During Cancer Treatment-Prime&Naturals

During surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other cancer treatment, many people notice a clear change — the body no longer feels able to cope as it once did.

Energy levels drop, and everyday activities become more tiring
Appetite falls, taste changes, and eating becomes more difficult
Nausea, bloating or digestive discomfort may keep returning
Dryness, heat sensations or local discomfort may become more noticeable
Sleep may worsen, and emotions may feel less stable

Many people describe it not as one single symptom, but as a general sense of being worn down.

Clinically, this is understood as the overall physical burden that can occur during active treatment, and it is closely related to the effects of treatment itself on the body.

1. How does modern medicine understand the cancer treatment phase?

The cancer treatment phase refers to the period of receiving one or more of the following:

Surgical treatment, including post-operative recovery
Chemotherapy
Radiotherapy
Targeted therapy or immunotherapy

While these treatments aim to control the tumour, they may also affect normal tissues. Common effects include:

Cancer-related fatigue, with ongoing loss of physical energy
Bone marrow suppression, affecting immune and blood function
Gastrointestinal reactions, such as nausea and poor appetite
Mucosal and skin discomfort
Sleep disturbance and emotional fluctuation

Clinical focus: the goal during treatment is to complete the treatment course while maintaining the body’s capacity to tolerate it as much as possible.

2. Common management approaches in modern medicine

Modern medicine mainly uses supportive care during this phase, including:

Anti-nausea treatment and digestive support to reduce treatment-related gastrointestinal side effects
Nutritional support to help maintain body weight and recovery capacity
Monitoring of blood counts and immune function
Pain relief and symptom control
Psychological and emotional support

Core aim: to maintain basic physical function and quality of life throughout treatment.

3. How does Chinese Medicine understand the cancer treatment phase?

In Chinese Medicine, this stage is often understood as a process in which Zheng Qi is weakened and Qi, Blood and body fluids are gradually depleted. It reflects a changing balance between the external treatment burden and the body’s internal capacity to cope.

Qi and Blood deficiency

Treatment may consume Qi and Blood, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath and reduced recovery capacity.

Spleen and Stomach weakness

This may affect digestion and absorption, causing poor appetite, bloating and indigestion.

Yin and body fluid depletion

More commonly seen after radiotherapy or chemotherapy, this may present as dry mouth, heat sensations, throat discomfort or skin irritation.

Disrupted Qi movement

Stress and treatment effects may disrupt the flow of Qi, leading to fullness, tightness, emotional fluctuation or unsettled sleep.

Overall, the core pattern is underlying deficiency of Zheng Qi, with depletion of Qi, Blood and Yin fluids as the main issue, and disturbance of normal rhythm and regulation as the outward presentation.

4. Pattern assessment at prime&naturals

The key clinical question is to identify which type of depletion is currently most prominent, so that support can be directed appropriately.

1) Qi and Blood deficiency pattern

Marked fatigue, shortness of breath and a clear drop in stamina

Assessment focus: insufficient energy support

2) Spleen and Stomach weakness pattern

Poor appetite, bloating and indigestion

Assessment focus: reduced nutritional intake and digestive support

3) Yin deficiency with internal heat pattern

Dry mouth, heat sensations and ongoing discomfort

Assessment focus: depletion of Yin fluids

4) Unsettled Shen pattern

Poor sleep, anxiety or emotional fluctuation

Assessment focus: insufficient nourishment and stability of the Shen

5. Treatment approach at prime&naturals

During cancer treatment, the aim is not to alter the oncology treatment itself, but to improve the body’s capacity to tolerate treatment and help the treatment course proceed more smoothly.

1) Supportive care during the treatment course

Chinese herbal medicine may be used according to pattern to support Qi and Blood, and strengthen the Spleen and Stomach
Help reduce fatigue and digestive side effects
Support basic stamina and day-to-day function

2) Symptom-based support

Common treatment-related symptoms may be addressed as follows:

Nausea or poor appetite — support the Spleen and Stomach, harmonise digestion and help relieve nausea
Fatigue — support Qi and nourish Blood
Dry mouth or heat sensations — nourish Yin and clear heat
Poor sleep — nourish the Heart and calm the Shen

3) Acupuncture support

Help improve fatigue and Qi regulation
Support relief of stress and sleep disturbance
Assist the body’s overall regulatory capacity

4) Support during treatment breaks

During the interval between treatment cycles, care may focus on restoring Qi, Blood and digestive function, and helping the body prepare for the next round of treatment.

5) Coordination with oncology care

Chinese Medicine support is used as a complementary and supportive approach. It should be coordinated with oncology treatment and medical monitoring to help ensure safety and consistency across the overall treatment plan.

6. When should medical review be sought early?

Early medical review is recommended if any of the following occur:

A clear drop in stamina affecting daily activities
Poor appetite or ongoing weight loss
Repeated nausea or digestive discomfort
Ongoing deterioration in sleep quality
Emotional stress affecting daily life or ability to continue treatment

During cancer treatment, the key is not only to treat the disease itself, but also to help the body maintain basic stability and treatment tolerance throughout the process. When stamina, appetite and daily rhythm are more stable, the overall treatment course is often easier to complete.