post-Surgery - Wei Chang Fu Yuan Tang (Dr.Ma Bi Shen, Ji Shui Tan Hospital Beijing)
This formula is used to accelerate post-surgery recovery of Gastro Intestinal function
Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi 15g
Rx.Pseudostellariae-Tai Zi Shen 10g
Caulis Perillae 10g
Fr.Auranti-Zhi Ke 10g
Rx.Rz.Rhei-Da Huang 15g
Sm.Rapheni-Lai Fu Zi 20g
Rx.Auklandiae-Mu Xiang 10g
Sm.Persica-Tao Ren 10g
Rx.Paeonia Rubra-Chi Shao 15g
H.Taraxi-Pu Gong Ying 20gDecoct and take 3-4x a day for 3 days following surgery. May be taken orally or nasally. Stop when defecation exceeds 3x a day.
Post-Surgery Empirical Formula-Liver Cancer
Used for surgical wound, functional imbalance, stagnation of pathogenic heat in stomach and intestine.
Rx.Asparagi-Tian Men Dong 12g
T.Ophiopogonis-Mai Men Dong 10g
Rx.Scutellariae-Huang Qin 9g
Fr.Trichosanthis-Gua Lou 18g
Rx.Panacis Quiquefoil-xi Yan Shen 6g
Sm.Raphani-Lai Fu Zi 9g
Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi 12g
Rx.Pseudostellariae-Tai Zi Shen 15g
H.Solani- 20g
Polyporous Sclerotium-Zhu Ling 15g
Rx.Glehniae-Sha Shen 10g
Endothelium Cornei Giger Galli-Ji Nei Jin 9g
Fr.Hordei Germ.-Mai Ya 15g
Rz.Atractylodis Macro - Bai Zhu 12g.
Post-Surgery Empirical Formula-Pancreatic Cancer
Used for post-surgery weakness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss.
Rx.Pseudostellariae-Tai Zi Shen 9g
Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi 30g
Rx.Angelica -Dang Gui 15g
Rz.Atractylodis Macro.-Bai Zhu 9g
Poria Cocos-Fu Ling 12g
Sm.Alpiniae-Cao Dou Kou 9g
Sm.Cocis-Yi Yi Ren 30g
Rx.Bupleuri-Chai Hu 4g
Peri.Citri-Chen Pi 9g
Rx.Curcumae- 9g
Rz.Corydalis-Yan Huo Su 9g
Rx.Auklandiae-Mu Xiang 4g
Faeces Trogopterori-Wu Ling Zhi 9g
Fr.Trichosanthis-Gua Lou 15g
Rz.Pinelliae-Ban Xia 9g
Os Sepiae-Hai Piao Xiao 9gTake 1x a day, decoct ingredients 2x
Post-SurgeryEmpirical Formula-Breast Cancer
Used to increase immune system function following a radical masectomy in order to prevent metastisis in the blood and lymph systems. Dispells Blood Stasis, reduces phlegm nodule accumulations, strengthens blood and Qi.
H.Prunella-Xia Ku Cao 15g
Rx.Angelica-Dang Gui 9g
Polyporus Sclerotium-Zhu Ling 15g
Pseudo BulbousCremastrae 12g
Flos Lonicerae-Jin Yin Hua 12g
Rx.Notoginseng-Tian Qi 1.5g
Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi 15g
Rx.Pseudostellariae-Tai Zi Shen 15g
Fr.Trichosanthis-Gua Lou 20g
Poria Cocos-Fu Ling 15g
Bufo Siccus 10g
Placenta Hominis-Zi He Che 12g
Rx.Paeoniae Alba-Bai Shao 10g
Rx.Asparagi-Tian Men Dong 15g
H.Oldenlandiae-Bai Hua She She Cao 15g
Rx.Ginseng Alba-Bai Ren Shen 4.5g
Post-Surgery Incision Empirical Formula-Breast Cancer
Used for an incision that is painful and difficult to heal. This formula strengthens the Qi, invigorates the Blood, stops bleeding, and opens the chest.
Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi 30g
Rx.Angelica _Dang Gui 20g
Rz.Atractylodis Macro.-Bai Zhu 10g
Rx.Glcyrrhiziae-Gan Cao 10g
Rx.Salviae-Dan Shen 30g
Flos Chrysanthemi Indici-Ye Ju Hua 20g
Crinis Carbon-Xue Yu Tan 10g Catechu 10g
Formulas for Chemotherapy Side Effects
The most common side effects of chemotherapy include: dizziness, fatigue, body aches, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, insomnia, inhibition of bone marrow, low blood counts, peripheral neuropathy, dermatitis, nail and skin pigmentation changes, kidney and liver damage, hair loss, poor memory, depression, lowered immune system function due to blood levels and general debility. The approach used to counteract these symptoms is the Fu Zheng Pei Ben principle.
While symptoms may vary from individual to individual, the general response is to become Qi and Blood Deficient/Vacuous with Spleen Qi, Spleen Yang Deficiency/Vacuity, Stomach Yin Deficiency/Vacuity with Heat or Dryness, Kidney Yin or Yang Deficiency/Vacuity and Liver Yin or Blood Deficiency/Vacuity. In addition there may be localized conditions of Toxic Heat from the application of the chemotherapy, and Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis due to Deficiency /Vacuity of Qi and Blood. The following formulas are used to help relieve these conditions. They should all be modified according to the specific individuals signs and symptoms.
Representative Formula-
Yi Qi Bu Xue Jian Pi Decoction.
Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi- 15-30g
Rx.Codonopsis-Dang Shen 15-18g
Rx.Atractylodes-Bai Zhu 12g
Poria Cocos-Fu Ling 12g
Rx.Glycyrrhizae-Gan Cao 4.5g
Rx.Rhemmaniae-Shu Di 15g
Fr.Lycii-Gou Chi Zi 12g
Rx.Polygoni Multiflori-Hou Shu Wu 12g
Rz.Polygonati-Huang Jing 10g
Fr.Ligustri Luci-Nu Zhen Zi 15g
Rx.Glehniae-Sha Shen 10g
Rx.Ophiopogonis-Mai Men Dong 10g
Caulis Spatholbi 24g
Sem.Euryales-Qian Shi 12g
Rz.Dioscorea-Shan Yao 12gDecoct 3x, take throughout the course of chemotherapy treatment until symptoms disappear. Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, tonifies Qi and Blood, strengthens the Yin and Wei.
Modifications according to symptoms:
Nausea and Vomiting
Add Fr.Evodia-Wu Zhu Yu, Rz.Cotidis-Huang Lian, Rz.Pinelliae prepared w/Ginger-Ban Xia, Caulis Bambusa-Zhu Ru, Flos Caryophylii-Ding Xiang.
Decrease Caulis Spatholbi, Rx.Polygoni Multi-He Shou Wu.Abdominal Distension
Add Rx.Auklandiae-Mu Xiang, Peri.Citri-Chen Pi, Massa Medicata-ShenQu
Decrease T.Ophiopogonis-Mai Men Dong, Caulis SpatholbiAbdominal Pain
Add Rz.Corydales-Yan Hu Suo, Rx.Lindera-Wu YaoLoss of Appetite
Add Endithelium Corneum Gigera Galli-Ji Nei Jin, Fr.Hordei Germ.-Mai Ya, Fr.Crategi-ShanSha Rou, Massa Medicata-Shen Qu, Sem.Euryales-Qian Shi, Sem.Nelumbinis-Lian Zi
Decrease Rx.Rhemmaniae-Shu Di, Rx.Polygoni Multi-He Shou WuDry Tongue and Mouth
Add H.Dendrobi-Shi Hu, Rx.Anamarrhaneae-Zhi Mu, Rz.Polyganati Odorati-Yu Zhu, Rx.Scrophularia-Xuan Shen, Rx.Rhemmanniae-Sheng Di, Rx.Asparagi-Tian Men,
