A disastrous journey, cancer is not only the disease but the side effects of treatments that cancer patients and make life miserable. From this realm, Ayurveda, the ancient Indian healing system, is being turned toward assistance in managing these by its patients. Let us first see how Ayurveda can help patients diagnosed with cancer to guide them to an improved life devoid of a higher prevalence of side effects of treatment.
What is Ayurveda, and how does this healing system deal with cancer?
Ayurveda is one of the earliest healthcare sciences in Asia, practiced in India. Such systems may be viewed as having originated over five thousand years ago. “Ayurveda” is a Sanskrit word that directly means “science of life.” Unlike modern medicine, the practice of Ayurveda views health a little differently. It believes good health results from a balance in the body and the mind.
According to Ayurveda, cancer is a state of imbalance in the body. Ayurvedic physicians believe that cancer occurs because of excess levels of amas and inadequate levels of ojas, prana in the body. They consider toxic substances, inadequate dieting, stress, and other reasons as causes of imbalance. Instead, Ayurveda offers expertise to enhance the body’s response to natural healing. Ayurvedic medication is often supplemented with modern treatments rather than replacing them.
In what ways might Ayurveda help with pain control in cancer?
Pain is one of the predominant problems in many patients with cancer. Sometimes, the pain could be a direct expression of the disease itself. Other causes of pain may be treatment methods of cancer. Ayurveda provides plenty of ways to handle pain. These include:
- Herbal remedies: Ayurvedic doctors add herbs like Turmeric,Ginger, and Boswellia. These herbs have several pain-relieving characteristics.
- Massage: Ayurvedic massages relieve stress. These subtle, precise massages are administered to each person.
- Yoga and meditation: Yoga or meditation can help relax both body and mind so that the pain may not be as acute. They also help against stress, which can worsen pain.
These can help but do not substitute for prescribed pain medications by your physician. Consult your doctor before using any of these pain–management techniques.
Meanwhile, this article addresses the following issue:
Does it really exist that Ayurvedic therapies help in controlling the chemotherapy side effects, mainly nausea and vomiting?
Nausea and vomiting are identified complications of chemotherapy. They can cause eating difficulties and leave the person weak. Ayurveda presents a few ways that may help.
- Ginger is also a common spice in Ayurveda for when your stomach is already acting up. It can be consumed as tea, added to foods, or prepared as a supplement.
- Aromatherapy: Although smells like peppermint or lemon have been known to work even against the most dreadful nausea, Ayurvedic practitioners might be able to help you use these as essential oils.
- Changes in diet: Ayurveda advocates light, easily digestible food during nausea. You are, therefore, advised to consume rice, steamed or cooked vegetables, clear soups, and other foodstuffs.
- Combination Therapy: These can be given with anti-nausea drugs prescribed by your physician. Most of these drugs can be used without a problem, but do remember to let your medical providers know.
What does Ayurveda do to treat the problem of fatigue in cancer patients?
Therefore, cancer often attaches a weight of overwhelming fatigue. This is not your normal fatigue after work; this is profound fatigue that rest cannot improve. Ayurveda has some ideas that can benefit you:
Remedies for Energy: Ayurvedic physicians can prescribe drugs such as Ashwagandha or Shatavari. These are taken to regain strength and power.
Ayurveda emphasizes proper nutrition. Food, according to your dosha type, is said to provide you with the kind of boost that helps you get going in the morning.
Routine activity cycles during the day, with sleep patterns and wake-up times, can keep your body’s energy balanced.
Mild exercise: Exercises like yoga or tai chi may build muscles and energy without overly draining.
Remember, many of these Ayurvedic approaches can be included as adjuncts to any therapies your doctor prescribes.
Some of the Ayurvedic techniques to alleviate insomnia and disturbances in sleeping patterns while on cancer treatment are mentioned below:
Most patients with cancer experience poor-quality sleep. It could be because of pain and anxiety or due to the side effects of treatment. All these can be improved with the following methods, as per the Ayurveda:
- Ayurveda suggests herbal remedies such as Brahmi, Jatamansi, and many more to enhance sleep quality. It can be taken as tea or supplements.
- Massage oil: Gentle oil massage before sleep helps relax the body and mind. It often uses sesame or coconut oil.
- Meditation and breathing exercises can still calm a busy mind, helping you fall asleep.
- Sleep hygiene: Ayurveda respects good sleep hygiene. This means going to bed every night at the same time and preparing a calm sleep environment.
