Integrative Oncology: A Holistic, Individualised Approach to Cancer Care
Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Individualised Support Throughout the Cancer Journey
With 13 years of clinical experience supporting individuals living with cancer, my approach to integrative oncology is founded on a principle that has remained central to my practice: every patient is an individual, not simply a diagnosis.
Cancer affects far more than a particular organ or system. It can influence physical strength, digestion, sleep, emotional well-being, daily functioning and a person’s overall sense of balance. Each individual also brings a distinct medical history, constitution, treatment experience, personal circumstances and expectations.
For this reason, I believe cancer care should extend beyond the management of the disease itself. It should also recognise and respond to the needs of the person experiencing it.
My clinical approach combines the principles and practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with an understanding of modern medical care, seeking to provide thoughtful, individualised support throughout different stages of the cancer journey.
A Philosophy Beyond the Diagnosis
A cancer diagnosis does not define the entirety of a person. Two individuals with the same cancer diagnosis may have very different symptoms, physical conditions, treatment responses and personal needs.
One may be experiencing profound fatigue and reduced physical strength; another may struggle with digestive disturbances, sleep disruption, pain or emotional distress. Some may be undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted treatment, while others may be recovering from treatment or living with advanced disease.
These differences matter.
My approach begins with understanding the individual in their entirety: their medical history, current treatment, physical condition, symptoms, lifestyle, nutritional patterns, sleep, emotional state and personal priorities.
Rather than applying a predetermined treatment protocol, I develop an approach that reflects the individual’s circumstances and clinical presentation. Treatment is continually reconsidered and adjusted as their condition, needs and goals evolve.
Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine with Modern Oncology
Traditional Chinese Medicine has a long history of understanding health through the relationship between the body’s functional systems, physiological balance and the interaction between the individual and their environment.
Within contemporary integrative oncology, these principles can offer a complementary framework for supporting patients alongside modern cancer treatment.
My clinical practice incorporates Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, informed by an understanding of the patient’s medical condition and conventional treatment history.
The intention is not to replace established oncological treatment, but to consider how complementary care may contribute to symptom management, physical well-being, functional capacity and quality of life.
Where appropriate, integrative support may be considered alongside surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and other conventional medical interventions. The approach must take account of the patient’s treatment schedule, clinical status, prescribed medication and potential interactions.
For individuals who have completed active treatment, the focus may shift towards recovery, rebuilding physical resilience and addressing persistent symptoms. For those living with advanced cancer, care may place greater emphasis on comfort, symptom relief, maintaining function and supporting quality of life in accordance with the individual’s wishes and clinical circumstances.
The appropriate emphasis is therefore not fixed. It depends on the person, the stage of their illness and what matters most to them.
Individualised Treatment: No Two Patients Are the Same
Individualisation is not simply a matter of selecting different herbs or acupuncture points. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s condition and an ongoing process of clinical evaluation.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, assessment considers the individual’s overall pattern of presentation, including constitutional characteristics, functional disturbances and changes in the body’s condition over time. These observations are considered alongside the patient’s conventional medical diagnosis, investigations, treatment history and current clinical needs.
A treatment plan may incorporate:
- Chinese herbal medicine, selected and formulated according to the individual’s presentation, medical history and treatment circumstances.
- Acupuncture, where appropriate, to support the management of selected symptoms and aspects of physical well-being.
- Digestive and nutritional support, with attention to appetite, food tolerance, bowel function and nutritional adequacy.
- Sleep and restorative health, recognising the importance of rest and recovery.
- Physical function and vitality, with consideration of fatigue, strength, mobility and daily activities.
- Emotional and psychological well-being, acknowledging the substantial emotional demands associated with a cancer diagnosis and its treatment.
- Lifestyle guidance, adapted to the individual’s capacity, preferences and changing circumstances.
These elements are not applied uniformly. Their relevance, priority and suitability are assessed individually.
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Quality, Precision and Clinical Responsibility
Chinese herbal medicine is an important component of my clinical practice. I regard its application as a discipline requiring careful assessment, sound materia medica knowledge, appropriate formulation and a clear understanding of the patient’s medical circumstances.
