Abstract
China has a large aging population, and tumor-carrying and senile patients are increasing along with their medical demand. However, China's medical resources are limited. Recently, experts have proposed a new concept called “integrative palliative care” (IPC) 1 that aims to improve efficacy of treatment and relieve pain. Similarly, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also emphasizes improving symptoms and relieving discomfort. It is believed that both approaches will be helpful for meeting increases in medical requirements of elderly patients in China.
Similarities Between TCM and IPC
Similarity of core ideas
Thousands of years ago, the TCM classic “Inner Canon of Huangdi” proposed “heaven and nature united.” This concept of the harmony between man, community, and nature is similar to holism—recognition of the primacy of body/mind/spirit—and is the foundation of integrative medicine and palliative care.
Similarity of understanding of human health
TCM focuses on both wellness and quality of life in serious illness, which coincides with the goals of IPC. They both consider the “whole person” (mind, body, and spirit).
Similarity of therapeutic purpose
Both methodologies pay more attention to quality of life and reduction of suffering. For example, TCM always approaches the treatment of patients through regulating the function of immunity instead of killing germs.
Similarity of treatment methods
Both IPC and TCM use a variety of methods to treat patients. TCM, for example, employs the use of acupuncture, massage, meditation, TCM-based “medication,” physical manipulation, and so on.
Suggestions
TCM can play a significant role in palliative care. First, it is recommended that people with chronic diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Parkinson disease, and breast cancer, learn t'ai chi or qigong to improve their quality of life. 2 –11 Qigong can also improve cognitive function in the early stages of dementia, 12 whereas TCM decoctions can be used as adjuvant treatment for patients with stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic liver disease, chronic heart failure, and chronic or type 2 diabetic kidney disease. 13 –26 Second, TCM can improve symptoms. For example, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines are recommended for cancer pain and serve to reduce opioid abuse. 27 –33 TCM can also improve digestive symptoms, such as nausea, caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. 34 –36 Moreover, psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, in methamphetamine addicts during abstinence can be improved with electroacupuncture, 37 whereas depression-related insomnia and insomnia in cancer survivors can be treated with acupuncture, herbal medicines, and/or t'ai chi. 38 –41 Herbs and herbal medicine have also been shown to improve survival in prostate cancer patients with depression. 42 As an adjuvant therapy, TCM can be used to treat other symptoms, such as dyspnea, cancer-related fatigue, taste changes, and neuropathy. 43 –52 Thus, it is believed that combining TCM and IPC would produce more satisfying results for patients. However, it should be noted that toxicity and side effects of Chinese herbs and adverse reactions to acupuncture have been reported. 53,54 To avoid such clinical events, basic and clinical research regarding TCM should be conducted. In addition, these clinical treatments should be applied under the guidance of experienced TCM physicians.
Conclusion and Outlook
With advancements in medicine, it has become clear that human diseases are not simply abnormalities of medical biology, but are closely related to social and psychologic factors. The human being must be seen as a whole, including physical, mental, and social factors. China currently has a large aging population, and the considerable number of chronic diseases and tumors has greatly increased the demand for palliative care. Because of its unique therapeutic effects, TCM can play an important role in palliative care and has been carried out in several hospice pilot hospitals. 55,56 Recently, a series of documents concerning TCM development in China, such as the “Issues Implementation Opinions on Promoting the Development of Healthy Elderly Services in Traditional Chinese Medicine” forwarded by the state administration of TCM in 2017, 57 have brought great convenience to palliative care. Thus, the opportunity to promote the contribution of TCM to palliative care should be seized and all practitioners, including physicians, educators, and researchers, should be called to support this emerging field.
Footnotes
Author Disclosure Statement
No competing financial interests exist.
Funding Information
This research was supported by Key Research and Development Program of Science & Technology Department of Sichuan Province (20ZDYF2382), Program from Technology Burea of Chengdu City (2016-XT00-00033-GX), Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Foundation (YYZX1720).