How Ayurveda Addresses Cancer: Holistic Healing Approaches

Cancer has become a global health concern with millions of patients getting affected by it per year. While conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery have dominated the pie chart of cancer treatment, Ayurvedic treatment for cancer has also attracted the attention of many in the past few years due to its non-invasiveness and the use of potent Ayurvedic herbs. Modern treatments may be accompanied by multiple side effects and this is where Ayurveda comes in handy. Cancer treatment in Ayurveda utilizes herbs to nullify the side effects and ease your rehab. This article will shed more light on the Ayurvedic viewpoint on cancer.

The Ayurvedic Perspective on Cancer

Ayurveda opines that cancer is the manifestation of the imbalance between the three doshas inside the body. An accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body is the disruptive force that throws the balance between vata, kapha, and pitta out of the picture. These doshas are in charge of various physiological functions and any disruptions can lead to serious health disorders in the body, including cancer.

From an Ayurvedic viewpoint, cancer is an aggravation of the Pitta dosha, which is responsible for various functions such as metabolism, transformation, and heat. An imbalance in this dosha results in inflammation and the overproduction of cells, ultimately resulting in the formation of tumors.

How Ayurveda Addresses Cancer: Healing Approaches

Detoxification (Panchakarma)

Panchakarma includes a series of five key treatments:

1. Vamana (Therapeutic Vomiting): This treatment is geared towards expelling excess mucus and toxins from the digestive system with the help of Ayurvedic herbs. This Panchakarma therapy helps improve digestion and supports rehab in the cancer patients.
2. Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation): Virechana helps remove toxins from the liver and intestines, helping in getting improved metabolism.
3. Basti (Medicated Enemas): A form of medicated enema, it nourishes the body tissues, cleanses the colon region, and balances Vata and Pitta doshas. This therapy improves the absorption of minerals in the body as well.
4. Nasya (Nasal Administration of Herbs): This therapy enhances respiratory functions and is particulary helpful for sinusitis patients. Medicated oils are adminstered in the nostrils of the patients and they are given head massage as well.
5. Raktamokshana (Bloodletting): Not used often in cancer treatment, this therapy involves deliberate blood-letting. Sterilized instruments and leeches are used to remove impure blood from the body. Eczema and skin disorders are the primary targets of this therapy.

Panchakarma helps boost the body’s natural defense mechanisms, quickening the rehab process for cancer patients.

Strengthening the Body (Rasayana)

Some of the most commonly used Rasayana herbs recommended to cancer patients are:

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): It has adaptogenic properties and helps cancer patients cope with symptoms such as stress, fatigue, and weakened immunity.
• Amalaki (Emblica officinalis): Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, Amalaki reduces oxidative stress in the body and keeps a check on oxidative stress in cancer patients.
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa): The active compound curcumin in this spice has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties. Consuming it regularly results in better immunity for cancer patients.
• Chywanprash: Chywanprash has long been used in Ayurveda to boost immunity, repair damaged cells, and strengthen the body's functioning.

Rasayana herbs rejuvenate the body and boost the immune system. These herbs may mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, such as fatigue, nausea, and immune suppression.

Addressing Emotional Health

Ayurveda places a lot of emphasis on the mind-body connection, as it views the mind to be the driving force in our bodies. In Ayurveda, emotional and psychological well-being is as vital as physiological well-being. Emotional stress, anxiety, and unresolved grief may result in health disorders, according to Ayurveda. With practices such as Yoga, mindfulness, and meditation, cancer treatment in Ayurveda offers a unique angle to cancer treatment. Practicing deep-breathing exercises calms the nerves, enhances oxygen flow, and promotes a sense of calm and peace in cancer patients.

Diet and Lifestyle Modifications

Cancer treatment in Ayurveda is incomplete without diet and lifestyle changes. Cancer patients need a personalized approach to nutrition that rectifies their vikriti (imbalances) in a comprehensive way. Ayurvedic practitioners may recommend specific food items that may aid in balancing the doshas, strengthening digestion, and promoting healing. For example:

• Warm, easy-to-digest, and nourishing food items are recommended for cancer patients. Soups, stews, and kitchari (a traditional dish made of rice and lentils) may be recommended during cancer treatment to strengthen digestion and provide energy.
• Cancer patients are advised to include protein rich foods that are easily digestible. Weakening immune system is one of the major side effects of chemo and radiation therapy. Berries, citrus fruits, cruciferous veggies, tomatoes, and bell peppers effectively boost the immune system of the cancer patients.
• Herbal teas made from Tulsi (holy basil), ginger, and Triphala (a blend of three fruits) are effective in cleansing the body, reducing inflammation, and improving immune function. Green tea is also effective in strengthening the faltering immune system of the cancer patients, as it has catechins. 
• Following a daily schedule (Dinacharya), having proper sleep pattern, and reducing exposure to environmental toxins may also boost your recovery from the cancer symptoms.
• Effectively managing stress is often overlooked, though, it is indispensable for managing cancer symptoms. Cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, weakens the immune system and further aggravates the cancer symptoms. Meditation and mindful meditation help reduce stress. Deep-breathing exercises also calm you down.
• If you are a cancer patient, appropriate rest is your best friend. Our body carries out various functions such as repairing the damaged cells, eliminating toxins, etc. during sleep. Secure at least 7 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Have healthy eating habits to effectively deal with cancer symptoms. Eat a balanced diet, chew your food properly and eliminate processed and junk foods to support your cancer recovery.

Conclusion

Ayurveda addresses cancer in multiple ways and it provides a unique, holistic approach to treating cancer via specific Ayurvedic herbs, therapies, and lifestyle changes. Ayurveda places a lot of importance on detoxifying the body, supporting the immune system, and promoting emotional well-being. With a smooth integration of Ayurvedic practices such as Panchakarma, Rasayana, diet, and lifestyle modifications, cancer patients can experience a better and swifter healing process.