Decrease Rx.Astragali-huang Qi, Rx.Codonopsis-Dang Shen, Rx.Rhemmaniae-Shu Di, Rx.Polygonum Multiflori-He Shou Wu Rx.Dioscoreae-Shan YaoConstipation
Add Sem.Cannabis-Huo Ma Ren, Fr.Trichosanthis-Mu Gua, Rx.-Rz.Rhei-Da Huang, H.Cistanches-Rou Cong Rong, Folium Sennae-Fan Xie Ye,
Decrease Fr.Psorealae-Bu Gu Zhi, Rx.Polyganati-Huang Jing, Rx.Rhemmaneae-Shu Di, Rx.Codonopsis-Dang Shen, Rz.Dioscoreae-Bei XieDiarrhea
Add Rz.Coptidis-Huang Lien, Cx.Fraxini-Qin Pi, Cx.Magnoliae-Hou Po
DecreaseT.Ophiopogonis-Mai Men Dong, Rx.Glehniae-Sha ShenInsomnia
Add Sem.Ziziphi-Suan Sao Ren, Fr.Schizandra-Wu Wei Zi, Concha Ostreae-Mu Li,
Decrease Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi, Rz.Polygonati-Huang Jing Anemia Add; Rx.Angelica-Dang Gui, Placenta Hominis-Zi He Ci, Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi, Rx.Polygonum Multi.-He Shou WuInhibition of Bone Marrow
Add Rx.Ginseng-Ren Shen, Placenta Homonis-Zi He Ce, Cornu Cervi-Lu Rong, H.Epimedii-Yin Yang Rou, Rx.Angelica -Dang Gui, Fr.Corni-Shan Zhu Yu, Gel. Asini-E Jiao, Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi
This formula can be modified through the use of the additions and subtractions to suit the specific signs and symptoms of chemotherapy patients. Remember to determine whether the tongue and pulse confirm the particular modifications. It is extremely important to differentiate Hot and Cold, Excess/Repletion and Deficiency/Vacuity since chemotherapy can produce seemingly contradictory combinations of signs and symptoms due to its extremely toxic nature.
Radiation Therapy Side Effects
Radiation Therapy utilizes short exposures of varying intensity of radioactive emmissions. The nature of Radiation is hot and toxic and the effects produced are initially hot and toxic. The skin often is burned, local tissue is destroyed and fluids are depleted. The person then begins to suffer Yin Deficiency/Vacuity signs and symptoms with dry mouth and throat , low grade fever, night sweats, heat sensations in the palms and feet, red tongue, thin, rapid pulse, dry skin, irritability, insomnia, dry stools and constipation, stomach irritability and loss of appetite.
The most common pattern, seen in 90% of cases according to "Cancer Treatment With Fu Zheng Pei Ben Principle", is Yin Deficiency/Vacuity of the Liver and Kidney with Qi and Yin Deficiency/Vacuity is seen less frequently.
Fu Zheng ShengJin Tang-Dr.Pang Min Ji T
Ophiopogonis-Mai Men Dong 12g
Rx.Asparagi-Tian Men Dong 12g
Rx.Glehniae-Sha Shen 10g
Rx.Scrophulariae-Xuan Shen 9g
Rx.Rhemmaniae-Sheng Di 10g
Rz.Imperatae- 10g
Rz.Polygonati Odor-Yu Zhu 9g
Fl.Lonicerae-Jin Yin Hua 9g
Rz.Anemrrhenae-Zhi Mu 10g
H.Oldenlandiae-Bai Hua She She Cao 30g
H.Solani 20-30g
Rx.Codonopsis-Dang Shen 12g
Poria Cocos-Fu Ling 12g
Rx.Atractylodis-Bai Zhu 10g
Rx.Glycyrrhiziae-Gan Cao 3g
Rz.Salviae-Dan Shen 12-15gDecoct, take one dose daily during the entire course of Radiation Therapy. Following therapy 60-90 doses may be taken. This can continue for two -three years with 150 doses taken per year.
