🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Cancer and tumors are not modern diseases—they have existed since ancient times. The Chinese people have a long history of battling tumors. From references in classical Chinese medical texts, the term “liu” (tumor) appears as early as in the *Huangdi Neijing* over 2,000 years ago, describing conditions such as tendon tumor and intestinal tumor.
Throughout Chinese historical literature, numerous descriptions exist regarding benign and malignant tumors, using various names such as swollen sores, goiter, malignant sores, liu, yan, and cancer—over ten terms. Some of these terms encompass tumors, while others specifically refer to them.
Ancient Chinese medical texts discussed causes of tumor development, although these explanations were not fully accurate or complete. Nevertheless, many insights were reasonable. Even today, modern medicine has not fully clarified tumor etiology. The prevailing view holds that environmental factors—such as abnormal physical and chemical stimuli—and internal factors—including genetics and psychological influences—may contribute to tumor development.
TCM considers “qi” and “blood” as essential foundations of physiological function. “Qi” in TCM includes nutritive substances within the body and the functional state of internal organs. If “qi” or “blood” becomes imbalanced—referred to as “qi stagnation” or “blood stasis”—disease ensues. TCM believes tumor development stems from excessive emotional stress, depression, invasion by external pathogens (environmental factors), aging, and lifestyle influences, leading to internal stagnation of qi and blood, ultimately triggering tumors. Additionally, accumulation of abnormal substances within the body or dysfunction of internal organs may also serve as causative factors.
The definition of “liu” (tumor) is described in the *Zhubing Yuanyou Lun* (610 AD) as “retention of qi and blood” or “accumulation of abnormal substances in the body,” emphasizing the character “liu” (to remain), with the “disease” radical added to form the character “liu” (tumor).
Malignant tumors in TCM are called “ai” (cancer). Why this name? Because malignant tumors are hard in texture, fixed in location, with uneven surfaces resembling rocks—thus named “yan” (rock). In ancient times, the upper part of the character “jing” (crystal) resembled a “pin” (three dots), and the lower part resembled “shan” (mountain), making it synonymous with “yan” (rock). Adding the “disease” radical to “jing” formed the character “ai” (cancer).
The earliest recorded use of the character “ai” in extant Chinese medical literature appears in the *Weiji Baoshu* from the 12th century. The first concise description of cancer’s characteristics comes from the *Renzhai Zhizhi Fu Yi Fang Lun* (1264 AD), stating: “Cancer is deep and high, shaped like a cave,” and noting its “deep-seated poison,” eventually leading to coma.
Historical TCM literature provides remarkably accurate descriptions of certain tumor symptoms and progression, capturing key points. The *Zhubing Yuanyou Lun* states: “Liu is a sudden swelling beneath the skin, initially the size of a plum or apricot, gradually growing larger, painless and itchless…” This describes benign tumors as slowly enlarging, without pain or itching, potentially becoming very large over time, but not life-threatening. TCM has extensive records on breast cancer. The *Waike Zhengzong* (1617 AD) gives particularly detailed descriptions: when breast cancer first appears as small as a bean or chess piece, it may remain painless and itchless for two to three years. As it grows, persistent pain develops. Later, it resembles clusters of chestnuts; the affected area gradually changes color, ulcerates, emits odor, and becomes sunken like a cave, while protrusions resemble lotus seeds. Eventually, excruciating pain occurs. Once systemic deterioration sets in, recovery becomes difficult.
Breast cancer is relatively common among women, though rare cases occur in men. In early 17th-century China, the *Zhengzhi Zhunsheng* recorded a case of male breast cancer. The patient, previously distressed after failing multiple imperial examinations, later noticed slight discharge from the left nipple. Soon afterward, a lump appeared near the nipple. Due to delayed diagnosis and improper treatment, the lump enlarged, ruptured, and took on a cave-like appearance—consistent with typical symptoms and progression of breast cancer.
Additionally, historical TCM literature documents laryngeal cancer, esophageal tumors, gastrointestinal tumors, thyroid tumors, and skin tumors. While TCM recognized some tumors as difficult to treat, it did not resort to helplessness. Besides emphasizing holistic systemic treatment, it also included targeted drug therapy and surgical excision.
Over 2,000 years ago, the *Huangdi Neijing* mentioned treating masses by promoting their dissipation. More than 1,700 years ago, the renowned physician Hua Tuo, when acupuncture and drugs failed to treat intra-abdominal masses, performed surgery under general anesthesia. These masses likely included certain tumors. In the *Jin Shu* (7th century), it is recorded: “Emperor Jing had a tumor in his eye, and a doctor removed it.” This is the earliest documented case of surgical removal of an ocular tumor.