How does TCM treat gastric cancer by strengthening its foundation

Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes treating both the symptoms and the root cause when treating diseases, and this is also true for treating gastric cancer. In traditional Chinese medicine, gastric cancer is classified as liver-stomach disharmony, spleen-stomach deficiency and cold, damp-heat and blood stasis, and qi and blood deficiency. In the treatment of gastric cancer, the root cause is strengthened by replenishing the vital energy, as follows:

1. Strengthen the spleen and replenish qi

When gastric cancer manifests as spleen and stomach qi deficiency, the main symptoms are loss of appetite, abdominal distension after eating, fatigue, and muscle emaciation. At this time, the main focus should be on strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi, restoring the spleen and stomach's function, and increasing the body's energy, which is beneficial to the body's disease resistance function. Commonly used medicines include Codonopsis pilosula, Astragalus membranaceus, Atractylodes macrocephala, Chinese yam, etc. Among them, Astragalus membranaceus and Atractylodes macrocephala should be used in large quantities, on the one hand to replenish qi and consolidate the foundation, and on the other hand to strengthen the spleen and aid the source of biochemistry. This method is mostly used in the middle and late stages of gastric cancer or in the postoperative recovery process.

2. Replenish Qi and nourish blood

Patients with gastric cancer have reduced food intake, insufficient qi and blood, or damage to qi and blood after gastric cancer surgery. The main manifestations are fatigue, sallow complexion, pale lips, nails and tongue, or accompanied by palpitations. It is advisable to replenish qi and blood and restore the normal operation of qi and blood. Commonly used medicines include astragalus, angelica, Codonopsis, Rehmannia, white peony root, donkey-hide gelatin, etc. Don't forget to replenish qi while replenishing blood.

3. Warming Yang and Invigorating Qi

The main symptoms are fear of cold and cold limbs, preference for adding more clothes and quilts, lack of energy, pale complexion, pale tongue, and slow and weak pulse. At this time, it is advisable to warm and nourish the qi. Commonly used medicines include epimedium, Morinda officinalis, Eucommia ulmoides, deer antler, and ginseng.

4. Nourishing Yin and Producing Body Fluid

Yin deficiency in gastric cancer is mostly caused by prolonged stomach pain, which consumes the body's Yin and fluid. It is often manifested as weight loss, flushed face and low fever, thirst, dry stool, bright red tongue with little or no coating. It is more common in patients with advanced gastric cancer. At this time, it is advisable to focus on nourishing Yin and increasing fluid to correct the Yin deficiency. Commonly used medicines include raw rehmannia, adenophora, ophiopogon, polygonatum, and polygonatum.