It’s not something like fighting a disease physically; it’s fighting the self mentally, which can be pretty challenging. Modern medicine is an essential tool when it comes to managing this disease. Little has been done to address the patient’s mental health needs. Certain diseases accompanying depression may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Thus, Ayurveda can also be termed an organic system of healing because it recognizes the influence of the mind over the body and vice versa, and both are dependent on the spirit. Therefore, utilizing the Ayurvedic techniques of treatment for cancer patients enables the treatment of their sick minds as well as their bodies as they go through with their illness.
Understanding the Emotional Impact of Cancer
Being told you have cancer is an albatross. Concern, worry, anger, sadness, and confusion are just a few of the feelings that patients may experience. It takes time for them to adjust to such a significant life change. Not knowing the best way to treat the disease or how long it will last can also cause a lot of stress, which can lead to sadness and anxiety disorders.
People who have survived cancer may also have psychosocial problems with their bodies, their relationships, and their spiritual questions. This group of workers knows that recognizing something is the first step to keeping your mental health in good shape. When treating cancer patients’ mental health, it’s not enough to get rid of the symptoms that are making them unhappy. They also need to have a robust and positive attitude about their treatment.
Ayurvedic Principles for Mental Health
Ayurveda says that mental health is an integral part of total health, which is reached when the three doshas are balanced: Pitta, Kapha, and Vata are the doshas that play the role of metabolizing and distributing effete and waste materials in the body through channels known as srotas. Any imbalance of these doshas results in many mental and even emotional illnesses. As an example:
- The deficiency of Vata creates worry, fear, and a tendency to move about.
- If Pitta types are dominant, they can upset your temper, irritate you, and make you angry.
- Fatigue, listlessness, and the general feeling of ‘I don’t want to do anything’ are identified with Kapha if it is the bi-dominant dosha.
To that end, Ayurveda’s methods are such that treatment is individual-based, with every patient being different. The dosha, which is most prominent in the patient, is located and corrected correctly. Medications with herbs, supplements, foods, meditation, yoga, and other such activities are the general methods by which Ayurveda cures mental disorders. The idea is to try and get the mind and body to harmonize.
Dietary Recommendations for Mental Wellness
They underscore the concept of drama in Ayurvedic nutrition to boost wholesome health. For cancer clients, for instance, issues regarding the psychology of nutrition suggest that a Sattvic diet—pure, fresh, and nourishing food—might be beneficial. Sattvic foods help shallow the mind and steady the emotions and intellect.
Some dietary recommendations include
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Most can easily show that incorporating fruits and vegetables into their regimen will help the body get the necessary vitamins and minerals that aid both the body and the brain.
Whole grains
Oats, quinoa, and rice stabilize and strengthen, which is particularly beneficial for patients with excessive Vata.
Nuts and seeds
These are high in fat content and are advised to be taken by the brain as they enhance memory and intellect.
Spices and herbs
Turmeric also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, and ginger, cumin, and coriander have helpful properties that soothe digestion, ‘making the body and the mind well.’
Warm meals
Taking warm, soft food products is recommended to dispel tumor suffering and instill a feeling of security in them.
To maintain mental stability, it is pertinent not to consume highly processed, spicy, or provocative foods. All fatty foods, especially Kapha-dominant foods, should be eliminated to avoid dizziness, laziness, and slowing down of the mind.
Traditional Ayurvedic Stress and Anxiety Remedies
Ayurveda prescribes many mental health medications. These herbs can help cancer patients manage their anxiety without harming them. Because it lowers cortisol levels and calms the nervous system, this herb is a potent adaptogen that can help the hormonal system and make the body feel balanced and happy. People who have been through cancer treatments know that Brahmi can help improve cognitive function and lower worry, both of which can be caused by those treatments.
Keeping hormones stable and adding to the antioxidants in Tulsi helps lower stress. It also makes the brain and feelings strong. Shankhpushpi is said to help with anxiety conditions and to lower mental stress and fatigue. One of the other oils is jatamansi, which is excellent for dealing with worry, anxiety, and insomnia. It also helps to calm the mind and regulate emotions. People usually take these plants in the form of powder, tea, or capsules. To avoid taking too much, getting a prescription from an Ayurvedic doctor before taking them is best.
Lifestyle Practices and Therapies for Emotional Balance
Ayurveda relates to daily procedures (Dinacharya) and measures that can be taken to preserve mental health. Intentional and mindful engagement activities are equally important in helping cancer patients manage their anxiety levels and enhance perceived daily control, promoting emotional well-being.
Meditation and Pranayama
Yoga poses, in conjunction with breathing techniques commonly called Pranayama, aid in withdrawing the mind to the peripheries, controlling stress, and building positive emotions. Daily meditation practice may help stabilize feelings and improve cognitive functions.
Yoga
Basic yoga poses like Shavasana, Balasana, and Sukhasana can soothe your body and mind. Yoga can improve mood by boosting peripheral circulation, stretching joints and muscles, and balancing the brain.
Abhyanga (self-massage)
Ayurvedic oil massage assists the client in reducing stress because it protects the nervous system and controls cortisol levels. Coconut or sesame oil is advised for massage; it promotes growth, sedatives, and balances Vata. Massage oil should be coconut or sesame because it is replenishing and soothing and checks Vata.
Shirodhara
An Ayurvedic therapy in which warm oil is poured nonstop on the forehead, mainly on the ‘third eye.’ This exceptionally calming process helps eradicate anxiety, sleeplessness, and mental exhaustion.
Restorative Sleep
Ayurveda, which uses herbs and health, also stresses the need to sleep like a log to be mentally healthy. Cancer patients should take great care in developing a routine for going to sleep; they should drink warm herbal teas before sleeping, do some gentle yoga stretches, and even meditate before going to sleep.
Positive Surroundings and Emotional Support
Having positive people around us or reading inspiring texts and articles helps to change one’s outlook to a positive one. Counseling and support groups are essential since they offer outlets for dealing with several negative feelings and events in life.
Conclusion
Ayurveda and traditional mental health care for cancer patients working together is an excellent way to improve their health. This means that Ayurveda, which focuses on the mind, body, and spirit, may help us understand how cancer affects our emotions and mental health. In this way, cancer patients may be able to find the goal of physical health and spiritual and mental well-being in diet, detection, over-the-counter remedies, practices, and treatments. So, it could be said that as the strategy rebuilds the mind and body, living with cancer becomes less scary and gives patients more strength, hope, and purpose in the face of hardship.