Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Esophageal Cancer

In the conclusion of the treatment of dysphagia in the book "Miscellaneous Explanations and New Meanings of Treatment" compiled by Hu Guangci, it is pointed out that "medical books before the Song Dynasty all believed that the disease was caused by the seven emotions and worries, so the main treatment was to harmonize qi and blood. Later doctors blamed it on qi and blood deficiency and dryness of body fluids, so it is advisable to replenish qi and blood, nourish blood and moisten dryness. For phlegm accumulation, it is advisable to clear phlegm and disperse the accumulation, and for blood accumulation, it is advisable to nourish blood and break up blood stasis." From this, we can see the general picture of the ancients' treatment of dysphagia, and it also inspires us that doctors of all dynasties have continuously revised, supplemented and developed the treatment methods of this disease in medical practice. By studying the research results of many doctors of all dynasties and combining clinical practice, we have found that the root cause of the pathogenesis of this disease is weak yang qi and decreased body function. The treatment should be warming yang and replenishing qi, supporting positive qi and improving body function, so the main treatment prescription should reflect this principle of traditional Chinese medicine treatment.

Main prescription for esophageal cancer: 6g ginseng, 15g astragalus, 20g cinnamon twig, 15g Jianbai, 30-60g roasted aconite (pre-decocted), 15g Ligustrum lucidum, 20g Millettia reticulata, 12g Chinese angelica, 20g northern bean root, and 10g chicken gizzard lining.

Treatment based on syndrome differentiation: There are different types of esophageal cancer, and the prescriptions and medications vary accordingly. However, the treatment methods are always to soothe the liver and regulate qi, reduce adverse reactions and resolve blood stasis, activate blood circulation and resolve blood stasis, soften and disperse nodules, strengthen the body, promote the production of body fluids and moisten dryness, clear away heat and detoxify, fight cancer and relieve pain, and warm the yang and invigorate qi.