Nasopharyngeal Canceraccording to TCM
Symptom family: Neoplasms, Tumors and Cancer
What is Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Nasopharyngeal cancer, a malignancy in the upper part of the throat behind the nose, presents unique challenges due to its location. This type of cancer, also known as a nasopharyngeal tumor, arises in the nasopharynx, the area where the nasal passages and the upper part of the throat meet.
Its symptoms can be elusive in the early stages, making early diagnosis difficult. Nasopharyngeal cancer is distinct in its epidemiology, with higher prevalence rates in certain parts of Asia and Africa, attributed to both genetic predisposition and environmental factors, including the Epstein-Barr virus.
How Does TCM View Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches nasopharyngeal cancer through the lens of energetic imbalances and the flow of Qi, or vital energy, through the body's meridians. In TCM, the genesis of this cancer is often linked to disruptions in the balance of Yin and Yang, Qi Stagnation, Dampness, Heat, and the invasion of external pathogenic factors.
TCM practitioners believe that emotional stress, dietary habits, and environmental influences can contribute to these imbalances. Treatment focuses on restoring harmony and balance, utilizing a holistic strategy that includes herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary modification.
Causes of Nasopharyngeal Cancer According to TCM
In the TCM perspective, nasopharyngeal cancer can arise from a combination of internal disharmonies and external invasions. Primarily, the accumulation of Dampness and Phlegm in the body, coupled with Stagnant Qi and Blood, creates a fertile ground for the development of tumors.
External pathogenic factors, such as Wind-Cold invading the Lungs, can exacerbate these conditions, leading to the manifestation of cancerous growths. Emotional disturbances, particularly unresolved anger and frustration, are believed to contribute to Qi Stagnation, further complicating the body's energetic balance and contributing to the disease's progression.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Nasopharyngeal Cancer
TCM offers several treatment avenues for nasopharyngeal cancer, focusing on expelling the pathogenic factors and nourishing the body's vital energies. Formulas like Xin Yi San, which includes key herbs such as Biond’s Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua), are employed to address Wind-Cold patterns that invade the Lungs.
These treatments aim to clear obstruction, reduce Phlegm, and restore the free flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body. By targeting the underlying patterns of disharmony, TCM seeks to alleviate symptoms, improve the patient's quality of life, and, where possible, address the root causes of the cancer. The choice of specific herbs and formulas is customized to each patient's unique constellation of symptoms and underlying disharmony, underscoring TCM's individualized approach to healing.
See more details below about Xin Yi San, a herbal formula used to address nasopharyngeal cancer.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Nasopharyngeal cancer can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Xin Yi San, with biond’s magnolia flowers as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address nasopharyngeal cancer, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Nasopharyngeal cancer can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai), which is directly recommended for nasopharyngeal cancer.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Nasopharyngeal cancer can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Biond’S Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nasopharyngeal cancer, like Xin Yi San.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Nasopharyngeal cancer can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bugbane Rhizomes (Sheng Ma), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nasopharyngeal cancer, like Xin Yi San.