Is there a traditional Chinese medicine method for treating rectal cancer

Traditional Chinese medicine can serve as an adjuvant treatment for rectal cancer, but it cannot replace the core treatment options of modern medicine such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment mainly relieves symptoms or relieves side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy by means of traditional Chinese medicine conditioning, acupuncture and moxibustion, moxibustion, etc. It needs to be operated by professional TCM practitioners in regular medical institutions.

1. Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulation

Some traditional Chinese medicines may help improve the physical condition of patients with rectal cancer. For example, Qi tonifying drugs such as Astragalus membranaceus and Codonopsis pilosula can regulate immune function, while heat clearing and detoxifying drugs such as Hedyotis diffusa and Scutellaria barbata may inhibit tumor growth. But traditional Chinese medicine needs to be strictly diagnosed and treated based on syndrome differentiation, and self medication should be avoided. Commonly used clinical compounds include Kanglaite injection, cinobufagin capsule and other nationally approved traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations for anti-tumor.

2. acupuncture and moxibustion therapy

acupuncture and moxibustion may alleviate cancerous pain and improve gastrointestinal dysfunction by stimulating specific points. Common acupoints include Zusanli, Guanyuan, etc., which should be operated by professional acupuncture and moxibustion. Research shows that acupuncture and moxibustion may reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, but it has no direct therapeutic effect on the tumor itself.

3. Moxibustion Intervention

Moxibustion may improve symptoms such as chills and fatigue in patients with rectal cancer by warming and promoting meridians. Commonly used acupoints include Shenque and Qihai. Attention should be paid to avoiding direct moxibustion on the tumor site to prevent irritation of the lesion. When moxibustion is used as an auxiliary method, the timing of treatment should be communicated with the attending physician.

4. Dietary regulation

Traditional Chinese medicine dietary therapy emphasizes selecting ingredients based on physical constitution. For example, patients with spleen deficiency can eat spleen strengthening foods such as yam and lotus seeds, while those with damp heat constitution are recommended to use moisture reducing ingredients such as coix seed and adzuki beans. But dietary regulation cannot replace anti-tumor treatment. It is necessary to ensure balanced nutrition and avoid blind dietary restrictions that can lead to malnutrition.

5. Emotional regulation

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that emotional factors affect the prognosis of diseases, and can relieve anxiety and depression through methods such as Five Elements music therapy and guidance techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be carried out in conjunction with the psychology department, but attention should be paid to avoiding excessive reliance on a single regulatory approach and delaying standardized treatment. Patients with rectal cancer should prioritize standardized treatments such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, and traditional Chinese medicine interventions should be carried out under the guidance of oncologists. Maintain a high protein diet during treatment, supplement vitamins and minerals in moderation, and avoid spicy and stimulating foods. Regularly review colonoscopy and tumor markers, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms such as rectal bleeding and intestinal obstruction occur. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment must choose a reputable TCM hospital with tumor diagnosis and treatment qualifications. Do not blindly believe in folk remedies or alternative therapies to delay the condition.