A Gift of Healing: The Importance of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Integrative Cancer Research – A Perspective by Cathy Margolin, L.Ac.

Posted by Cathy on

Dear Friends and Fellow Advocates of Holistic Healing,

I am thrilled to share some spectacular news that not only resonates deeply with my heart but also underscores the incredible potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the realm of cancer research. The City of Hope, a beacon of hope in the world of medical science, has recently received a generous $100 million gift to further integrative cancer research in Sept. 2023. . As a licensed acupuncturist and fervent advocate of TCM, I cannot help but emphasize the significance of this milestone and how it paves the way for a brighter future in holistic healthcare.

 

We all have lost loved ones to cancer.  Conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, have indeed made remarkable strides in extending and improving the lives of cancer patients. However, they often come with debilitating side effects that can take a profound toll on a person’s physical and emotional well-being.

 

In this backdrop, the infusion of Traditional Chinese Medicine into cancer research is nothing short of revolutionary. TCM is an ancient healing system that has been practiced for thousands of years, with a primary focus on balancing the body’s energy, or “qi,” and promoting overall health. It includes therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and Qi Gong, all of which have shown promise in alleviating cancer-related symptoms and enhancing the effectiveness of conventional treatments.

Andrew and Peggy Cherng  acknowledged the value of an integrative approach to cancer care and investment in a future where patients receive comprehensive, patient-centered care that addresses not only the physical aspects of the disease but also the emotional and spiritual dimensions. TCM plays a pivotal role in achieving this vision. Thank you Andrew and Peggy Cherng.

 

 Acupuncture is a cornerstone of TCM and has gained recognition for its effectiveness in managing cancer-related pain, nausea, and fatigue. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, it can help alleviate discomfort and improve a patient’s quality of life during treatment.

TCM herbal remedies are tailored to address individual patient needs and are pivotal in complementing conventional therapies by reducing side effects, boosting the immune system, and promoting overall wellness.

TCM also includes dietary therapy which emphasizes the importance of nourishing the body with the right foods. It can help cancer patients maintain their strength, manage symptoms, and support their recovery.

Stress reduction and emotional support is another critical factor in the cancer journey where TCM can help patients foster a more positive mindset. Practices like Qi Gong and meditation, both rooted in TCM, can help patients manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

 

The collaboration between the City of Hope and Traditional Chinese Medicine is a testament to the recognition that the future of medicine lies in integration. It’s about merging the wisdom of ancient healing traditions with cutting-edge medical science to provide patients with the best of both worlds. This approach recognizes that every individual is unique, and their healing journey should be equally unique.

 

As a licensed acupuncturist, I have witnessed the transformative power of TCM in the lives of countless patients. It’s not just about treating symptoms; it’s about nurturing the body’s innate capacity to heal itself. This $100 million gift signifies a shift towards a more holistic, patient-centric approach to cancer care that is profoundly hopeful.

 

The integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine into cancer research is a testament to the enduring power of ancient healing traditions in our modern world. It embodies the belief that healing should encompass not only the body but also the mind and spirit. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and am profoundly grateful to all those who have contributed to this important initiative. Together, we can transform the landscape of cancer care and offer patients a brighter, more holistic future.

With heartfelt optimism,

Cathy Margolin, L.Ac. Dipl, Oriental Medicine

Founder Pacific Herbs

Natural Sleep aids

Top 4 Reasons For Insomnia and How To Fix Them

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I’ve been getting a lot of compliments about how well some folks are sleeping when using iSleep Herb Pack. There seems to be nothing quite like a rejuvenating night of sleep and once you get it, you really fall in love with the feeling and want to share it.

For those people who are accustom to a night of sleeping in short 1-2 hour spurts,  a 6-7 hours, “Out like a light” is truly heaven sent.  

Personally I can not function without at least seven hours of horizontal non-activity.  If you are someone who struggles with insomnia, let me explain how Chinese medicine views insomnia and how Chinese herbs have been used to help those who suffer.

There are 4 main patterns for insomnia in Chinese medicine.

1.  The first and most common reason for insomnia is due to “over-thinking”.

Termed Shen (spirit) disturbance. This is an overactive mind. Day time is the time to make plans, work and be active with your eyes open and your mind busy.   Night time, (or whenever you are trying to sleep) is the time we close our eyes and shut off our brains.   Too much thinking at night is unhealthy.  The mind needs to time to rest just as the body needs it’s rest.  This is where iSleep can be extremely beneficial because the herbs like zizyphus naturally calm the mind and stop the over-thinking process.     

 

2. Insomnia due to panic, anger and excessive worry.

This pattern is especially worrisome because of it can easily become habitual.  Emotions that are not addressed during the daytime hours may haunt us at night. We should try to deal with emotional problems during our waking hours but if you need a little help with this pattern of insomnia, iSleep Herb Pack is a very calming formula and in Asia this group of herbs is commonly used for excess stress and worry during the day.  I know of some care givers who use iSleep to keep their aging and care dependent family members in a calm state during the day time hours.  It is perfectly safe to use  1 packet of iSleep everyday if needed.

 

3. Insomnia due to yin deficiency. 

This is very common in menopause age women.  This kinds of insomnia is caused mainly by excess heat.   What commonly happens in as women (and men) with age is comparable to what happens in a car with a broken radiator.  The car begins to overheat because there is a lack of coolant circulating.  Our coolant dries up as we age and if we don’t replace it with yin nourishing foods and herbs often the result is yin deficiency insomnia.   (BTW, night time is also known as yin time.)  Nourish your yin our Menopause Relief Herb Pack and you will begin to sleep better almost immediately. Some women (and yes men too) will use our Menopause Relief during the day and iSleep at night.   There are no contraindication to using our herbal products this way.

 

4.  Insomnia can have a nutritional component.

For the extremely weak or elderly often times a poor diet prevents the blood from properly nourishing the heart.  This type of insomnia is call Qi & Blood deficiency.   In this case, it is necessary to  repair the body with proper nutrition and supplementation.  This pattern of insomnia will often subside once the heart, kidneys and spleen are properly nourished. Eat well during the day because your body will be fasting for at least 8-10 hours when you are getting proper rest.

 

Although this is not a complete gamut of sleeping pattern difficulties in Chinese medicine these patterns are the most common.  Often times it is a combination of these 4 that can persist.  Chinese herbs have been used effectively for these patterns for centuries.  If you would like to see more information on the studies behind the herbs in our iSleep insomnia aid please click here.