Chemotherapy is a common method for treating cancer, but while chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells, they also damage normal cells, leading to a series of side effects, such as leukopenia, nausea, and vomiting. Leukopenia can affect a patient's immunity, increasing the risk of infection. If the white blood cell count remains low for an extended period after chemotherapy, considering Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may be beneficial. TCM offers certain methods that can help improve immunity and address the condition of low white blood cell counts.

1. Chinese Herbal Medicine Regulation:

Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that low white blood cell counts after chemotherapy are due to chemical drugs damaging the body's qi and blood as well as the functions of the internal organs, leading to poor circulation of qi and blood, and weakness of the spleen and stomach. Through herbal medicine regulation, it is possible to replenish qi and blood, harmonize the internal organs, thereby enhancing immunity and improving the condition of low white blood cell counts. Commonly used Chinese herbs include Huangqi (Astragalus), Danggui (Angelica), Renshen (Ginseng), Baizhu (Atractylodes), and Shudihuang (Rehmannia) etc.

2. Dietary Regulation:

Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that diet is an important component of health preservation and a significant means of regulating the body. For long-term low white blood cell counts after chemotherapy, foods that are beneficial for boosting immunity can be chosen, such as chicken, fish, dairy products, and soy products. At the same time, one should avoid consuming irritating foods like spicy, greasy, and raw or cold items, to prevent stimulating the stomach and intestines and affecting digestion and absorption.

3. Lifestyle Regulation:

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that good lifestyle habits are crucial for physical health. For prolonged low white blood cell counts after chemotherapy, it is important to maintain adequate sleep, avoid staying up late, overexertion, and other factors, to ensure the body receives sufficient rest and recovery. Additionally, engaging in appropriate outdoor activities, such as walking or practicing Tai Chi, can enhance physical fitness and boost immunity.

4. Emotional Regulation:

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that emotions have a significant impact on physical health. Patients with prolonged low white blood cell counts after chemotherapy may experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and other emotional disturbances. Through emotional regulation methods, such as listening to music, practicing yoga, or communicating with family and friends, negative emotions can be alleviated, and immunity can be improved.

5. Massage Therapy:

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, massage can promote the flow of qi and blood, regulate the functions of the internal organs, and enhance physical constitution. For long-term low white blood cell counts after chemotherapy, one may try massaging certain acupoints, such as Zusanli (ST36), Qihai (CV6), and Guanyuan (CV4), to improve immunity.

It is important to note that TCM adjustments should be tailored to an individual's constitution and condition, and it is best to proceed under the guidance of a TCM practitioner. At the same time, patients during chemotherapy should still follow their doctor's recommendations, undergo necessary examinations and treatments, to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.

In summary, for long-term low white blood cell counts after chemotherapy, TCM adjustment methods such as herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, emotional regulation, and massage therapy can be attempted. These methods can help improve immunity and address low white blood cell levels. However, when undertaking TCM adjustments, it is best to do so under the guidance of a TCM practitioner to ensure safety and effectiveness.