Oncology · Integrative
Integrative oncology,
the Chinese way.
Acupuncture for chemo nausea. Herbal support for fatigue and neutropenia. Qi gong for stress. Co-managed by oncologists and licensed TCM physicians at Class A centres — endorsed by SIO/ASCO 2022 guidelines for symptom care.
Programs
Six integrative programs
by symptom and evidence.
CINV management
PC6 acupressure / acupuncture protocol layered onto 5-HT3 antagonists. SIO/ASCO 2022 guideline-endorsed.
2–3 / cycle
Cancer-related fatigue
Acupuncture + tonifying herbal formulations (e.g. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang variants) + qi gong. Multi-modal program 8–12 weeks.
$1.5–4k / course
Neutropenia support
Astragalus-based herbal preparations during chemo cycles. Supports white blood cell recovery; paired with G-CSF as needed.
Per cycle
Aromatase-inhibitor arthralgia
Acupuncture protocol — Hershman 2018 RCT showed significant pain reduction. Standard adjunct in breast oncology integrative wards.
12 sessions
Chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy
Acupuncture + selective herbal (e.g. Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang). Mixed evidence; useful in selected patients.
8–12 sessions
Survivorship & recurrence prevention
Long-term tonifying herbal regimens and qi gong practice. Mixed evidence on recurrence; clear evidence on quality of life.
Ongoing
FAQ
Integrative oncology, answered.
- What is integrative oncology?
- Integrative oncology combines evidence-supported complementary therapies — most notably acupuncture, herbal medicine, qi gong / mind-body practices, and selective dietary support — with conventional cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy). The Society for Integrative Oncology and ASCO jointly published guidelines in 2022 endorsing specific complementary approaches for cancer-related symptoms.
- Is integrative oncology evidence-based?
- Yes — for symptom management. Strong evidence: acupuncture for chemo-induced nausea (CINV) and aromatase-inhibitor-related joint pain; mindfulness for cancer-related anxiety; yoga and qi gong for fatigue. Moderate evidence: acupuncture for hot flushes, neuropathy; selected herbal formulations for fatigue and immune support during chemo. Integrative oncology is not a replacement for standard treatment.
- What does an integrative oncology program look like in China?
- At centres like Guang'anmen Hospital (Beijing) the workflow is: (1) Western oncology team confirms diagnosis and prescribes chemotherapy / surgery / RT; (2) integrative TCM team co-prescribes — acupuncture for nausea, herbal formulations for fatigue and white blood cell support, qi gong sessions; (3) joint multidisciplinary case discussion weekly; (4) co-management for 6–24 months including survivorship. Daily inpatient cost runs $300–$700 including all integrative services.
- Will TCM herbs interfere with my chemotherapy?
- Some can — that is why integrative care must be coordinated, not concurrent self-medication. Documented interactions: St John's wort with most chemo drugs; Gingko with platinum agents; some Chinese herbs with cytochrome P450 substrates. Class A integrative centres screen every herbal prescription against the patient's chemo regimen using pharmacist review. Always disclose every herb to your medical oncologist.
- Should I do TCM before, during, or after chemotherapy?
- Evidence supports all three phases with different goals: pre-treatment — constitutional preparation, anxiety reduction; during treatment — symptom management (nausea, fatigue, neutropenia); post-treatment — recovery, immune support, prevention of recurrence (some Chinese trials suggest survival benefit but quality of evidence is mixed). Discuss timing with your medical oncologist.
- Which Chinese hospitals offer integrative oncology?
- Top integrative oncology programs: Guang'anmen Hospital (Beijing) — TCM-led with Western collaboration; Shanghai Cancer Center (Fudan) — Western-led with TCM consultation service; Longhua Hospital (Shanghai) — strong in breast and gynaecologic; Xiyuan Hospital (Beijing) — strong in supportive care research. Each can be paired with surgical/radiation services at neighbouring Class A centres.
Co-managed cancer care
built around you.
Submit your records. We’ll arrange a joint review with a Western oncologist and a licensed TCM physician at Guang’anmen, Fudan or Longhua, and return a co-signed integrative plan.