A. What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that has been in existence for more than 5,000 years. The term “Ayurveda” originates from Sanskrit words “Ayur” which means life and “Veda” means knowledge or science. Therefore, Ayurveda can be called as “Science or Knowledge of life”. As per Ayurveda each person has a unique combination of doshas. Doshas are the 3 main governing principles of the body namely: 1) Vata 2) Pitta 3) Kapha.  Ayurveda focuses on maintaining and restoring the equilibrium between doshas to achieve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through herbal remedies, ayurvedic massage, yoga, and dietary recommendations.Integrated Approach of Ayurveda in Cancer because One of the most deadly challenges in the 21st century is cancer. With a significant difference in incidence and mortality of cancer, the world is looking for a solution to combat this deadly disease.

What does ‘Integrated Ayurveda’ Means?

Integrated Approach of Ayurveda is a practice that combines the principles of Ayurvedic treatment with other forms of conventional treatment, such as Western medicine or Allopath Medicine, and even with other traditional healing systems such as Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Siddha Medicine, etc.

The main aim of ‘Integrated Ayurveda’ is to provide patients good results in terms of prognosis of the disease and more treatment options which when applied harmoniously or scientifically can work synergistically to amplify the end results of the patient in terms of better results. Thus “Integrated Ayurveda” can hold a holistic and comprehensive approach toward spiritual, mental and physical well-being of a person.

The approach of Integrated Ayurveda acknowledges that no system of medicine is complete in all aspects of treatment, and by combining different systems of medicine with Ayurveda, we can offer more effective and personalized healthcare to our patients. For example, different aspect of Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapy can be given to different cancer patients in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Acupuncture can be used in cancer patients receiving different ayurvedic treatments for a good pain management.  

B. Benefits of Integrated Approach of Ayurveda in Cancer Patients

In cancer patients, Integrated Ayurveda involves the use of different treatment modalities like herbal remedies, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, yoga and meditation, along with conventional modern cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

  • Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies are the most indispensable aspect of Ayurvedic cancer treatment. Certain herbs that are commonly used in Ayurveda for cancer treatment are Turmeric (Curcuma Longa), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Guggul (Commiphora Mukul), Pippali (Piper Longum), Yasthimadhu (Liquorice) and Neem (Azadirachta Indica). These herbs have anti-cancer properties, reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and improve overall health.

Certain class of herbs have been proven beneficial in treating cancer like Bhallatak (Semicarpus Anacardium) in breast cancer and Pippali (Piper Longum) in lung cancer. While certain class of ayurvedic herbs can help patients by reducing their symptoms like Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) in reducing the symptoms of appetite loss in Cancer Patients.

  • Dietary Changes

Dietary changes are also important aspect of Ayurvedic Cancer Treatment, and ayurveda strictly advises to avoid processed and refined food. It also advises against the use of some herbs and spices in food to enhance digestion and promote detoxification.

The concept of laghu and bruhan ahara, or light and heavy food, is important for cancer patients experiencing weight loss or cachexia. Cachexia can prove deleterious in cancer patients and result in almost deaths of 50% of cancer patients. Laghu and bruhan ahara as mentioned in ayurveda can prevent cachexia in cancer patients as it is nutritious and easily digestible.

As per ayurveda principles, food or ahara is not only source of energy but also a source of well-being. Therefore, a balanced and healthy diet based on ayurvedic principles is important for physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing of a person.

  • Lifestyle modifications

Lifestyle modifications are also an essential aspect of Ayurvedic cancer treatment. Stress reduction techniques such as yoga and meditation can help improve overall well-being, and reduce stress and anxiety associated with cancer treatment.

Harmonizing the lifestyle in accordance with nature is an essential aspect of Ayurvedic Cancer Management or Treatment. Through lifestyle modifications and management, Ayurveda can help in disease prevention and can be even synergistic in treatment of disease. Life style modification and management as mentioned in Ayurvedic texts is multi-faceted, and conceptualizes ideal lifestyle in every aspect of human life: Physical, Mental and Spiritual.

The concept of lifestyle modifications in ayurveda relies on following concept: 1) Swasthavritta 2) Sadvritta 3) Aachar Rasayan 4) Nidan Parivarjana.

Certain aspects of lifestyle modifications as per ayurveda in cancer patients can include doing regular exercises, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, and lead an active life. Ayurveda also advises one to get up early in the morning at Bramhamuhurta which is roughly around 4.00 am in the morning. Getting up from the bed at Bramhamuhurta can help to refresh mind and help cancer patients to lead healthy like normal persons.  

  • Yoga

Yoga is a traditional Indian science which involves mind – body practice in form of combinations of different physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation and mind relaxation techniques.

Different physical postures as mentioned in ‘Yoga’ if practised under guidance will help to increase flexibility, strength, balance and co-ordination. Practising yoga regularly can improve mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety.

Yoga can help in reducing one of the most disabling symptoms in cancer patients: anxiety, depression and fatigue. Yoga has been found in improving overall quality of life of the patients with improve in quality of sleep. Yoga helps in improving immune function which is one of the most important aspect of fight against cancer. Yoga can also help in reducing pain and inflammation.

Different postures or asanas as mentioned need to be tailored as per patient’s ability and limitations.

  • Enhancing Mental Health

Ayurveda and modern medicine can be used synergistically to improve in mental health in cancer patients. Ayurvedic therapies like Shirodhara can help in relaxing the mind of the cancer patients and improve thought process so as to imbibe a new confidence in cancer patients.

Shirodhara is one of the procedures mentioned in Ayurveda which involves pouring continuous stream of warm medicated oil or medicated decoction over the forehead or popularly known as ‘third eye’ area. Shirodhara have calming effect on the nervous system, and thereby help to reduce stress, anxiety and insomnia,

C. Ayurveda and Modern Medicine Benefits in Cancer Patient

Current era or 21st century have proved that Ayurveda and Modern medicine can be integrated in a scientific manner that we can get more sustainable and good results in treatment of Cancer patients.

Personalized treatment plans based on ayurveda and modern medicine can be used to create treatment protocols for cancer patients, taking into account the individual’s unique needs and preferences. This can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life for the patient. For example –

Personalized and well-tailored treatment plans based on integration of Integrated Approach of Ayurveda in Cancer, taking into consideration progression and prognosis of the cancer. Protocols also need to take consideration individuals needs and preferences, and this can lead to better treatment outcome and the same can be evident by improve in quality of life the cancer patients.

  • Panchakarma and Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy

A course of few procedures like Virechan and in Panchakarma before induction of Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy can results in longer duration of disease-free survival or progression free survival.

  • Ayurvedic Medicines and Modern Drugs

Before initiating Radiotherapy or Chemotherapy Cancer patients could be started certain Ayurvedic drugs like Semicarpus Anacardium which is more pro-apoptotic in nature and it can help in more sustainable results. Ayurvedic drugs can used as palliative care prescribed my Modern Oncologist and help in better and sustainable results. For example, Rajat Bhasma can be used with modern drugs like Tamoxifen in cases of Breast Cancer for long term treatment.

In the conclusion, we can definitely state that an integrated approach of Ayurveda Medicine with other form of conventional treatment like Western medicine or Allopath Medicine, and or even with other traditional healing system like Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Siddha Medicine can prove beneficial and imbibe a more authentic approach in terms of better prognosis in cancer patients. It also facilitates a holistic approach toward health and wellness of the cancer patients with focus on physical, mental and spiritual wellness.

It is important to consult Ayurvedic Cancer Consultant before starting any Ayurvedic treatment in Cancer.

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