Interested in the use of Chinese herbs for cancer? Check out this article by Hillgreen’s founder, Pauline Sok Yin Hwang published last fall in the Journal of the American Herbalists Guild.
Titled ““Chinese Herbal Medicine for Oncology” (PDF), Pauline’s article explores how to use Chinese herbs for cancer patients.
First, she looks at how herbalist can help cancer patients. She introduces the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Oncology, the TCM theory of how cancer develops, and how a Chinese medicine herbalist diagnoses and creates formulas for cancer patients at different stages or phases of conventional treatment. This article concludes with examples of how to use Chinese herbs for cancer patients with specific symptoms or cancer treatment side effects.
Read the full article PDF here.
Article summary
“This article explores perspectives in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for cancer care. First, the role of herbalists in cancer is explored and critiqued from a harm-reduction and patient-centred point of view. The diversity of cancer patients who come to a clinic is discussed, with some common pitfalls to avoid. The field of Traditional Chinese Medicine Oncology is introduced, with some historical views on diagnosis and formulation. Chinese medicine theory of cancer development is then introduced, followed by factors for consideration when prescribing. This article concludes with examples of specific herbal strategies for different problems faced in the cancer clinic.”
About the author
“Pauline Sok Yin Hwang uses acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, self-acupressure, and meditation to work holistically with people facing cancer as well as various other complex illnesses and conditions. In addition to her Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture diplomas, she has also earned a 3-year Master’s Degree in TCM Oncology from Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, and an Honours Bachelor in Cognitive Neuroscience from McGill University. She is the founder and Clinical Director of Hillgreen Oncology Acupuncture & Herbs and has been active in community health and social justice for over 20 years.”
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For more information on Chinese medicine and cancer care, check out our cancer-related blog posts here.
For a simple introduction to why people with cancer use Traditional Chinese Medicine, click here.
Finally, for a more general look at Chinese herbal medicine, what it is and how we use it, click here.