A herbal prescription should never be regarded as a generic product intended to suit every person with the same diagnosis. The selection, combination and dosage of individual herbs require consideration of the patient’s presentation, physical condition, existing medication, organ function and concurrent cancer treatment.
The quality and integrity of herbal materials are equally important.
I place particular emphasis on the authenticity and traceability of herbal ingredients, as well as appropriate quality-control measures. Depending on the supplier and product, these may include testing for heavy metals, pesticide residues, microbial contamination and other potential impurities. Proper identification, processing, storage and handling are also essential considerations.
Where possible, I favour herbal products supported by appropriate quality documentation and avoid unnecessary additives or preservatives.
Clinical responsibility also requires attention to herb–drug interactions and potential effects on liver and kidney function, coagulation, drug metabolism and other relevant physiological processes. Certain herbs may be unsuitable during particular medical treatments or in the presence of specific clinical conditions.
For this reason, herbal treatment is individually evaluated and, where relevant, coordinated with the patient’s existing medical care. The objective is to apply Chinese herbal medicine thoughtfully and responsibly, with attention to both therapeutic rationale and patient safety.
Supporting the Whole Person Throughout the Cancer Journey
Cancer care is not confined to the period of active treatment. The physical and emotional consequences of cancer may continue long after a particular course of treatment has ended. Equally, individuals living with advanced disease may have changing needs that require a different emphasis in their care.
My approach considers the broader aspects of well-being that can influence a patient’s daily life and ability to cope with illness.
Depending on the individual’s circumstances, support may address:
- Cancer-related fatigue and reduced energy.
- Digestive discomfort, appetite changes and bowel disturbances.
- Nausea and other treatment-associated symptoms.
- Sleep disturbances and difficulties with rest.
- Pain and physical discomfort.
- Peripheral neuropathy and changes in sensation.
- Reduced physical strength and functional capacity.
- Emotional stress and the challenges of living with a cancer diagnosis.
- Recovery and general well-being following conventional treatment.
The suitability of each intervention depends on the patient’s diagnosis, treatment history, clinical condition and individual goals. Supportive care is directed towards improving the patient’s experience and quality of life, rather than making unsupported claims about cancer eradication or replacing established oncological treatment.
Continuous Assessment, Communication and Individualised Care
Individualised treatment is not a single decision made at the first consultation. It is an evolving clinical process.
A patient’s condition may change considerably over the course of cancer treatment. Symptoms may emerge, improve or recur; medication may be modified; physical tolerance may fluctuate; and personal priorities may change.
For this reason, ongoing assessment and communication are fundamental to my approach.
I place importance on listening carefully, understanding the patient’s experience and reviewing their progress. Treatment strategies are reconsidered in response to changes in symptoms, physical condition, medical treatment and personal needs.
I also recognise that patients need an environment in which they can speak openly, ask questions and express concerns without feeling rushed or judged. A considered consultation allows time to understand not only the medical circumstances, but also the individual behind them.
My intention is to establish a therapeutic relationship founded on professional responsibility, mutual respect, careful observation and continuity of care.
My Commitment to Every Patient
Over 13 years of supporting individuals living with cancer, one principle has remained constant: no two patients should be approached in exactly the same way.
My commitment is to listen attentively, assess carefully and develop treatment strategies that reflect each individual’s circumstances. It is also to remain responsive as their condition and needs change.
I believe meaningful integrative care requires more than knowledge of therapeutic methods. It requires clinical judgement, an understanding of the person as a whole, respect for the complexity of cancer care and the willingness to adapt when circumstances change.
Every patient deserves to be approached as an individual, with dignity, compassion and professional integrity.
To listen carefully. To understand deeply. To treat individually. To adapt continuously.
That is the foundation of my approach to integrative oncology.
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Doctor Mia Ting i Li
Doctor of Chinese Medicine
Registered Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Practitioner
Integrative Oncology Practitioner
Traditional Chinese Medicine | Acupuncture | Individualised Cancer Support
13 Years of Clinical Experience in Cancer Care