Cancer is a serious disorder that adversely impacts the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of those suffering from it. While advancements in modern medicine have improved survival rates, cancer treatments are accompanied by severe side effects, as chemo and radiation therapy can cause short, medium and long-term side effects. This has resulted in patients looking for alternative therapies for alleviating pain and other symptoms associated with cancer. Ayurveda for cancer patients in India often employs Rasayana therapy which has rejuvenating and restorative properties. Integrating Rasayana therapy into your cancer treatment can yield great results. This therapy can alleviate the symptoms and help quicken the rehab in the cancer patients.
What is Rasayana Therapy?
The word Rasayana is derived from the Sanskrit words Rasa (essence) and Ayana (path). To put it in simple words, Rasayana is an Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy that is specifically aimed at improving vitality and the immune system in individuals. Traditionally, Rasayana is classified into three types:
- Herbal Rasayanas: Plant based formulations like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), and Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), come under this category.
- Dietary Rasayanas: Nutrient-dense foods like milk, ghee, and honey fall in this category.
- Behavioral and Lifestyle Rasayanas: Practices like meditation, yoga, and Pranayama form the core of this category.
Cancer and the Need for Rasayana Therapy
Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, in particular, target the diseased cells. However, they also lead to damage in the healthy cells, resulting in compromised immunity and other side effects such as fatigue, immune suppression, nausea, and emotional stress. Ayurveda for cancer patients in India employs Rasayana therapy, as it aims to address these challenges by:
- Strengthening Immunity: Rasayana herbs like Guduchi and Ashwagandha are known to stimulate immune functions, resulting in reduced susceptibility to infections. These herbs help cancer patients fight off infections effectively.
- Reducing Oxidative Stress: Antioxidant-rich Rasayanas like Amalaki and turmeric (Curcuma longa) support healthy cell repair and keep a check on accumulated oxidative stress in the cells. It boosts immunity and strengthens the disease fighting abilities in the cancer patients.
- Enhancing Energy: Rasayana formulations may help offset fatigue, improve stamina, and promote healthy tissue regeneration in cancer patients.
Key Rasayana Herbs and Formulations Used in Ayurveda for Cancer Patients in India:
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):
- Reduces stress and fatigue.
- Research shows Ashwagandha may lead to a better response to chemotherapy by enhancing cellular functions.
- It contains compounds like withanolides that may potentially help neutralize oxidative stress in the cancer patients.
- Studies suggest that this natural herb may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and help promote apoptosis in certain cancer cells.
- Ashwagandha lowers cortisol levels, resulting in reduced stress in the cancer patients.
- Preliminary studies have suggested that Ashwagandha may sensitize the cancer cells against treatments, potentially improving the efficacy of the cancer treatment.
- Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia):
- Strengthens the immune system of cancer patients.
- Counters side effects such as mucositis and fatigue due to anti-inflammatory properties.
- Protects cells from oxidative stress.
- Reduces inflammation associated with cancer.
- Helps eliminate toxins, including those from cancer treatments.
- Eases fatigue emanating from cancer treatments.
- Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry):
- Amalaki combats oxidative stress.
- Encourages repair of damaged tissues in cancer patients.
- Protects cells from oxidative damage.
- Has phytochemicals like ellagic acid and quercetin that may discourage the formation of tumors in certain cases.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Supports liver health and removes toxins.
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa):
- Curcumin may help discourage metastasis.
- Keeps a check on inflammation in the body cells.
- May check cancer cell growth and promote apoptosis in cancer patients.
- Reduces chronic inflammation linked to cancer.
- Protects cells from DNA damage.
- May improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Chywanaprash:
- Known for its regenerative properties, Chywanaprash boosts the immune system and repairs damaged cells.
- Enhances the body's ability to fight infections and diseases.
- Inhibits chronic inflammation linked to cancer.
- Aids in the removal of toxins from the body.
- Slows down the progression of the cancer symptoms in certain cases.
Rejuvenation Through Panchakarma and Rasayana
Common Panchakarma therapies that are often used to support recovery in cancer patients are:
- Virechana (therapeutic purgation): With the help of medically induced purgation, this Panchakarma therapy cleanses the body and improves digestive health.
- Basti (medicated enemas): Boosts the immune system, cleanses the colon region, and nourishes the nervous system.
- Nasya (nasal administration of herbs): Helpful in removing toxins from the head and neck region, and beneficial in promoting mental clarity.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Rasayana Therapy
- Studies have confirmed that Ashwagandha and Guduchi come with anticancer and radioprotective properties.
- Curcumin, an active compound in Turmeric, may increase the sensitivity of the cancerous cells to chemo and radiation therapy.
- Clinical trials suggest Chywanaprash has multiple medical benefits such as improved immunity, better sexual health, and overall improved well-being.
Challenges in Integration
Despite its potential, integrating Rasayana therapy into mainstream cancer treatment still faces multiple challenges such as:
- Standardization: Ayurvedic formulations may have wide variations. A uniform standard is needed for a smoother integration with mainstream cancer treatment. In addition, more clinical studies to validate the efficacy of the Rasayana therapy are needed.
- Lack of Awareness: Many oncologists and patients do not have an idea of the potent Ayurvedic therapies. More educational programs are needed to spread awareness among the general masses. A higher number of collaborations between Ayurvedic institutes and medical Universities will help bridge this gap.
- Adverse Interactions: Combining Rasayana herbs with chemotherapy drugs can lead to side effects, if not monitored properly. Though Ayurvedic herbs do not cause severe side effects, you still need to be wary of their potential interactions with your ongoing cancer treatment. You are advised to have a thorough consultation with your healthcare provider before incorporating any herb, medication, or herbal therapy in your cancer treatment routine.
Conclusion
Rasayana therapy is a unique, patient-centered approach to managing cancer symptoms via herbs, formulations, etc. By strengthening immunity and keeping a tab on side effects, Rasayana therapy complements modern cancer treatments brilliantly. However, one cannot overlook the lack of ample data in this regard. More studies corroborating the potential and efficacy of Rasayana therapy will allow cancer patients to make informed decisions and provide them with the confidence to integrate this healing therapy into their cancer treatment routine.
