Ayurvedic Treatment for Tumor

Brain tumor is a serious medical condition characterized by an uncontrolled division of malignant cells in the brain. These malignant masses or tumors begin to impact the normal functioning of the brain. If not treated timely, brain tumors can easily lead to death. Medical science has made significant progress in treating brain tumors. Radiation and chemotherapy are often used to target and kill malignant masses in the brain, however, healthy brain cells also bear the burnt of these therapies, resulting in undesirable side effects. That is why, many brain cancer patients have been turning their attention to alternative treatment therapies that may contain the damage caused by the traditional brain cancer treatment and support and accentuate the efficacy of the treatment simultaneously.

Ayurveda, which originated in India over 5,000 years ago, is based on the holistic healing of the body, mind, and spirit so that a healthy union is achieved between the mind and the body. While Ayurveda is not the sole therapeutic approach, it has shown excellent results in offering complementary support to traditional treatment methods. Ayurvedic treatment for tumor focuses on strengthening the body’s natural healing abilities. Ayurveda for brain tumor also focuses on making use of appropriate brain tumor Ayurvedic medicine for effective and long-lasting relief from the symptoms.

Understanding Brain Tumors in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, diseases are considered to be manifestations of the imbalances in the body's three fundamental energies or doshas—Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (earth and water). Any interference within these doshas may result in health disorders. Brain tumor is often thought to be a result of the excess of Pitta dosha, a dosha responsible for heat, metabolism, and transformation. An aggravation in the Pitta dosha results in abnormal cell multiplication in the brain, resulting in the formation of brain tumors.

Causes of Brain Tumors

• Genetic mutations
• Rare genetic conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome or neurofibromatosis
• Radiation exposure
• Immune system suppression

Symptoms of Brain Tumors

• Headaches that are worse in the morning.
• Sudden onset of seizures.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Frequent mood swings, and cognitive issues.
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
• Blurred, double vision, or a complete lack of peripheral vision.
• Trouble speaking

Ayurvedic Treatment for Tumor

Ayurveda for brain tumor treatment makes use of multiple approaches such as:

1. Detoxification (Panchakarma): Panchakarma is an ancient detoxification process involving specific therapeutic procedures to cleanse the body. Panchakarma treatments such as Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), Virechana (purgation), and Basti (enema) are effective in removing excessive Pitta dosha. Additionally, these therapies cleanse the body and bring synergy to the doshas. These therapies may potentially alleviate the symptoms of brain tumor and may also support your rehab.
2. Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic medicine for tumor or brain tumor Ayurvedic medicine have been in use in Ayurveda for a long time for reducing inflammation and promoting healing in cancer patients. Some extremely potent brain tumor Ayurvedic medicine are:

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Ashwagandha is an excellent Ayurvedic medicine for tumor treatment. It has superb adaptogenic properties, i.e. it adapts to bodily needs quite effectively. This herb helps reduce stress and balance the nervous system. The anti-cancer properties that this herb possesses may combat abnormal cell growth in cancer patients. Studies also suggest that withanolides present in this herb can suppress tumor growth and the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body by targeting specific molecular pathways engaged in the progression of the cancer cells in the body.
• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Ayurveda for brain tumor also makes use of neuroprotective properties of this potent Ayurvedic medicine for tumor and cancer cells. This natural herb has various benefits such as improved cognitive function, improved memory, and decreased stress in cancer patients. Brahmi has also demonstrated neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies. It may support cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation by repairing damaged brain cells. Brain cancer and its treatments can cause cognitive impairments. Brahmi helps enhance memory, focus, and overall cognitive function, which  may result in improved quality of life in the cancer patients.
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound that imparts a yellowish hue to turmeric. This compound may inhibit cancer cell growth and decrease inflammation in the inflamed brain cells. Turmeric, by addressing tumor-induced inflammation, may help with the symptoms of brain tumor.
• Guggulu (Commiphora wightii): This potent resin helps reduce inflammation and support the healing of tissues in the body. This Ayurvedic medicine for tumor can induce the purging of toxins and help with the overall detox process of brain tumor patients. Some evidence suggests that this Ayurvedic herb may sensitize cancer cells to treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. This may help improve the efficacy of the cancer treatment.

Note - Make use of Ayurvedic herbs only after having a thorough consultation with your healthcare provider. Some of the herbs may interact with radiation and can adversely impact your health. Never ever self-medicate.

3. Dietary Changes

Ayurveda for brain tumor places a lot of emphasis on the importance of diet in maintaining health. For brain tumor patients, a diet supporting the reduction of Pitta (heat and inflammation) is ideal. Some dietary guidelines for brain tumor patients are:

• Cooling and Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Ayurveda recommends foods that are cooling in nature. Consumption of these food items may help reduce inflammation. Dairy products (like milk and ghee), coconut, fresh fruits, and vegetables (especially leafy greens and cucumbers) are often recommended to brain tumor patients in Ayurveda.
• Organic, non-processed foods: Ayurvedic treatment for tumor endorses eating natural, whole foods. If possible, avoid eating foods that are loaded with additives, preservatives, and chemicals. Consuming fresh, seasonal, and organic food items to nourish the body and support detoxification.
• Ketogenic Diet: The ketogenic diet (high fat, very low carbohydrate, moderate protein) has shown encouraging results against cancer, particularly glioblastoma.
• Avoid spicy, fried, and acidic foods: Such food items aggravate Pitta dosha in the body. Regularly consuming these food items increases inflammation in the body, further aggravating the symptoms associated with brain tumor.

Note - Diet changes must be incorporated after consulting with your doctor and dietitian. This will help you assess your dietary needs better.

4. Mind-Body Practices

Brain tumor is a serious health disorder and it causes an insurmountable amount of stress in the patients. Managing stress and maintaining a calm mind, therefore, assumes importance for an effective treatment of this disease. Meditation, yoga, and pranayama form the core of the effective mind-body practices that should be followed by brain tumor patients.

• Yoga: Certain yoga postures, such as headstands (Sirsasana), shoulder stands (Sarvangasana), and forward bend (Paschimottanasana), increase blood flow to the brain, improve the functioning of the brain and repair damaged cells. However, such Yoga asanas demand practice and must be performed under the supervision of a Yoga teacher.
• Meditation: Regular meditation like mindfulness or guided meditation has been linked with benefits such as reduced mental stress and better stress management in brain tumor patients. Deep-breathing exercises alleviate stress and allows for rich Oxygenated blood to reach brain cells, which may help support the cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Brain tumor is a serious health disorder and must be treated immediately to avoid further complications. Ayurvedic treatment of tumor, while being the second fiddle, can still play a crucial role in assisting with rehab and alleviating the symptoms associated with brain tumors.  The combination of the wisdom of Ayurveda with modern medicine can result in enhanced recovery and better life quality for brain tumor patients.