A cancer diagnosis has a huge impact not only on the person, but also on their family and close relatives. The emotional burden of this disease extends beyond the patient, creating a ripple effect that affects each member of the support network. Cancer brings anxiety and fear, threatening the stability and hope of those involved. As families navigate this complex journey, they often explore different options in search of hope and healing.
Despite significant advances in cancer treatment, barriers to accessibility, availability, and awareness still exist. These limitations often lead individuals and families to consider alternative treatments alongside traditional treatments. One such tool is Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a traditional medical system rooted in Indian tradition that focuses on holistic healing and balance.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, cancer reflects a profound loss of cellular and physiological intelligence. Cancer is the result of a long-term decline in the doshas, including vata, pitta, and kapha, and is indicated by a persistent imbalance of agni (digestive fire) that extends to the tissue level.
Dr. Rini Vohra Shrivastava, Scientific Advisor to Maharishi Ayurveda
Why do experts feel the need to integrate Ayurveda into oncology?
As the incidence of cancer is rapidly increasing around the world, experts are exploring alternative ways to treat the disease.
A report posted on the Ayush Ministry’s website lists tobacco, obesity, and obesity as factors contributing to cancer in India. unhealthy eating habitsIn Ayurveda, cancer is described as an inflammatory or non-inflammatory swelling and is referred to as either ‘granti’ (mild neoplasm) or ‘arbuda’ (serious neoplasm). Aggravation of Vata and Kapha dosha affects the tissues, resulting in round, firm, large, deep-rooted, slow-growing, fleshy growths that are mildly painful. Ayurveda describes six types of tumors based on the aggravated dosha and the tissues involved. Vataji, Pittaji, Kapaji, Medji, Mamsaji, Raktabuda. Among these, Mamsarbuda and Raktabuda are said to be incurable diseases.
How does Ayurveda view cancer?
According to Dr. Rini Vohra Shrivastava, Scientific Advisor to Maharishi Ayurveda, the formation of grantis and albudh is one of the few references to the pathophysiology of cancer in ancient times. ayurveda text. From an Ayurvedic perspective, cancer reflects a profound loss of cellular and physiological intelligence. Cancer is the result of a long-term decline in the doshas, including vata, pitta, and kapha, and is indicated by a persistent imbalance of agni (digestive fire) that extends to the tissue level. This imbalance leads to the accumulation of Ama, undigested waste products, chronic inflammation, and ultimately malformed dhatus (tissues).
Dr. Vohra explains: Ayurveda focuses on addressing these imbalances in order to restore the body’s natural intelligence. Traditional cancer treatments can be tough and often impact physical, mental, and emotional health. Ayurveda offers an integrative path to supporting patients through these challenges by restoring dosha balance, healing the tissues, and increasing mental clarity. Aimed at rejuvenation and immunity, Rasayana therapy complements conventional treatments and helps manage side effects such as nausea and loss of appetite that can reduce quality of life. Ayurveda aims to bring resilience and strength to cancer patients.
Research shows the value of Ayurveda in palliative care, providing comfort and mental clarity during and after treatment. By combining Vedic and yogic wisdom, Ayurveda enables individuals to move forward on their healing journey with greater power and peace of mind.
Dr. Shweta Singh, Ayurveda expert at Koto, agrees with this. “Ayurvedic practice focuses on detoxifying and balancing the doshas and strengthening natural immunity.Ayurveda focuses on detoxifying and balancing the doshas and strengthening natural immunity.Ayurveda focuses on detoxifying and balancing the doshas and strengthening natural immunity. is often associated with breast cancer,” she says, and agrees. Although Ayurveda cannot replace traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or surgical intervention, Ayurvedic practices can help reduce symptoms, improve immunity, and improve an individual’s overall health.
“Ayurvedic treatment minimizes the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.”
In 2023, a group of researchers from the Bureau of Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda, Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Temple in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and Kapiva Ayurveda in Bengaluru discovered that Ayurveda has many ways to prevent, alleviate, and treat cancer. We have found that it may be beneficial for treatment and support. .
