Old is Gold? Lung Cancer vs. Traditional Treatment

What Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the lung tissue as a result of various reasons such as smoking, air pollution, and so on. Lung cancer treatment is determined by the stage of the disease. These include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.

Traditional medicine has recently gained popularity as an option of treatment for lung cancer. The question is, does it work? Let's find out together.

Getting to Know Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Acupuncture

This therapy is a Chinese treatment method that involves the insertion of fine needles into traditional points on the body to increase the flow of chi or energy in the body. This therapy can help cancer patients reduce their pain, fatigue, and anxiety.

Although some studies show that acupuncture therapy can help reduce lung cancer symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain, there isn't enough evidence to support these claims. This therapy should not be used in place of standard lung cancer treatment.

• Chinese Herbs

For many years, many different types of Chinese herbs have been used as traditional lung cancer treatments. However, its impact on lung cancer is still debatable, and scientific research is ongoing. The following Chinese herbs are frequently used:

• Radix Astragali (Huang Qi)

This herb is thought to boost the immune system and overall health. However, scientific research indicates that this herb cannot slow the growth of lung cancer tumours.

• Ganoderma (Lingzhi)

This herb is highly anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It is thought to boost the immune system and lower the risk of lung cancer. Scientific studies, however, show that this herb only improves the quality of life for lung cancer patients and does not reduce tumour growth.

• Hedyotis Diffusa 

This herb is said to have powerful anti-cancer and antioxidant properties, as well as the ability to lower the risk of lung cancer. However, there is no strong evidence to support this claim.

• Dang Shen (Codonopsis)

Dang Shen (Codonopsis) is a Chinese herb that has been used for thousands of years. This herb is commonly used to boost energy, strengthen the immune system, and lessen fatigue.

According to a study conducted by several researchers, Dang Shen contains several active ingredients that can help reduce the symptoms of lung cancer. These active ingredients include polysaccharides, amino acids, and vitamin C. Polysaccharides found in Dang Shen are said to boost the immune system, while amino acids and vitamin C help reduce lung inflammation.

• Berberine

Berberine is a herb found in various plants, including turmeric, thorny plants, and small flowering plants. Berberine is thought to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite this, research on the efficacy of berberine in the treatment of lung cancer is still limited.

Although studies have shown that certain Chinese herbs can help treat lung cancer, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness. As a result, it is recommended that you consult a medical expert before beginning a Chinese herbal treatment to ensure the treatment's safety and effectiveness.

• Urut Tui Na

This is a traditional Chinese therapeutic massage that works to stimulate the nervous system and blood circulation. Tui Na massage, however, should not be used as the sole method of treating lung cancer because it is not a replacement for medical treatment as recommended by medical experts.

The decision to accept or reject traditional Chinese treatment is ultimately up to the lung cancer patient himself. Traditional Chinese medicine can help alleviate the symptoms of lung cancer, but it cannot replace conventional medical treatment. Patients should seek the advice of medical professionals and adhere to the treatment guidelines that have been provided.

Other Alternative Treatments

• Aromatherapy

Lung cancer is a serious disease and requires intensive and up-to-date medical treatment. Aromatherapy is an alternative therapy that involves the use of natural essential oils to help reduce disease symptoms and improve the quality of life of cancer patients. However, aromatherapy is not a substitute for medical treatment and cannot cure lung cancer.

Some studies, however, show that aromatherapy can help reduce some of the symptoms associated with lung cancer, such as:

• Pain and fatigue
• Anxiety and depression
• Improve sleep quality
• Improve the immune system

Consult a doctor before using aromatherapy as an adjunct to primary medical treatment so that it is safe and appropriate for you.

• Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a procedure that induces a state of trance in response to external stimuli such as sound, touch, or vision. When a person is hypnotised, they can focus completely on an idea or thought. This gives patients more control over their thoughts and emotions.

Although hypnosis cannot cure lung cancer, it can alleviate the patient's symptoms. Here are some of the benefits of hypnosis:

• Pain Reduction

Lung cancer patients can benefit from hypnosis to alleviate pain. Patients can use this method to control their emotions and focus on positive things that help them reduce pain and discomfort.

• Reduces Anxiety and Stress

When dealing with lung cancer, the majority of patients experience significant stress and anxiety. Cancer patients can benefit from hypnosis to reduce their mental stress. This method can also help patients improve their quality of life and better deal with life's challenges.

• Medical Marijuana

Marijuana medicine is used as an alternative treatment method for lung cancer. There have been studies that show that the chemicals in cannabis leaves, particularly cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can help reduce cancer cell growth and stimulate some apoptosis (death of cancer cells).

However, medical cannabis has not yet been officially approved as a lung cancer treatment method in Malaysia. Furthermore, the use of cannabis is still strictly regulated by laws and regulations.

• Yoga
  

Yoga is a form of physical exercise that focuses on breathing, strength, and flexibility. It has been shown to help cancer patient's physical and mental health, but it cannot cure the disease. Here are some of the advantages of yoga for lung cancer patients.

• Improves Breathing

The majority of lung cancer patients have trouble breathing. Yoga breathing exercises can help patients breathe more easily and improve lung efficiency. Breathing techniques like pranayama can help patients reduce anxiety and improve their overall health.

• Increase Strength

Patients with lung cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy may experience muscle weakness and fatigue. Yoga exercises can help patients increase their body strength while also reducing pain and discomfort.

The Right Treatment Can Save Your Life!

In conclusion, traditional treatments should not be used in place of primary lung cancer treatment. This is due to the lack of strong scientific evidence for traditional treatments and their inability to treat the disease as a whole. As a result, it is strongly advised to seek medical treatment as directed by a physician to improve your chances of recovery and overall health.