Biology Week 8: Cell Biology and Cancer


Many years ago, without knowing much about the biology of cancer cells,  I developed the suspicion that an area energetically "cut off" from the rest of the body was vulnerable to cancer; as they are cells operating autonomously and disharmoniously with the rest of the system.  As my understanding develops, my thoughts on the matter continue to align with my instinct. Some cancers seem to follow the linear cause and effect model, i.e. smokers developing lung cancer, irresponsible beach goers acquiring melanomas or alcoholics with liver cancer.  But how do we explain how seemingly healthy individuals who are not overly exposed to carcinogens and have no apparent genetic disposition get cancer?  There must be something else going on in which our definition of a healthy lifestyle omits the presence of energetic, emotional and spiritual factors.

Cancer cells are not active members of the physiological community.  They are normal cells with abnormal functioning, operating on their own behalf.  These cells divide rapidly and if given the opportunity, will grow into tumors that can infiltrate the body and hijack normal functioning.  Certain genetic mutations effect the synthesis of proteins responsible for monitoring the cell division.  Without the signal to stop, cells will continue to divide and conquer.  Normal cells also have "contact inhibition" in which an awareness of the cells around them that either initiates or inhibits division.  Cancer cells exist in a most bodies at any given time, but healthy immune systems generally recognize and destroy them before they have the opportunity to reek havoc on the body.  If undetected however, the cancer cells engage in a positive feedback chain that can ultimately turn function into dysfunction.  Therefor, creating a strong, healthy and balanced environment minimizes the chance that cancer can grow out of control.

Traditional Chinese Medicine associates cancer with a weakness in "qi" or energetic life force of the body. In general, an imbalance of a system, not an isolated part. A qi flow that is minimized can lead to improper blood flow and subsequent dysfunction in the nutrient-waste exchange.  Malnourished cells and waste buildup leads to disease.  A toxic diet or one deprived of nutrient rich foods can lead to improper digestion and thus an inability for the body to assimilate the food.  The role of emotions on cancer, often overlooked by western medicine, is significant in the world of TCM as an imbalanced emotional landscape can affect qi vitality.  Specific organs and organ systems are associated with particular emotions and chronic stress in these areas, can throw the entire system out of whack. The TCM model aims to strengthen the whole person as a functioning community instead of a conglomeration of parts.

What resonates with me in the TCM approach to cancer, leads back to my original notion about the body as a unified whole.  Qi functions to integrate the body and allow life force to flow throughout.  Any stagnation, whether it be emotional, environmental or diet related robs the body's ability to fully integrate and support itself enough to fight off disease.  In this sense, qi helps the body communicate, connected and work as a collective.  When I am stressed, my neck hurts, my sacrum tightens and I stop breathing full breaths.  This energetic holding not only feels bad, but clearly has a ripple effect for my health on a greater scale. Yoga, dance, and bodywork combined with healthy lifestyle and positive social connections promote the experience of being whole; very different from a bunch of disjointed parts.   Practices that help align mind, body and spirit (when accessible) should be cherished and pursued, for they are the key to health, longevity and quality of life.  For those stricken with cancer,  TCM as a collaborative aid for aggresive western treatment seems like a realistic option in this country and I am curious to learn more about such partnerships.






REFERENCES:

http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/biology/textbook/cancer/cancer_13.html

Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches to Cancer


Comments

  1. Emma HosfordJuly 23, 2017 at 2:42 PM

    I totally agree with your idea that a place that is energetically cut off is susceptible to cancer. We were talking about neuropathy in my formulas class - about how when we can't feel a particular part of our body it means that the heart/ the emperor/ the shen is not represented there. It makes a lot of sense to me that a place that is energetically cut off and does not have shen would be at risk for the bodies natural mechanisms to malfunction - it no longer has the directive of the emperor. This could be extended to the emotions - perhaps if someone is cut off from certain emotional parts of themselves the corresponding organs or meridians are more susceptible to injury or harm. Nice post!"

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