Ayurveda Meets Oncology: A New Era in Cancer Treatment

You are currently viewing Ayurveda Meets Oncology: A New Era in Cancer Treatment

A comprehensive strategy is essential for managing cancer by utilizing the expanding knowledge acquired from scientific advancements. Thousands of herbal and other formulations are being evaluated globally to confirm their effectiveness as anticancer medications. The discipline of Ayurveda is intended to contribute an additional dimension to the healing strategies of cancers that are aligned with the Sushrutha Samhita’s clinical references w.r.t Arbuda and Granthi. 

Therefore, this blog aims to explore the treatment approaches for cancers outlined in Ayurveda. Various literature reviews highlighting the plant-derived anticancer drugs have paved the path to discovery of new Ayurvedic medications. These recent discoveries are also quoted from Ayurvedic knowledge that has evolved over centuries. 

Ayurveda Perspective: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas

Vata dosha comprises the constituents of air and space and is involved with movement, intelligence, direction, and purpose functions. At the physiological level, it would encompass functions such as breathing, speaking, blood flow, the heart, nervous system, eating and digestion, or the motion of the food through the body and how cells and nerves communicate. 

Pitta dosha on the other hand is an amalgamation of fire and water that results in a functional conversion of one, within the body i.e., metabolism like appetite, digestion by enzymes, blood transport with oxygen and nutrient fluids, and circulation reload. 

Kapha dosha arises from Earth and Water elements that help provide structure, strength, and moisture to the body. Kapha is found in our bones, joints, and muscles and in how our body secretes. Those parts are essential for our body to work well, but they are just as crucial for our bodies to work well.

What’s different about Ayurveda, when it comes to cancer?

Modern medicine often acts like a weeding process in agriculture that tends to focus only on removing weeds whereas the concept of Ayurveda deals with not only symptoms but also root cause that guides for overall health.

In general, contemporary cancer therapy involves destruction of cells by various techniques. With the vast deep seated sense of ayurvedic approach, it can deal with the questions why and what happened instead of just being the disease itself. 

How are the scientists trying to look at this Ayurvedic approach?

Scientists are relying on traditional medicine too nowadays. They are now examining Ayurvedic treatments closely. Think of people in white suits examining ancient herbal prescriptions under a microscope and using high-tech equipment for some sensational breakthroughs that are being developed. Some of the Ayurvedic herbs are coming up with tremendous promise. Following are some of the exciting findings:

Curcumin derived from turmeric may do the following

  • Slow down the growth of cancerous cells
  • Protection of healthy cells during the treatment
  • Pull down the body’s inflammation
  • Enhancement of immune system

Ashwagandha, being powerful herb and has been found to be beneficial in

  • Boosting the immune system of the body
  • Assisting in managing stress during cancer treatment
  • Potential support for cellular health
  • Reducing side effects of conventional treatments

What Does Ayurveda Provide to Cancer Patients?

Any treatment strategy does not promise a magic cure like ayurveda, instead it provides great support. Think of it as having an extra team of helpers on a difficult journey. These helpers work on the following:

  1. Making your body stronger
  2. Reducing pain and discomfort
  3. Support your immune system
  4. Make you feel better with treatment
  5. Elevate Your Well-Being

What Is The Role Of Natural Herbs in Cancer Treatment?

To be straight, some natural herbs can offer your body some help in its fight against cancer, more or less like an enigma. It is said that it may assist with cancer like lowering the inflammation and slowing down the activity of cancer cells.

For instance, Ginger is considered anti-emetic and it might reduce significant discomfort to patients on chemotherapy. As mentioned above, Ashwagandha not only relieves stress but also improves immunity. As people thought that these are not mere myths and they are the results of serious scientific research in respected medical institutions worldwide.

Panchakarma and Rasayana Ayurveda 

Detoxifying the body functions at a cellular level helps remove the excess doshas. Purification treatments used in Panchakarma to improve metabolic functions can completely erase malignant tumors. The tumor is gradually absorbed by the body without surgery and removed through the lymphatic system. Ayurveda can help dissolve tumors, but surgical intervention is required if the cancer is highly necrotic or located on the body’s surface. Ayurvedic treatments are used to treat tumors. For internal tumors, Ayurveda is recommended for conservative treatment for several months before surgery is contemplated. Oiling of the body with herbs and oils soothes the body and soul.

Rasayana ayurveda treatment has constructive effects on the growth and development of tissues in the body. Help in the rebuilding and growth of muscular tissue. It enhances Ojas to develop the immune system, feeds cellular elements of the body, and helps prevent and solve cancer-related disorders. The exposure to ionizing radiation deranges the balance in the body and causes a change in the Tridosha, which can cause radiation sickness. Rasayana ayurveda treatment is quite helpful in these cases. The compounds used in Rasayana therapy scavenge free radicals and thus offer protection from the damage of reactive oxygen species (ROS). They exhibit both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions and are radioprotective and chemoprotective agents. They also inhibit DNA damage, and have immunomodulatory properties.

What Side Effects Must Cancer Patients Look For?

Most cancers, particularly they are treated by methods like chemotherapy, are tough on the body. They might use high-potency drugs that sometimes damage some good parts of your body, however it can destroy cancer cells. At this juncture, Ayurveda will give great impact in giving support like;

  • Reducing nausea and vomiting.
  • Techniques for gaining energy
  • Support the body with dietary recommendations
  • Stress management activities aids in faster recovery

Is this approach authenticated? 

Great question! Research is ongoing, but early results are promising. Major health institutions are now studying how traditional and modern medicine can work together.

It certainly can be that what we wish to do in the future is to have a combinatorial approach of allopathy and ayurveda in the treatment of cancer. This will help the body better cope with the therapies so that the side effects can be minimal.

Is it possible for Ayurveda to Reduce the Cancer Risk?

It is almost preferable to follow the ayurveda to prevent and reduce the cancer risk by deploying; 

  • Eating a balanced diet
  • Managing stress effectively
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
  • Strengthening natural body defenses
  • Reducing exposure to pathogenic and toxic environmental exposures

How Might Patients Apply This Holistic Concept?

Effective communication is essential in regard of patients as they need to do as follows;

  • Speak candidly with their oncologist
  • Seek out qualified Ayurvedic practitioners
  • Disclose all treatment plans
  • Be patient and receptive

What will be the Future of Cancer Therapy?

The future looks bright! We’re headed towards a world where treatment isn’t just about fighting disease but supporting the entire person, mind, and spirit. It has to be included with the following considerations; 

  1. Target the tumors specifically
  2. Reduce painful side effects
  3. Support your body’s natural healing
  4. Help you keep a good quality of life
  5. Tailor to your individual needs

Final Thoughts: A Message of Hope

Even It’s an arduous journey. But you’re not alone. Using the best of modern science and traditional wisdom, we’re creating more robust, compassionate ways of healing. Every person’s journey and story of healing is unique. We now have more tools and understanding than ever to support that journey. We always hope to have a better understanding of integrated healing and proper execution will be the future of cancer treatment.

REFERENCES