Acupuncture for Cancer Support: TCM and Sound therapy

By Dr Luke McPherson (TCM)

Acupuncture, TCM, In Crows Nest

Acupuncture for Cancer Support: Can Music Influence Cancer Cells? Exploring the Effects of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 and TCM Sound Therapy

Research into the effects of music on health has gained traction in recent years, including studies suggesting that Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 might influence breast cancer cells. Integrating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) sound therapy offers additional layers of understanding, exploring sound's therapeutic potential from a holistic perspective.

Music’s Impact on Cancer Cells

A recent study revealed that exposure to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 led to apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain breast cancer cells. Researchers hypothesise that the music's vibrations and rhythmic patterns disrupted cellular communication and metabolism, opening avenues for sound-based adjunctive therapies (Kim & Lee, 2023; Zhang et al., 2022).

The iconic four-note motif of the symphony—described as “fate knocking at the door”—evokes a dramatic range of emotional and physical responses, which researchers believe may alter biochemical signaling pathways within cells (LvBeethoven.com, 2024).

Acupuncture for Cancer Support: TCM Theory of Sound Therapy

When using acupuncture to support Cancer we must look at how Traditional Chinese medicine uses sound as a powerful tool for harmonising qi and balancing the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. According to TCM, each organ corresponds to a specific sound and musical tone:

Liver (Wood): Associated with the sound “jiao” and calming melodies to soothe anger and frustration.
Heart (Fire): Linked to the sound “zhi,” representing joy and warmth.
Spleen (Earth): Resonates with the sound “gong,” promoting grounding and stability.
Lungs (Metal): Respond to the sound “shang,” which aids grief release and breathing.
Kidneys (Water): Associated with the sound “yu,” supporting fear management and vitality.

From this perspective, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, with its intricate crescendos and dynamic emotional arcs, may interact with the body’s natural rhythms, harmonising qi and enhancing cellular resilience. The symphony's tension and resolution could fight the processes of qi and blood stagnation and promote qi and blood flow, promoting balance within the body.

A Unified Perspective

By combining modern scientific research with TCM sound therapy principles, we gain a holistic understanding of sound's impact on health. Beethoven’s music may act as more than an emotional stimulus; its complex frequencies could resonate with both cellular structures and the body’s energetic system, creating a bridge between Western and Eastern medicine.

Final thoughts...

The potential of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 to influence breast cancer cells underscores the profound impact of sound on health. TCM sound therapy complements this scientific exploration, offering a holistic framework that connects physical and energetic dimensions. Further interdisciplinary research could revolutionise how we understand and utilise sound in medicine.

References

Britannica. (2024). Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com
Kim, H., & Lee, J. (2023). Effects of musical resonance on cancer cell apoptosis. Journal of Oncology Research, 45(3), 345-358.
LvBeethoven.com. (2024). Beethoven's Symphony No. 5: A Deep Dive into Its Significance. Retrieved from https://www.lvbeethoven.com
Zhang, X., et al. (2022). Music therapy's impact on cancer treatment outcomes. International Journal of Music Therapy, 19(2), 104-116.
Maciocia, G. (2005). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine. Churchill Livingstone.

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