Cancer or other deadly diseases can be complex on one’s body and mind. Though the individuals are provided with medications, these can sometimes have side effects, making it best for the individuals to look for alternative therapies such as Ayurveda that aim toward self-healing. As stated on the blog “Ayurveda for Cancer Therapy – A Review,” Ayurveda can support modern cancer treatment methods and even treat heavy, heavy impacts on people’s minds and bodies. A fundamental notion revolves around the three doshas, which are considered to be the core principles of anybody- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Both treatments help manage cancer and other diseases. They improve the immune system and lessen the side effects of chemotherapy. Some studies have also examined these Ayurvedic methods, which promise to improve cancer patients’ health and well-being.
Understanding Ayurveda and Cancer
Some cells in our body ignore usual growth constraints and divide excessively, thus forming tumors that may be seen and felt on the surface or inside the body. According to Ayurveda, an ancient Indian art and science of healing, cancer is attributed to an imbalance in the three principal energies or doshas of the body—Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (water). The disturbance of the balance of these doshas leads to many health problems, including cancer.
Ayurveda considers cancer as a condition where the body has quite a few internal imbalances, which can be treated with a myriad of concepts. This integrates cancer prevention, disease control, its cure, and even the care for patients being treated. This does not mean that they do not actively target the disease, but they look to try to do so without any adverse effects on the patient’s general health. Therefore, this would entail aiding patients by increasing their natural energy levels and minimizing the discomfort that may accompany the standard treatments.
Key Ayurvedic Herbs in Cancer Therapy
Ayurvedic medicine enhances the management of cancer with the help of some specific herbs. Among them are the following three:
Turmeric or an orange-yellow colored Curcumin herb. Curcumin is recognized for its ability to address inflammation and defend cells from infliction. Curcumin has been proven to effectively reduce tumor growth rates and significantly enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy.
While Ashwagandha can assist our bodies against stress and provide our bodies with energy, Ashwagandha is also known to cause the death of cancer cells when they are meant to die.
This mix of three fruits, including Triphala, helps your digestive system. Its detoxifying properties may also help in fighting cancer.
You can add these plants to your diet while undergoing chemotherapy to improve your physical health and boost your self-image.
Scientific Research Supporting Ayurvedic Practices
Ayurveda is becoming very popular around the globe as a cancer treatment, and its roots are in India. Research demonstrates that these therapies significantly enhance the standard of living for women diagnosed with breast cancer. A lot of these therapies concentrate on dietary and lifestyle modifications.
Ginger root helps relieve nausea, and Indian frankincense effectively reduces brain swelling from radiation. This shows that Ayurveda can work alongside other cancer treatments and help patients improve their health.
Challenges and Future Directions
The medical discipline of Ayurveda evolved several centuries ago in India. It focuses on safe ways to keep people healthy and has sometimes helped treat cancer. While some cancer patients have had positive results with Ayurveda, proving its effectiveness with scientific evidence is still tricky.
Many scientists have found that patients often use a mix of herbs. This makes it hard to see how well each herb works and the overall treatment benefits. Additionally, using more treatment options could help combine Ayurvedic methods with standard cancer treatments.
Future research should focus on:
- Clinical Trials: A joint test should be conducted to emphasize the efficacy and safety of Ayurveda medicines for various cancers.
- Mechanistic Studies: The mechanisms of action of the herbs used in Ayurveda in the body to treat cancer should be studied and incorporated into standard therapies.
- Patient Education: Doctors and cancer patients should gently discuss the merits of integrating Ayurveda with the rest of the treatment approaches.
Conclusion
The practice of Ayurveda explains that the body is prone to imbalances due to various forces and occurrences. Such imbalances can be tended to and even eliminated through efficient methods, including cancer treatment. Instead of just treating cancer, Ayurveda aims to heal the whole person. This approach helps improve both physical health and mental well-being.
Combining Ayurvedic practices with modern medicine can improve the experience during medical procedures. Ayurvedic experts suggest specific emotions and activities that can help boost a person’s energy and spirit.
Research shows that Ayurveda can help cancer patients. This suggests that it may be necessary in palliative care, as it can improve comfort and support recovery.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10307689/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3111701/
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/ayurveda
https://cam.cancer.gov/news_and_events/newsletter/2010-fall/feature.htm
https://ayurved-for-cancer.org/in/chemotherapy-and-ayurvedic-treatment/