In the body, blood and Qi are inseparable and travel together. Surgery often causes patients to lose a lot of blood and Qi, which must be replaced. It’s essential to prepare for this situation in advance.

Special healing recipes can help you at this time to increase Qi and blood. For those who already have a compromised physical condition, Chinese medicine will use herbs for additional support. Thoughtful pre-surgery preparations can determine the success of your procedure and the course of post-operative healing.

If you are about to undergo breast cancer surgery (or any surgery), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) recommends eating as much spinach and red beets as you can at least two weeks before the operation. These foods can help increase blood volume.

Seafood, especially shrimp, lobster, clams, oysters, and mussels are also excellent additions to pre-surgery meals because they strengthen Kidney energy. Any type of soup stock made from bone (for example, beef stock) can also help increase blood volume and strengthen the overall immune system.