Modifications according to symptoms
Spleen and Stomach Yang Deficiency/Vacuity
Add Fr.Jujube-Da Zao, Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi, Fr.Ammomi-Sha Ren
Decrease Rz.Imperatae, Rx.Scrophularia-Xuan Shen, T.Ophiopgonis-Mai Men Dong, Rx.Asparagi-Tian Men Dong.Qi and Blood Deficiency/Vacuity
Add Fr.Lycii-Gou Qi Zi, Rx.Astragali-Huang Qi, Fr.Ligustri, Rx.Ginseng-Ren Shen, Rx.Rhemmaniae-Shu Di
Decrease H.Imperatae, Rx.Asparagi-tian Men Dong, Fl.Lonicerae-Jin Yin Hua, Rz.Polygonati Odor. Yu Zhu, Rx.Scrophulariae-Xuan shen.Fever
Add Rx.Scutellariae-Huang Bai, H.Artemesiae-Qing Hao, Fr.Forsythiae-Lian Qiao, Fr.Hordei-Mai Yao, Fr.Cratagei-Shan Zha RouLoss of Appetite
Add Massa Medicata-shen Qu, Endo. Corneum Gig. Galli-Ji Nei JinConstipation
Add Fr.Trichosanthis-Mu gua, Sem.cannabis Huo Ma Ren, Rx.-Rz.Rhei-Da HuangDiarrhea with Tenesmus
Add Rz.Coptidis-Huang Lien, Rx.Scutellariae-Huang Bai, Rx.Puerariae-Ge Gen, Rx.Paeoniae Alba-Bai ShaoThirst with Crimson Tongue
Add H.Dendrobi-Shi Hu, large dose of T.Ophiopogonis-Mai Men dong, Rx.Asparagi-tian Men Dong, Rz.Anamarrhenae-Zhi Mu
Decrease Rx.Codonopsis-Dang Shen, Rx.Atractylodis-Bai Zhu, Rx.Salviae-Dan Shen.
Chronic Ulcers
The formation of chronic skin ulcers is due to the effects of the radiation on the local area. These two treatments are the combination of Westen Scientific Medical medicines with Traditional Chinese herbs.
Fu Fang Zhen Zhu Powder
Pearl Zhen Zhu- 6g
Tetracycline .75g dexamethasone 2mgCombined and applied locally.
Da Cheng Paste
Oleum Vitelli
Crinis Carbonaistatus-Xue Yu TanCombined and mixed to form a paste. Applied locally.
Rectal Lesions
Due to irradiation. Diarrhea, hot anus, tenesmus, with blood and mucous in the stool, dry mouth, restlessness.
Qing Re Hua Yu tang-Dr. Pan Ming Li
H.Acalyphae-tie xian 30g
H.Patriniae-Bai Jiang Cao 20g
Rx.Sanguisorbiae-Di Yu 12g
Fl.Sophorae-Huai Hua Mi 9g
H.Dendrobi-Shi Hu 9g
T.Ophiopogonis-Mai Men Dong 10g
Rx.Glehniae-Sha Shen 10g
Rx.Pseudostellariae-Tai zi Shen 15g
Poria Cocos-Fu Ling 12g
Fr.Lycii-Gou Chi Zi 14g
H.Agrimoniae-Xian He Cao 14g
Rz.Coptidis-huang Lien 9g
Rx.scutellariae-Huang Bai 6g
Rx.salviae-Dan Shen 18g
Rx.Codonopsis-Dang shen 10g
Rx.Puerariae-Ge Gen 15g
Rx.Rhemanniae -Shu Di 12g
H.Oldenlandiae-Bai She She Cao 18g.Decoct three times. Take 15-30 consecutive doses for one year.
The use of combined western Scientific medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine is being used extensively in China to treat cancer and other serious health problems. While this is a relatively inevitable process it should be approached with a clear understanding of the problems inherent in combining two approaches that have very different paradigms of operation. A lack of clarity can produce hybrid forms that share a common misconception. Perhaps the largest dilemmna facing the T.C.M practitioner is finding a portion of their art co-opted into an eclectic empirical materia medica that uses a simplistic 'magic bullet' or shotgun approach to all diseaes. The art is to consider the whole person and their complete environment and to arrive at a specific treatment for that individual that is modified according to the changes that ensue . When this is lost we no longer have an art.
Bibliography
Cancer Treatment with Fu Zheng Pei Ben Principle Pan Ming Li M.D.,1992, Fujian Science and Technology Press The Chinese Herbalists Handbook Dagmar Ebling,1994, Inword Press
Formulas and Strategies Dan Bensky, Randall Barolet, 1990, Eastland Press