Guest author: Dr. Bhavna Joshi, MD in Ayurveda Oncology & Dr. Gaurang Joshi International Ayurveda Physician
The world is united in wanting to remove the dread associated with cancer. This World Cancer Day, we along with Satva, we wish to share this primer on how Ayurveda is helping in fighting this disease and helping cancer patients.
Ayurveda Overview
Ayurveda is a mind-body wellness that originated from India. The holistic approach revolves around the following principles:
1. One-size can’t fit all.
Ever. The basis of Ayurveda is that each person has a unique body constitution which is influenced by what they eat, where they live, what work they do, how much they exercise etc. Hence, Ayurveda recommends a personalized approach to achieve good health.
2. Prevents and manages disorders naturally.
Ayurveda offers custom recommendation on diet, sleep, relaxation, exercise (yoga), supplements (natural herbs) and detox (panchakarma) to bring a mind-body balance that prevents and manages many lifestyle disorders.
3. Time tested Science.
Ayurveda has been practiced for over 3000 years. This science is now available as structured programs to train practitioners / consultants/ therapists across the world.
Why is Ayurveda relevant for cancer?
Two of the leading causes of cancer are behavioral choices and inappropriate lifestyles. These are inherently addressed as part of the treatment plan in Ayurveda.
Also, most cancer patients are looking for alternative systems to complement their treatment. Data shows 83% survivors use complementary care & 90% report +ve impact on stress and side effects. (Source: National Centre for Biotechnology Information)
Ayurveda for cancer care
Ayurveda complementing chemo/radio therapy
While killing the cancer cells chemo / radio therapy impacts the immunity, reduces the hemoglobin levels in the blood, reduces RBCs and increases WBCs. These lead to several side effects including high susceptibility to infections, ulcers, nausea etc.
By complementing with an Ayurvedic treatment protocol, cancer patients can increase their immunity, reduce the side effects and improve quality of life. The Ayurvedic treatment protocol typically includes
- Plant-based immunomodulators – to regulate immune system – like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Guduchi, Curcumin, Triphala.
- Satvik diet – a yogic diet that enhances the vital energy in the body. A comprehensive recommendation based on the current state (e.g. type of side effects the cancer patient is facing) is offered e.g. avoid fermented or citrus or spicy food, opt for a liquid diet etc.
- Shiro Dhara – an medicated oil pouring technique that helps to regulate the stress which is high in most cancer patients.
- Lifestyle advice – e.g. yoga asanas as exercise, sleep advice etc. that helps to restore the internal balance
The treatment protocol is tied to the type of cancer, the chemo / radiotherapy prescribed and the exact state of the patients.
Ayurveda treatment as an alternative for cancer patients
Although the majority of our clientele opt to use Ayurveda to complement their chemo/radio therapy, there is a group of people who use Ayurveda as an alternative i.e. they opt out of chemo/radio therapy and completely rely on Ayurveda. Cancer was mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic literature by the name Arbuda with recommended treatment plans for very many years.
The treatment protocol includes
- Agnikarma – a specialized technique of thermal microcautery to dissolve tumor
- Abhyanga – applying medicated oil to regulate circulation
Other techniques include plant based immunomodulators,shiro dhara, satvik diet and lifestyle recommendations.
Most of the people who want to avoid high side effects of chemo or who were not able to control the cancer despite multiple rounds of chemo/radiotherapy have opted for Ayurveda cancer treatment as an alternative. Cost also has been a driver where people who could not afford the recurrent expense of chemo/radiotherapy, found Ayurveda more affordable.
The purpose of the blog is to give you a peek on different possibilities with Ayurveda. We do not recommend you to try any of the above without consulting an Ayurveda expert.
We are excited to be a part of this journey to a painless cancer-free world.
Dr. Gaurang Joshi & Dr. Bhavna Joshi consult on Satva. Download the app [Google Play | App store] to book an appointment. Or you can also post questions on our Ask an expert forum under Cancer Care which will be answered directly Dr. Gaurang Joshi & Dr. Bhavna Joshi.