This review study found that Ayurveda supports internal healing, boosts immunity, promotes overall health balance, and speeds recovery. The key to curing cancer is early detection and improved screening. panchkarma, rasayana, Satwabjay Chikitsa Helps reduce the signs, symptoms, and side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It helps extend an individual’s lifespan and improve their quality of life.
Tumor regression in patients treated with unique Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy
In April 2022, a study published in Clinical Case Reports featured the case of a 51-year-old female patient who was undergoing Rasayana therapy. “After treatment, we observed significant clinical improvement and regression in this patient’s tumor size. Ayurvedic-based Rasayana therapy offers a safe and effective alternative for lymphoma patients who are unable to receive conventional standard treatments.” “This may represent a potential treatment option,” the researchers’ report said. Rasayu Cancer Clinic and Rasayani Biologics said: The patient did not receive conventional therapy during the treatment period.
What are the different Ayurvedic methods for treating (or alleviating) cancer?
“Panchakarma therapy is an important detoxification procedure that may reduce the risk of cancer. “It reduces inflammation and boosts the immune system,” he says. Shin.
“Commonly used herbs such as turmeric, guduchi, and ashwagandha are well-known for their anti-cancer properties. The curcumin in turmeric helps inhibit inflammatory pathways, while ashwagandha inhibits cancer cells. Additionally, a diet rich in antioxidants and consistent yoga practice are also important. Meditation is also known to reduce stress and promote healing,” she says. added.
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Apart from this, Abhilasha Sharma, an Ayurveda practitioner from Koto, explains, Rasayan Chikitsa and Manasrog Chikitsa for cancer treatment. “Rasayans like Ashwagandha and Chyawanprash are used for longevity. It is prepared from a combination of herbs that boost oxidants. It also prevents free radical damage by increasing antioxidants and helps prevent DNA structure,” she explains, adding that it also helps with mental health. . “Ayurveda says that all diseases are also related to the mind. Therefore, to treat diseases, we also need to maintain harmony and strength of the mind. The mantras are Chikista, Marma Chikitsa, Devaprash Chikitsa is also recommended,” she added.
Is Ayurveda safe against cancer?
Ayurveda offers treatments aimed at strengthening the body’s resilience, supporting mental and emotional well-being, and reducing the side effects of conventional cancer treatments. Although Ayurveda is not a substitute for evidence-based cancer treatment, its complementary approach is appealing to those seeking a more comprehensive healing experience. This growing interest highlights the need for increased awareness and integration of alternative therapies with a focus on scientific validation to expand the options available to cancer patients and their families.
“Ayurveda has not been well researched from a U.S. perspective. In the U.S., Ayurvedic medicines are regulated as dietary supplements, but not as drugs. That means there is no need,” the John Hopkins report said. The university further added: “Some Ayurvedic medicines contain herbs, metals, minerals and other substances, some of which can be harmful if not used safely. There are some Ayurvedic medicines. They may contain toxic substances. These include lead, arsenic, mercury, etc. The herbs, minerals, and metals used in this type of treatment are used in combination with prescribed standard medications and others. May not be compatible with other supplements.
When used judiciously and in conjunction with conventional treatments, Ayurveda can provide mental and physical support to cancer patients. Ongoing research and open communication with healthcare providers are essential to ensure safety, making Ayurveda a potentially valuable component in a comprehensive and integrated cancer treatment plan.
Ayurveda offers therapies such as herbal remedies, dietary modifications, and mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation, but it does not replace standard cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. There is no evidence to support the claim that this can be done.
Certain Ayurvedic herbs are thought to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and reduce symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and stress that are common during cancer treatment. However, the effects of many Ayurvedic herbs on cancer are still not fully understood, so it is important that patients consult both their oncologist and a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before adding them to their regimen. . Some herbs can interact with conventional medicines, reducing their effectiveness or causing side effects.
