In China, herbal medicine is routinely given alongside chemotherapy in order to enhance its effectiveness and to maintain liver, kidney and immune function. Studies have suggested that the herb Radix Astragali (Huangqi) may  increase the life expectancy of those receiving platinum based chemotherapy. The herb helps boost the production of certain white blood cells, thus boosting immunity. It also helps identify the rogue cells to be attacked. It is crucial to maintain a strong immune system in the fight against cancer, There are many types of white cells some of which are called ′natural killer cells′. These actually bore holes in and kill cancer cells. Rather than just relying on attacking the cancer directly, Chinese medicine always tries to help the body become stronger so it can fight the cancer itself.

Many herbs have been identified as possessing anti tumour activity, and some are being synthesised into new drugs to fight cancer. For example, a herb known as Poria has been shown to cause cancer cells to commit suicide (a process known as (apoptosis). Unlike chemotherapy, these herbs (if prescribed by a properly qualified therapist) do not harm normal cells and can be taken long term to help prevent recurrence of cancer once it has been treated with conventional methods. Of course, the definition of ′herbs′ is wide and can include such items as medicinal mushrooms which have immune boosting, cancer cell killing and tumour restricting properties in clinical trials. 

Acupuncture is effective at reducing pain, which can be caused by the cancer or by medical interventions. Best results are usually obtained using electro acupuncture, where small electrodes are placed on the acupuncture needles and a tiny current passed through the area of pain. At certain electrical frequencies the body releases chemicals called endorphins, which help to reduce pain and to promote the healing of damaged body tissue. Some studies have shown that a frequency of 2Hz has a mild anti tumour effect.

Chemotherapy can kill the body′s immune cells and sometimes the treatment has to be stopped because this can reach dangerous levels. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help maintain immune function and we have treated many people successfully in this regard, allowing them to complete a course of chemotherapy.