Liver Cancer: A Complex Disease
and a TCM Perspective on Internal Balance
Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is one of the most serious and often deadly cancers worldwide. Although less common in the United States compared to other types, its incidence has been rising steadily, partly due to chronic hepatitis infections, alcohol-related liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The American Cancer Society estimates over 42,000 new cases in 2025, with nearly 30,000 deaths. Prognosis remains poor for advanced cases, especially when liver function is already compromised by cirrhosis or chronic inflammation.
Western treatment options include surgical resection, liver transplantation, ablation, embolization therapies, radiation, and targeted or immune-based drug therapies. These treatments are often limited by the liver’s existing condition—many patients with HCC also have chronic liver disease, making aggressive treatment risky. Side effects may include nausea, fatigue, bleeding risks, poor digestion, jaundice, and immune dysfunction. Recovery often requires meticulous monitoring of liver enzymes, viral load (if hepatitis-related), and overall energy levels.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the Liver not only as a physical organ but as a dynamic system responsible for the smooth flow of qi, the regulation of emotions, the storage of blood, and the movement of bile and digestion. From this broader view, liver cancer often arises in a pattern of long-standing Liver qi stagnation, heat toxins, and blood stasis, sometimes complicated by Spleen deficiency and dampness. Emotional repression, chronic anger, poor diet, and environmental toxins are seen as contributors to this internal disharmony.
During treatment, TCM practitioners aim to support the Liver’s remaining function while addressing symptoms like pain, distention, fatigue, or digestive upset. Acupuncture may focus on points such as LIV3 (Tàichōng) and SP6 (Sānyīnjiāo) to regulate qi and blood, calm emotional stress, and aid digestion. Herbs like yin chen (茵陈, Artemisia) may be used to support bile flow and reduce jaundice, while dan shen (丹参, Salvia) may help move blood and ease liver-related pain. However, all herbs must be selected with caution, especially if liver function is severely impaired or the patient is undergoing chemotherapy.
Dietary therapy is emphasized in TCM liver care. Light, nourishing meals—such as congee, steamed vegetables, and broths—are easier to digest and help avoid taxing the Liver and Spleen. Avoiding greasy, spicy, and heavily processed foods is considered essential. Emotional health is also closely tied to the Liver; stress, frustration, and grief are believed to “knot” Liver qi, and gentle practices like qigong or walking in nature are often recommended.
In advanced stages, TCM may also offer palliative care support, focusing on comfort, sleep quality, emotional peace, and quality of life. While not curative in itself, TCM’s systemic approach can enhance resilience, reduce suffering, and offer patients a sense of holistic care during one of the most complex and demanding cancer journeys.
Vocabulary Guide:
- Qi (气): Vital life energy that circulates throughout the body and regulates all physiological processes.
- Liver qi stagnation (肝气郁结 gān qì yù jié): A pattern of blocked energy in the Liver system, often related to emotional stress or frustration.
- Blood stasis (瘀血 yūxuè): Impaired circulation of blood, leading to pain, swelling, or masses.
- Dampness (湿 shī): An excess of moisture in the body, often associated with sluggish digestion or heaviness.
- LIV3 (太冲 Tàichōng): A point on the Liver meridian used to regulate qi and alleviate emotional and physical tension.
- SP6 (三阴交 Sānyīnjiāo): A point where the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney meridians intersect; used to regulate blood and calm the spirit.
- Yin chen (茵陈): Artemisia herb; clears damp-heat and supports bile flow, often used in jaundice conditions.
- Dan shen (丹参): Salvia root; invigorates blood and is often used for liver-related pain and blood circulation issues.
- Congee (粥 zhōu): A rice porridge commonly used in TCM dietary therapy to nourish digestion and restore energy.
