Prostate cancer is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it progresses slowly and typically presents no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Jonathan Liu, a professor of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at a Canadian public university and director of the Kangmei TCM Clinic, said on NTD’s “Health 1+1” program, a sister media outlet of The Epoch Times, that prostate cancer is closely associated with declining kidney “qi“—the vital energy stored in the kidneys—and poor lifestyle habits.
Nourishing the kidneys is essential for preserving health and longevity, according to TCM. Supporting kidney health through TCM, alongside conventional screening and treatment, can aid in both the prevention and management of prostate cancer.
Understanding Prostate Cancer in TCM
Although the term “cancer” does not appear in classical TCM texts, Liu noted that ancient physicians recognized similar disease patterns. They described certain tumors—such as those found in the breast—as hard, stone-like masses, marking a transformation from soft, healthy tissue to firm, abnormal growths.
In TCM, the prostate is considered part of the kidney and bladder system, with its function closely tied to kidney health. Kidney qi is seen as a key indicator of overall vitality.
Liu cited the ancient TCM classic “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine (Huangdi Neijing),” which describes how kidney qi changes throughout a man’s life: it becomes abundant at age 8, peaks around age 28, and begins to decline by age 58.
A deficiency in kidney qi may lead to symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty fully emptying the bladder, increased nighttime urination, soreness in the lower back and legs, and memory decline. Many of these symptoms can be early warning signs of prostate cancer. However, their subtle nature often leads to missed opportunities for early intervention.
Integrating Conventional Medicine and TCM
Conventional medicine often detects prostate cancer at a relatively late stage due to its slow progression. In many cases, the disease can take decades to produce noticeable symptoms.
Current medical guidelines emphasize early detection through blood tests for prostate-specific antigen—a protein produced by both normal and cancerous cells in the prostate gland—biopsies, and imaging studies. Among these methods, biopsy remains the most accurate for identifying cancer and determining its grade and stage.
TCM can play a complementary role in both prevention and supportive care, said Liu. When prostate cancer is diagnosed early and treated with surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy, TCM may offer additional support tailored to the person’s condition. Treatment principles such as tonifying the kidneys and circulating the blood can help slow disease progression.
In advanced prostate cancer, particularly when it has metastasized to the bones, hormone therapy is the standard treatment in conventional medicine. However, for patients who do not respond well to hormone therapy, TCM approaches such as reinforcing healthy qi and nourishing the kidneys, removing toxins, circulating blood, and transforming phlegm may be considered.
Managing Treatment Side Effects
Treatments for prostate cancer—such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy—often come with side effects, including urinary dysfunction, reduced sexual function, and psychological distress.
The core philosophy of TCM in cancer treatment is to “treat the illness while preserving the patient,” Liu noted. This approach focuses not only on addressing the disease itself but also on strengthening the patient’s overall wellness.
Specifically, it emphasizes three key principles:
- Reinforcing the Body’s Healthy Qi: Boosts immunity and vitality to support the body’s ability to suppress cancer cell growth.
- Removing Toxins: Uses herbal therapies to inhibit tumor growth.
- Promoting Blood Circulation and Transforming Phlegm: Enhances circulation to improve oxygen delivery to tissues and reduces internal “phlegm stagnation,” which in TCM is associated with tumor formation and progression.
TCM uses various herbal remedies for specific therapeutic purposes. Commonly used herbs include:
- To Reinforce Healthy Qi: Astragalus root (“Huang Qi”), pseudostellaria root (“Tai Zi Shen”), Cornus fruit (“Shan Yu Rou”).
- To Remove Toxins: Oldenlandia diffusa (“Bai Hua She She Cao”) and Cremastra bulb (“Shan Ci Gu”).
- To Circulate Blood: Salvia root (“Dan Shen”), commonly used to circulate blood and transform stasis. A 2023 study found that salvia root may help lower blood pressure by alleviating vascular inflammation and oxidative stress.
