Cancer is a major global health challenge. While receiving Western medical treatments, patients are increasingly valuing the supportive role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Through syndrome differentiation and individualized regulation, TCM helps patients alleviate side effects, boost immunity, and delay disease progression. In Singapore, many cancer patients choose to integrate TCM into their treatment journey, achieving positive recovery outcomes. Dr Li Rui has over 30 years of experience in complementary cancer care in Singapore, combining herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and psychological support to help countless patients improve their quality of life.
TCM Complementary Therapy for Cancer
Alleviating Side Effects of Chemo & Radiotherapy, Preventing Recurrence & Metastasis
Why Choose TCM as a Complementary Therapy for Cancer?
During the treatment process, cancer patients face not only the challenges of the tumor itself but also the side effects of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy—such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakened immunity. Surveys indicate that a portion of cancer patients in Singapore choose TCM and other supplementary methods to improve their overall physical condition.
TCM emphasizes holistic nourishment, creating personalized treatment plans based on the patient's stage, constitution, and needs. Through herbal medicine and acupuncture, it can effectively alleviate adverse reactions from Western treatments, strengthen the immune system, and help patients successfully complete their treatment cycles while reducing the risk of recurrence.
Core Principles of TCM Cancer Care
The core philosophy of TCM in cancer care is to strengthen the body's 'Zheng Qi' (vital energy) and eliminate pathogenic factors, clear heat and detoxify, invigorate blood and resolve stasis, and soften hardness to dissipate nodules. TCM believes cancer is closely linked to constitutional weakness, Qi stagnation, and internal accumulation of toxins; therefore, treatment targets the whole body, not just the tumor.
Methods include herbal decoctions, acupuncture, dietary guidance, and emotional regulation to support vital energy, improve constitution, alleviate pain, and delay disease progression.
TCM Regulation for Elderly, Frail, or Late-Stage Patients
For elderly patients or those in late stages who may be unsuitable for surgery, TCM focuses on tonifying Qi and blood and boosting immunity to reduce suffering and improve daily life quality.
In her clinical experience, Dr Li Rui has found that systematic TCM regulation can significantly slow the decline of physical strength in late-stage patients, allowing many to maintain a stable life well beyond their initial prognosis.
Post-Operative TCM Rehabilitation
While surgery removes the primary lesion, patients are often left physically depleted with weakened immunity. TCM aids recovery by nourishing Qi and blood and harmonizing the Spleen and Stomach.
Clinical experience shows that post-op patients receiving TCM support recover their strength faster and show better tolerance for subsequent chemotherapy. Dr Li Rui often prescribes formulas featuring Astragalus (Huang Qi), Ginseng (Ren Shen), and Angelica (Dang Gui) to help patients regain their physical vitality quickly.
Acupuncture and Herbal Support During Radio & Chemotherapy
Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are vital tools but bring side effects like loss of appetite, low white blood cell counts, gastrointestinal distress, and insomnia.
TCM can regulate gastrointestinal function and strengthen the body's resistance. This support significantly reduces nausea, vomiting, pain, and fatigue.
Data from Singapore cancer rehabilitation settings suggests that patients using integrated TCM support have a lower rate of treatment interruption and report significantly better quality-of-life scores compared to those using Western medicine alone.
TCM for Preventing Recurrence During the Recovery Phase
Nourishment during the recovery phase is critical. TCM helps prevent recurrence by consolidating the patient's constitution through blood-invigorating, stasis-resolving, and detoxifying methods, reducing the risk of cancer cells becoming active again.
Long-term follow-up by Dr Li Rui shows that those who persist with TCM regulation have a lower recurrence rate. Local data in Singapore also indicates a positive trend in five-year non-recurrence rates for patients who incorporate TCM into their recovery.
Five Major Advantages of TCM Cancer Support
Dr Li Rui
MOH-registered TCM physician with a Master’s degree from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and over 30 years of clinical experience
Dr Li Rui is an MOH-registered TCM Physician and Acupuncturist in Singapore with over 30 years of clinical experience. She holds a Master’s degree in TCM (China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences) and a Bachelor’s degree in Western Medicine (Shandong Medical University), allowing her to integrate both medical perspectives into complex cases.
Previously an Attending Physician at Shanghai Xinhua Hospital, she founded the Shanghai Chinese Medicine Centre in Singapore in 2002. She is highly trusted by patients for her expertise in integrative care, using both needles and herbs to manage difficult conditions and post-cancer recovery.
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Integrating TCM and Western Care for All-Round Cancer Support
Dr Li Rui has over thirty years of experience in TCM cancer support, using herbal medicine, acupuncture, diet, and psychological regulation. She emphasizes that an integrated approach helps patients better face the disease, complete treatments, and enhance their quality of life.
If you or a family member are undergoing cancer treatment, contact Dr Li Rui at our Singapore clinic to learn more about personalized TCM plans for complementary care, alleviating side effects, and preventing recurrence.
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