Exercises For Cancer Patients: It’s More Important Than You Think!

WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share If you are a cancer warrior, you are not alone in wondering how long after you are done with treatments should you start an exercise routine, especially when you may be feeling fatigue and nausea from treatments. The best way to find out is to consult your oncologist and care team! Research found, those who exercised regularly had 40% to 50% less fatigue, the primary complaint during treatment. [1] Today, we will share more on how exercise can help cancer patients and specific exercises for cancer patients to practise. Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients [2] According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guideline 2nd edition, cancer survivors (post-treatment) should engage in regular physical activity to reap the health benefits of it. For adults with breast, colon, or prostate cancer, greater amounts of physical activity help to lower the risk of dying from their cancer. Cancer survivors who are physically active have a better quality of life, improved fitness and physical function, and experience less fatigue. Physical activity also plays a role in reducing the adverse effects of cancer treatment, in particular, some cancer patients are at increased risk of heart disease and physical activity can help reduce this risk. As cancer prevention, being physically active significantly lowers the risk of developing cancer. Research shows that adults participating in greater amounts of physical activity have reduced risks of developing cancers of the Breast, Colon, Lung, Bladder, Endometrium, Oesophagus, Kidney and Stomach. Therefore, it is beneficial to engage in exercise at all stages of cancer – pre, during and post-treatment. Recommended Amount And Type Of Exercise For Cancer Patients The following recommendations are general guidelines from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. Cancer patients should adjust the intensity and frequency of activity according to their body condition. If unsure, it is best to consult a professional for an activity plan tailored to each individual’s ability. TCM’s approach towards cancer management is a personalised one which takes into consideration the type and stage of the cancer, the type of western treatment used, and the general body constitution of the patient. Hence, it is best for all cancer patients to consult a licensed TCM practitioner for a treatment and diet plan tailored to their specific needs. That being said, there are still some easily accessible foods that cancer patients can safely incorporate into their own diet during and after chemotherapy/radiotherapy to combat the known side effects of these treatments. a) Cardiovascular Training Cardiovascular exercises are also known as aerobic exercises, these are activities that get your heart pumping. Most people think of running and swimming when it comes to cardio activity but there are many other types of cardio exercises with varying levels of intensity. Always start with low-intensity activities before progressing your way up. The key is to ensure you work out at a pace and intensity that your body can handle. It is recommended to perform 150 – 300 mins of moderate-intensity cardio exercise a week. To meet this, you can opt for moderate-intensity, vigorous-intensity activities or a combination of both. It takes less time to get the same benefit from vigorous-intensity activities as compared to moderate-intensity activities. As a general rule of thumb, 2 mins of moderate-intensity activity counts the same a 1 min of vigorous-intensity activity [2] Pro-tip: It is best to spread out your aerobic (cardio) exercise evenly through the week. For example, the patient can work out 5 times a week, each time doing a 30min session of moderate-intensity exercise. This adds up to at least 150mins/week. Recommended cardio exercises for cancer patients: 1. Power Walking (moderate-intensity activity) Simply pick up the pace, you don’t have to power walk like professional athletes! This is a great option for an easy low-impact cardio workout and is suitable for those with a weaker body. Otherwise, normal walking is also counted as cardiovascular exercise. Even a 10 min walk can benefit your heart health. [3] 2. Hula-Hooping (moderate-intensity activity) https://youtu.be/d9e4R-j0PWI For a family-friendly activity, try hula-hooping with your children! It can provide similar results to other types of cardio activities like dancing. There are weighted and regular hula hoop options – both are a good way to get your cardio workout. [4] 3. Swimming (vigorous-intensity activity) It is a low-impact form of cardio workout that protects your joints and at the same time keeps your heart rate up. It is also a great full-body workout! 4. Trampoline Rebounding (vigorous-intensity activity) https://youtu.be/U8Blm2irGQE Sounds like a child’s activity but it is more beneficial for your health than you expect! Not only does rebounding on the trampoline work your heart, but it also improves your lymphatic circulation. Rebounding on the trampoline can aid the opening and closing of your lymphatic valves simultaneously to increase lymph flow by as much as 15x. [5] With better lymphatic flow, toxins and harmful substances are filtered and cleared by the immune system more effectively which thus improves your immunity. Rebounding on a trampoline also prevents excessive pressure on your joints so that you can work out for a longer period of time without affecting your joints!  Read more about your lymphatic system 5. Cycling (vigorous-intensity activity) A highly versatile form of exercise where you can choose to ride on a flat path or on tougher terrains if you are up for a challenge. Cycling is a good cardio workout that strengthens your lower body (legs, hips and glutes) but at the same time gentle on your back, hips, knees and ankles. [6] We recommend taking your bike out for a ride at the nearby park to enjoy the fresh air. Otherwise, a stationary bike at the gym does the trick too. b) Muscle-strengthening Training Muscle-strengthening activities of moderate/greater intensity involve working the major muscle groups of the body – the legs, hips, back, chest, abdomen, shoulders, and

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine help with Cancer Support?

