Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre

We Take Care of Your Health Naturally, Using Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Western Herbal Medicine, Diet and Body Therapies.

Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre Logo
For Face-to-Face or Telehealth Appointments, Please Call:   (02) 45730784 

Treating Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV): A Chinese Medicine Perspective

What is Chemotherapy Induced Nausea & Vomiting

The cause of nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy is not well understood, and the use of antiemetic drugs to treat CINV may lead to further unwanted side effects [1]. Chemo can cause nausea and vomiting by two major ways – peripheral or central mechanisms. In response to chemotherapy, enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal tract release serotonin which starts the syndrome of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

Serotonin stimulates vagal afferent nerves which communicate with the brain. Through the dorsal vagal complex, the brain communicates back to stomach causing reverse peristalsis, which results in nausea and vomiting (NB: In Chinese medicine this is termed Rebellious Stomach Qi). Centrally, stimulation of the neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors by substance P in the brain- stem can also lead to CINV.

Nausea and vomiting are the most common complications following chemotherapy treatment and usually lead to decreased quality of life. Acupuncture therapy is a safe and effective method for CINV [1,2].

In China, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been extensively used for thousands of years and applied in various diseases. Acupuncture’s ability to stimulate the body to release natural endogenous opioids (endorphins) and neurotransmitters or neurohormones, can reduce the nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy treatment without the risk of further side effects [3].

At Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre our highly qualified and experienced practitioners are ready to help. 
Simply call (02) 4573 0784 to discuss what approach is best for your health issue.

Chemotherapy Induced Nausea & Vomiting

How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) view Chemotherapy Induced Nausea & Vomiting (CINV)

In Australia Chinese medicine practitioners are not permitted by law to treat cancer specifically. However, when treating a patient, a doctor of Chinese medicine must consider the patterns existing in the patient holistically. Therefore, while reducing nausea and vomiting is the primary focus, treatment for CINV will inevitably also affect the underlying factors of stagnant qi, blood and the accumulation of phlegm, as these are also part of the nausea and vomiting that results from chemotherapy drugs. During chemotherapy the attention is to strengthen the defensive energy (Zheng Qi) in the body [4].

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has its own unique perspective on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). In TCM theory, health is believed to be maintained by the harmonious balance of Qi (vital energy), Yin and Yang, and the proper functioning of organ systems. When illness or discomfort occurs, it is often seen as an imbalance or disruption in these energetic forces.

From a TCM perspective, CINV is generally attributed to a disharmony or imbalance in the body’s Qi and organ systems, particularly the Stomach and Spleen. Chemotherapy drugs are considered to be strong toxins that can disrupt the body’s natural balance and lead to Qi stagnation, dampness, and phlegm accumulation. This disruption can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue.

The treatment of CINV in TCM aims to restore balance and harmony within the body. TCM practitioners may use a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle modifications to address CINV. Here are some common approaches:

  1. Acupuncture: Fine needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points to help regulate the flow of Qi and restore balance. Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms and alleviate nausea and vomiting.

  2. Herbal Medicine: TCM herbal formulas may be prescribed to strengthen the digestive system, regulate Qi flow, resolve dampness, and reduce nausea and vomiting. The specific herbs used will depend on the individual’s symptoms and overall constitution.

  3. Dietary Recommendations: TCM emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition and a balanced diet. TCM practitioners may provide dietary recommendations tailored to the individual’s condition, such as avoiding greasy or spicy foods and focusing on easily digestible, nourishing meals.

  4. Lifestyle Modifications: TCM views lifestyle factors as essential for maintaining health. Recommendations may include stress reduction techniques, gentle exercise (such as qigong or tai chi), and adequate rest to support the body’s healing process.

What You Can Do to Help Yourself to Reduce CINV

Some therapies have been proven to be safe and effective in scientific studies. For example, therapies such as meditation, relaxation, massage and counselling can reduce anxiety, and acupuncture can reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and fatigue [5].

  1. Eat frequent, small, meals during the day. Vegetable Soup is particularly good, nourishing meal that can be consumed in small quantities.
  2. Apply strong pressure to PC.6 – an acupuncture point approx. 5cm from your wrist crease. Apply pressure and push finger along the middle of the forearm toward the wrist crease. Repeat this several times or until nausea is reduced/alleviated
  3. Consult a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner to provide you with acupuncture and/or Chinese herbs
  4. Use relaxation techniques to help relax your body and mind – Download a Guided Relaxation Here

References

Ma, T. T., Zhang, T., Zhang, G. L., Dai, C. F., Zhang, B. R., Wang, X. M., & Wang, L. P. (2020). Prevention of CINV with acupuncture: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 99(3), e18828. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000018828

Li, Qw., Yu, Mw., Yang, Gw. et al. Effect of acupuncture in prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with advanced cancer: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 18, 185 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-017-1927-2

Huang, Y., Zhang, R., Yao, Q., Liu, J., OuYang, X., Hui, X., Wang, H., He, R., & Zhao, B. (2020). Acupuncture treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 99(21), e20150. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000020150

Maciocia, G. The Treatment of Cancer with Chinese Medicine. URL: https://giovanni-maciocia.com/the-treatment-of-cancer-with-chinese-2/ last visited 7th July 2021

Cancer Council Victoria. Chemotherapy: Trying complimentary therapies. URL: https://www.cancervic.org.au/cancer-information/treatments/treatments-types/chemotherapy/side_effects_of_chemotherapy.html last visited 7th July 2021.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer information for users of the Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre website.

Page last updated: 24th June 2021

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ANY OF THE ARTICLES PUBLISHED ON THIS SITE IS FOR EDUCATION AND INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY.

NO CLAIMS ARE MADE AS TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ANY OF THE TREATMENTS USING ACUPUNCTURE OR THAT THIS THERAPY IS SUITABLE FOR THE READER.

THE SOURCES OF ALL THE ARTICLES ARE LISTED AND COME FROM REPUTABLE PEER-REVIEWED  SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS. WHERE POSSIBLE LINKS TO THE ORIGINAL SOURCE ARE PROVIDED FOR THE READER TO FOLLOW.

Articles published on this page are not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this page should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The claims made about specific products throughout this article are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Information provided for education and research information only

The information on this website is presented by Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre for the purpose of disseminating health information free of charge for the benefit of the public.

While Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre has exercised due care in ensuring the accuracy of the material contained on this website, the information on the site is made available on the basis that Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre is not providing professional advice on a particular matter.

This website is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this site is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional’s advice.

Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.

Quality of information

Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre makes every effort to ensure the quality of the information available on this website and updates the information regularly. Before relying on the information on this site, however, users should carefully evaluate its accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance for their purposes, and should obtain any appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances. Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre cannot guarantee and assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, currency, completeness or interpretation of the information.

The material may include the views or recommendations of third parties and does not necessarily reflect the views of Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre or indicate a commitment to a particular course of action.

Links to other websites

This website contains links to other websites which are external to Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre. Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre takes reasonable care in selecting linking websites but Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre accepts no responsibility for material contained in a website that is linked to this site. It is the responsibility of the user to make their own decisions about the accuracy, currency, reliability and correctness of information contained in linked external websites.

Links to external websites are provided for the user’s convenience and do not constitute an endorsement or a recommendation of any third party products or services offered by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site. Users of links provided by this site are responsible for being aware of which organisation is hosting the site they visit.

Views or recommendations provided in linked sites may include the views or recommendations of third parties and do not necessarily reflect those of Kurrajong Natural Medicine Centre or indicate a commitment to a particular course of action. .

Kurrajong Natural Medicine Center will be closed from 24th Dec. 2023 to January 9th Inclusive.

We’d like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.