- To Transform Phlegm and Dissipate Nodules: Sparganium (“San Leng”), zedoary (“E Zhu”), Fritillaria bulb (“Bei Mu”).
Daily Habits for Prostate Health
Office workers who sit for extended periods and lack sufficient physical activity may experience urinary difficulty or discomfort in the pelvic area. These may be early warning signs of prostate-related issues.
To protect kidney qi and support prostate health, Liu recommends the following simple daily practices:
1. Practice Acupressure
Liu recommends massaging three key acupoints related to kidney function: “Shenshu” (BL23), “Yongquan” (KI1), and “Taixi” (KI3).
According to TCM, meridians are the channels through which energy flows in the human body. The internal organs are connected to the body’s surface through these meridians. Along the meridians are specific points known as acupoints, which possess unique functions. By stimulating the corresponding acupoints through techniques such as acupuncture and massage, it is possible to treat diseases related to specific organs.
The TCM saying “the waist is the residence of the kidneys” reflects the view that the kidneys are located in the lower back and that kidney qi flows throughout this area.
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Shenshu (BL23): The Shenshu acupoint corresponds anatomically to the kidney area. Massaging the lower back can help improve local blood circulation. The acupoint is also located on the bladder meridian, which is closely connected to the kidney meridian. Therefore, stimulating this acupoint can help regulate kidney meridian function and nourish the kidneys.
Yongquan (KI1) and Taixi (KI3): Located on the soles of the feet, these are key acupoints along the kidney meridian. Massaging these acupoints is believed to tonify the kidney, calm the mind, and strengthen the body overall.
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2. Drink Green Tea
Research has shown that drinking more tea is associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer, with the effect more pronounced in green tea than in black tea.
Tea is rich in vitamins, minerals, and high-quality amino acids. It also contains polyphenols and phytochemicals that help neutralize free radicals, thereby promoting overall health, Liu said.
Early Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer
Liu emphasized that the early symptoms of prostate cancer are often subtle and can easily be mistaken for signs of aging.
- Changes in Urination Habits: A man who suddenly finds himself needing to urinate more frequently should take note. Spending noticeably more time in the restroom may be a warning sign due to the prostate’s location and its relationship with the urinary tract.
- Darker Urine or Blood in the Urine: A sudden change in urine color—such as becoming unusually dark or reddish—could indicate the presence of blood and should not be ignored.
- Foamy Urine or Unusual Substances: Persistent foam in the urine or visible particles may signal abnormal urinary function and should be evaluated by a health care professional.
- Sudden Changes in Sexual Function: An unexplained decline in sexual function should also raise concern, as prostate cancer and other prostate conditions can affect male sexual health.
These symptoms warrant medical evaluation, particularly for men over 50.
Prevention Strategies for Prostate Cancer
In TCM, the development of prostate cancer is believed to be related to the accumulation of pathogenic toxins. These toxins may result from long-term, unhealthy lifestyle habits or environmental exposures that lead to cellular mutations.
Liu offers the following recommendations for reducing prostate cancer risk:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: A 2024 systematic review indicated that both obesity and being underweight are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity can support metabolic health and help keep body weight within a healthy range.
- Safeguard Kidney Qi: An old Chinese saying goes, “A single drop of semen is worth ten drops of blood,” reminding men to practice moderation in sexual activity. In TCM, excessive indulgence is believed to deplete “jing” or vital essence and weaken kidney qi, which is detrimental to prostate health.
- Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining emotional balance can contribute to prostate cancer prevention.
- Schedule Regular Prostate Screenings: Men experiencing symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, or difficulty urinating should be aware of the possibility of underlying prostate issues. Men age 45 and older, in particular, are encouraged to undergo regular prostate-specific antigen screenings or consult a TCM practitioner for early detection and timely intervention.
Some of the herbs mentioned above may sound unfamiliar, but many can be found at health food stores or Asian grocery markets. Because treatment needs differ from person to person, please consult a qualified health care professional for personalized guidance.
