What is Ayurveda’s vision about cancer?
Cancer is a formidable challenge in the modern world. While conventional medicine advances with incredible strides to rid humans of this deadly disease, many find themselves taking refuge in ancient healing systems such as Ayurveda as well.
While conventional medicine does look at cancer essentially as a disease of cells gone uneven, Ayurveda understands cancer as an overall imbalance in the body, an insight requiring complete healing.
In the Ayurvedic perspective, cancer occurs when a profound disturbance in the natural order exists. This disturbance can arise due to poor lifestyles, environmental pollutants, mental stress, or inherited traits. Ayurveda attributes this state to “Arbuda,” which refers to abnormal growth. Ayurvedic treatment does not replace the modern treatments of cancer but goes in conjunction with it to heal the body alongside managing the side effects of treatment.
What is Rasayana and how does it work in cancer patients?
This is the most vital treatment in Ayurvedic care for a cancer patient. Think of Rasayana as a special kind of rejuvenation treatment. “Rasayana” itself is a word that translates as “the path of essence”—it’s all about nourishing the body’s deepest tissues and boosting its natural healing powers.
For each patient, Rasayana therapy employs selected herbs, minerals, and treatment modalities. These are not casual herbs; they are medicines. In the truest sense of the term, these have been used for thousands of years for cancer care. Some of the most traditionally known Rasayana herbs used for cancer care include Ashwagandha, Amla, and Guduchi-which are believed to strengthen the body improve the condition of immune system besides alleviating the side effects of cancer treatments.
How do Ayurvedic methods complement modern cancer therapy?
Ayurvedic treatment is not intended to be an alternative to standard therapies. Instead, it serves as a supportive treatment. Imagine having extra support during regular cancer treatment.
The following can be managed with Ayurvedic treatment:
- Treatment side effects, such as nausea, weakness, and fatigue
- Boosting the body’s strength and immunity
- Supporting mental and emotional well-being
- Improving the quality of life during treatment
- Helping with recovery after treatment
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Supporting better sleep
- Improving digestion and appetite
- Helping maintain energy levels
- Managing pain naturally
What has placed Rasayana therapy as unique for cancer care?
Rasayana therapy is a holistic medical treatment that finds value in cancer care. It’s not only about taking herbs but also a complete program that includes special medicines, dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and mental wellness practices. The therapy is always customized based on several factors:
- The type of cancer
- The stage of treatment
- The person’s body type
- Their overall strength
Each herb used for Rasayana therapy is specific in its properties. Some stimulate strength development, others boost the immune system, and others help eliminate the body’s toxic substances. Examples include Ashwagandha, which helps develop strength and relieves stress, and Guduchi, known to be a famous booster of immunity. Rasayana therapists prepare herbs in a unique way that allows them to become more effective with minimal waste from the body.
How safe is Ayurvedic treatment during cancer care?
Ayurvedic cancer care places safety first and foremost. As such, any treatment offered in Ayurveda should be done in consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor and your oncologist. You should also explain to your cancer doctors any Ayurvedic products you are currently using or mind using in the future. This is because some herbs might interact with cancer medications.
A good Ayurvedic practitioner will always work harmoniously with your regular cancer treatment. Treatment plans will be according to your chemotherapy or radiation schedule, and herbs and therapies will be changed or blended to avoid harmful interactions.
How does diet fit into the Ayurvedic system of cancer treatment?
Another attribute of Ayurvedic cancer treatment is diet. As established in the Ayurveda concept, nutrition plays a significant role in helping patients recover. The essential diet depends on the body’s constitution and the diet during the treatment phases. In general, it focuses on soft and easily digestible healthy foods that are important in supporting strength during the treatment process.
It could contain compounds thought to have medical benefits. For instance, turmeric and ginger are commonly used in an Ayurvedic diet for cancer patients. This diet also pays considerable attention to eating according to the specific seasons and certain foods that could be strained on the system.
What can patients expect about Ayurvedic cancer treatment?
Ayurvedic treatment begins with consultation. The treatment plan usually encompasses several aspects. They include herbal medicines, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle recommendations. They might even include some gentle therapies like meditation or yoga.
It’s essential to note that Ayurvedic treatment is gradual. It is not a once-for-all solution but a consistent support that helps the body get through cancer and its treatments much better. Patients generally report increased strength, improved appetite, better sleep, decreased anxiety, and fewer side effects of the treatments.
Conclusion:
How to select an Ayurvedic doctor for cancer treatment?
One must be very careful while selecting the right Ayurvedic doctor. Ensure that the candidate you hire has the right certification and experience handling cancer patients. They should be willing to
work with your oncology team and should never suggest stopping your conventional cancer treatment.
A good practitioner will be realistic about what Ayurveda can and cannot do. They should explain everything clearly, answer your questions truthfully, and make a treatment plan that suits the patient’s needs and circumstances.
Remember that Ayurvedic treatment for cancer is only a supportive therapy to help you through the journey better. It will prove beneficial to use it wisely and under the proper guidance, complementing your regular cancer treatment. Thus, with the best of both traditional wisdom and modern medicine, you can have a more appropriate approach to cancer care.
REFERENCES:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10307689/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0975947622001358