Cancer is a complex and formidable disease, has long plagued humanity, causing loss and suffering across the globe. However, cancer continues to grow and so does our ability to combat it.
Cancer treatment often takes a toll on the body and mind, loading to various side effects and distress while ayurveda is a holistic approach for healing. Then why not opt for Ayurveda as a recovery option for Cancer.
To comprehend the role of ayurveda in cancer treatment, it is important to understand the fundamental principles of the healing system.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine originating from India, has gained recognition worldwide for its holistic and natural approach to healing. While modern medicine plays a crucial role in cancer treatment, Ayurveda offers complementary therapies that focus on restoring balance and enhancing overall well-being.
Ayurveda employs a wide range of medicinal herbs and plant based formulations that are believed to have anti-cancer properties. It places a great emphasis on lifestyle modifications to support healing and prevent disease.
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How do Cancer cells grow in our body?
Cancer is a complex disease that begins when normal cells in the body undergo genetic mutations or changes that disrupt the normal growth and behavior of our body.
These genetic mutations can occur due to a variety of reasons like inherited genes, exposure to certain chemicals, chronic inflammation, radiation exposure, certain infectious and lifestyle choices.
Why is Ayurveda better than Allopathy?
Both Ayurveda and Allopathy have their own unique strengths and limitations and they can complement each other in certain situations. The choice of treatment approach depends upon type and stage of disease and the expertise and preferences of the patient.
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- Ayurveda is a holistic healing which focuses on balancing the body, mind and spirit whereas allopathy focuses on disease diagnosis, treatment and symptom management using drugs, surgeries or advanced medical treatment.
- Ayurvedic treatments involve herbal medicines, dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, detoxification therapies whereas in allopathy it involves pharmaceutical drugs, surgeries, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other interventions targeted at treating specific diseases or conditions.
- Ayurvedic practices are rooted in traditional knowledge and have shown promising results whereas in allopathy it is tested through regular clinical trials and scientific research.
- Many individuals and healthcare professionals recognize the value of an integrative approach, combining Ayurveda and allopathy where appropriate. Integrative medicine seeks to integrate the best practices from various healing systems to provide comprehensive and personalized care.
Role of Ayurveda in Cancer Treatment
Ayurveda focuses on restoring balance and harmony in the body, mind and spirit, while addressing the underlying causes of the disease. It is important to note that Ayurveda is not considered a standalone cure for cancer, but it can play a supportive role alongside conventional medical treatments.
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Here are some key aspects of cancer treatment in Ayurveda:
- Individualized Treatment: Ayurveda recognizes that each person is unique, and therefore, treatment plans are personalized based on an individual’s constitution, dosha imbalances, and specific symptoms. This individualized approach allows for a more targeted and holistic treatment strategy.
- Herbal Remedies: Some commonly used Ayurvedic herbs in cancer treatment include turmeric, ashwagandha, guduchi, tulsi, and neem. These herbs are believed to have antioxidant, immune-modulating, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Detoxification and Purification: Ayurvedic therapies such as Panchakarma, which include procedures like Virechana (purgation) and Basti (medicated enemas), are aimed at detoxifying the body, eliminating accumulated toxins, and restoring balance.
- Diet and Nutrition: A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and herbs is recommended, while processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats are discouraged. Ayurvedic dietary guidelines focus on promoting digestion, reducing inflammation, and providing optimal nutrition.
- Lifestyle Modifications: This may include practicing yoga, meditation, and pranayama (breathing exercises) to reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and enhance overall resilience.
- Supportive Therapies: These may include gentle massages (abhyanga) using medicated oils, herbal steam therapy (swedana), and lifestyle modifications to manage fatigue, pain, and other treatment-related symptoms.
Top most Treatments of Cancer According to Ayurveda
Immunomodulator
Immunomodulators play a significant role in boosting the body’s immune response against cancer cells. They aim to enhance the natural ability of the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells more effectively.
Immunomodulatory therapies can be used as standalone treatments or in combination with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapies.
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Here are a few examples of immunomodulatory approaches in cancer treatment:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors
- Cytokines
- Vaccines
- Adoptive cell Therapies
- Herbal and natural immunomodulators
Herbal Medicines
Herbal medicine has a long history and is practiced in various traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Indigenous healing traditions.
Herbal medicines can be prepared using different parts of plants, including leaves, flowers, roots, stems, and bark. These plant materials contain various bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, which contribute to their therapeutic properties.
Ashwagandha, Amalaki, Turmeric, Shunthi, Pippali, Mandukaparni, Kalmegh and Giloy are used in cancer treatment.
Panchakarma
Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic therapeutic procedure that aims to cleanse and detoxify the body. The word “Panchakarma” is derived from Sanskrit, where “Pancha” means “five,” and “Karma” means “action” or “procedure.” It is a combination of five cleansing actions or treatments that are performed to eliminate toxins and restore balance in the body.
The five actions of Panchakarma are:
- Vamana: It is used to eliminate excess mucus and toxins accumulated in the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. Vamana is beneficial for conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and congestion.
- Virechana: It primarily focuses on cleansing the liver and gallbladder. Virechana is used to treat conditions such as liver disorders, skin diseases, and digestive disorders.
- Basti: Basti helps in balancing the Vata dosha and is used to treat various disorders such as constipation, chronic digestive issues, and joint problems.
- Nasya: It helps in clearing the nasal passages, sinuses, and respiratory tract. Nasya is beneficial for treating sinus congestion, allergies, and neurological disorders.
- Rakta Moksha: Rakta moksha is a blood purification therapy that aims to remove impurities from the bloodstream.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing practice that utilizes aromatic plant extracts, known as essential oils, to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is based on the belief that the natural compounds found in essential oils have therapeutic properties that can positively impact various aspects of health.
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts obtained from flowers, leaves, bark, stems, and other parts of plants through processes like steam distillation or cold pressing. These oils contain the distinctive fragrance and therapeutic properties of the plants they are derived from.
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