These measures are relatively safe, but you should discuss them with your physician, especially if you have sleep disorders. They’ll be able to eliminate a medical cause and ensure that any remedies employed won’t interfere with your cancer treatment.
How do patients, including those diagnosed with cancer, deal with their anxiety and stress through Ayurveda?
Cancer treatment is highly stressful for many people. This includes health-related anxiety, anxiety about one’s treatment, and anxiety about the patient’s future. There are several ways Ayurveda can alleviate these emotions:
- Meditation, perhaps one of the greatest practices in Ayurveda is meditation. This has been shown to stabilize the mind and reduce stress.
- Yoga: Gentle yoga can be helpful for soothing the body and mind. Many people suffering from cancer have been assisted by yoga to help them deal with their stress.
- Herbal intervention: Certain herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi are a part of Ayurveda that help a person adapt with minimal distress and anxiety.
- Lifestyle regime: According to Ayurveda, the stress effect can be manageable if one makes a proper lifestyle change. For example, one could sleep early or go out for some outdoor activities.
- Pranayama: These are specific breathing exercises that could soothe the psyche and relieve stress.
It is essential to remember that although these practices are helpful, severe anxiety or depression needs to be medically treated. In fact, at times, one needs supplemental guidance from a mental health professional.
Do Ayurvedic treatments have the ability to treat skin conditions resulting from radiotherapy?
Radiation treatment sometimes causes some redness, dryness, and even burn marks on the skin. Even Ayurveda provides some mild methods that could comfort the skin:
There are also cooling herbs: Ayurvedic doctors may recommend applying cool herb pastes like aloe, neem, and sandalwood to the affected skin.
Oils: Ayurveda moisturizes coconut oil or ghee (clarified butter) on irritated skin.
Dietary modifications: Ayurveda always says that whatever you eat or drink will appear on your skin. You may be even asked to take foods that cool the body, like cucumbers and melons.
They have made a direction that before you apply any cream or lotion on the treated area, you should take permission from the radiation oncologist. That way, you will be in his knowledge, allowing him to guide you about what is safe and what will not interfere with your treatment process.
How does Ayurveda boost immunity while undergoing cancer treatment?
An immune system is another imperative during cancer treatment. It will help your body ward off infections and may assist cancer treatment. Here are some Ayurvedic ways to enhance immunity:
Herbs: Some formulations prescribed by ayurvedic doctors, such as Guduchi for stomach troubles, Amalaki for the benefit of the lungs and heart, and tulsi for fever cures. These help the immune system.
Diet: Ayurveda recommends wholesome food products harvested fresh. More fruits and vegetables are considered a doorway to good immunity.
Lifestyle practices: Good sleep, less stress, and some form of exercise could be considered part of immunization by the approach of Ayurveda.
Detoxification: It is the detoxification of the body as per Ayurveda through which immunity is developed. This is considered achievable through specially designed diets and cleansing practices.
These approaches may complement overall well-being, but the immune system is another matter. Cancer treatment may impinge on your immune system in complex ways. Discuss any immune-boosting strategies with your oncologist to ensure they’re safe.
What should cancer patients know before beginning Ayurvedic treatments?
Ayurveda is beneficial in many ways, but there are essential things to remember.
Always consult your oncologist if you are planning to take Ayurvedic treatments. Some herbs or practices may interfere with your cancer treatment.
Quality matters: If you take any Ayurvedic herbs or supplements, ensure they come from a good source; otherwise, low-quality products can contaminate.
Not an alternative: Ayurvedic treatments can complement conventional cancer treatments but are not substitutes.
Everyone is unique. What may suit one person may not work for another. Ayurveda always advocated individualized treatment, so what may work for your friend may not suit you.
Take time: The majority of Ayurvedic treatments work gradually, so you may not see any benefits too soon.
Monitor side effects: Even natural preparations might have side effects. Pay attention to how your body responds and report any concerns to your healthcare team.
An integrated whole-person approach to managing cancer symptoms and effects of treatment, provided by Punarjan Ayurveda, though most patients benefit significantly from it during the treatment. Such ancient healing practices can safely be integrated into a cancer care plan with the collaboration of both the oncology team and Ayurvedic expert practitioner. Remember that your well-being is at the top of the checklist, so exercise care while trying new practices and keep your health providers informed of your situation.
REFERENCE LINKS:
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/ayurvedic-medicine/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4011424/
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/ayurveda
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281935042_Ayurveda_for_chemo-radiotherapy_induced_side_effects_in_cancer_patients