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine help with Cancer Support? WE COMBINE THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, MODERN TECHNOLOGY, AND PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR YOU TO THRIVE IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD. Share We understand that a cancer diagnosis for you or your loved one can be a distressing and emotional time for you and your family. In this article, we will explain how Oriental Remedies Group can help improve the quality of life for the patient during this tumultuous period, by providing cancer support via Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Technology-Enhanced Therapies, along your route to recovery. In recent years, more cancer patients are turning to TCM as a form of cancer support. In our clinic, we see an increasing number of patients who suffer from side effects of chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy and are seeking complementary TCM therapies to reduce the side effects and alleviate symptoms such as pain. Why use TCM for cancer support? Many clinical studies have shown that TCM is effective in supporting treatments against breast, gastric and lung cancer. An example from one of the researches shows that when TCM is used as a complementary therapy combined with conventional chemotherapy, patients increased the survival rate, had a better response to chemotherapy and experienced reduced side effects, including vomiting and the decline of red blood cells.[1] On top of that, TCM also improves the effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in fighting cancer, guided by therapeutic principles of tonifying Qi and producing Blood[1], strengthening the Spleen and Stomach, nourishing the Liver and Kidney and removing Heat or inflammation from Blood and toxic materials from the body. TCM also plays a strong role in helping patients with advanced cancer diagnosis or patients, especially elderly ones, where radiotherapy and chemotherapy are deemed as unsuitable treatment therapies. Research shows that TCM can stabilise tumour lesions, improve symptoms, enhance the quality of life and prolong survival time.[1] If you’re getting a little lost above, fret not. In this article, we hope to demystify TCM and help you gain better knowledge and awareness so that you can make an informed decision with the use of TCM treatments in your recovery. The efficacy of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in cancer treatment. Source: NCBI What exactly is cancer? According to the Singapore Cancer Society, cancer is a term that refers to a group of diseases, all of which are characterised by abnormal cell growth.[2] When the normal regulated process of cell division and growth malfunctions, the cells will grow and divide uncontrollably. As they continue to grow and multiply, they may amass to form tumours. There are two kinds of tumours; benign and malignant. The former is a tumour that continues to grow and divide in the same place, without spreading to other parts of the body. On the other hand, when the tumour spreads and invades into other parts of the body via metastasis, it is a life-threatening tumour known as malignant tumours. What causes cancer from a TCM perspective? 1) Weak immunity Qi has a defensive mechanism that protects the body, thus weakened Qi formed from poor digestive function results in weakened immunity Coldness restricts the flow of Qi and Blood resulting in stagnation Stress and emotions stagnate Qi flow 2) Poor Blood circulation It can result from coldness accumulated in the body. This could be from external environment or frequent ingestion of food of cold nature Weak Qi (energy) is unable to encourage Blood flow. Hence, many cancer patients tend to feel cold and have cold extremities Blood is thick and turbid thus stagnated 3) Phlegm Dampness accumulation Weakened digestive function Excessive intake of food of cold nature or oily/greasy food Exposure to cold environments weakens Spleen’s ability to transform food into nutritive essence, thereby reducing the formation of Qi and Blood Poor bowel movement results in the accumulation of toxins 4) Exposure to Dampness from the environment Environmental toxins Exposure of damp and cold environment Patient trying Electro-Lymphatic Therapy at Oriental Remedies Group How does Oriental Remedies Group support cancer recovery? TCM views the treatment of cancer holistically, with a systematic approach being taken to treat and improve the overall condition of the body. Physicians customise a treatment plan suited to the patient, based on the identified root cause(s). At Oriental Remedies Group, a combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatments and Technology-Enhanced Therapies are prescribed to boost the patients’ immune system and to strengthen and nourish the body. Even when you are undergoing conventional cancer treatments, you can still work on improving your quality of life! Find out some of the key therapies prescribed for cancer warriors below: Acupuncture Acupuncture utilises very fine needles placed at different parts of the body to help regulate, realign and improve the condition of the body and its organs Acupuncture treatments are focused on improving the patients’ quality of life Cancer patients report the below benefits: Strengthened immune system More energy and reduced lethargy Reduced cancer treatment side effects Reduced anxiety Herbal Medication Helps to recuperate the body, replenish the Qi and energy, nourishing the body so that it can fight the cancer cells Some herbal medication are supported by research to help suppress the growth and spread of cancer in the body Electro-Lymphatic Therapy Improves the function of the lymphatic system which is closely linked to ‘San Jiao’ in TCM Cancer patients report better well-being: Strengthened immunity Reduced pain, aches and inflammation Reduce water retention and lymphedema (especially for cancer patients who have gone through lymph node removals) Better sleep and mobility Aside from TCMxTech-Enhanced Therapies recommended by your physicians, it is equally important for cancer patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet for their body system to function optimally while/after undergoing treatments. Here are some strategies on How To Eat Right During and After Chemotherapy/ Radiotherapy. Is TCM suitable for every cancer patient? Yes! TCM Physicians work alongside major hospitals in Singapore like Tan Tock Seng Hospital to provide care to patients with all sorts of conditions, not just cancer. However, it is important to seek professional consultation from certified physicians as some patients may be allergic to certain herbs, or certain herbs are not suitable when patients