Cancer is often considered as one the deadliest diseases. It is a complex and challenging disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The conventional treatment options include allopathic treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments can be life-saving, but they also bring along a host of side effects with it. Due to this, many cancer patients have started considering alternatives like Ayurveda to complement their allopathic treatments. However, combining these two very different schools of thought requires careful review and knowledge.
Let’s discuss what cancer patients should know about simultaneously taking Ayurvedic and Allopathic medicines.
Understanding the Basics: What Are Ayurvedic and Allopathic Medicines?
Allopathic Medicine:
Also known as modern or conventional medicine, allopathic treatment for cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other medical interventions. These treatments are designed to target and destroy cancer cells but have a lot of chances also to affect healthy cells, leading to side effects like fatigue, nausea, and a decline in immunity.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on balancing the body’s energies (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) through natural remedies, diet, and a certain lifestyle. Ayurvedic treatments for cancer aim to detoxify the body, boost immunity, and improve overall well-being.
The Potential Benefits of Combining Ayurvedic and Allopathic Treatments
Reducing Side Effects:
One of the most significant benefits of Ayurvedic medicine in cancer care is that it has a lot of potential to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Ayurvedic herbs and practices can help alleviate symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and hair loss.
Improving Quality of Life
Ayurveda does not focus on only terminating the disease, but its approach is rather to holistically heal the body, mind and soul. It addresses the physical, mental and emotional aspects of health. This holistic approach can enhance the patient’s overall quality of life, making the cancer journey more endurable.
Boosting Immunity
Ayurvedic treatments for cancer include herbs like Ashwagandha and Turmeric, which are helpful in boosting the immune system. A stronger immune system can help the body fight infections and recover more quickly from the sufferings of cancer treatment.
Important Considerations Before Combining Treatments
Consult Your Oncologist
Before starting any Ayurvedic treatment, it is extremely important to consult your oncologist. Some Ayurvedic herbs may interact with chemotherapy drugs, potentially reducing their potency or causing unwanted side effects.
Choose a Qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner
Not all Ayurvedic practitioners are qualified to treat cancer patients. Make sure to choose a practitioner who is experienced in oncology and understands the complexities of blending Ayurvedic and Allopathic treatments. There are quite a few certified hospitals and ashrams who provide Ayurvedic healthcare for cancer like Shree Navgrah Ashram. From professional consultation to herbal medicines, Shree Navgrah Ashram has a holistic approach towards supporting your cancer treatment journey.
Go One Step at a Time
After consulting with your oncologist, if he or she approves, start with small doses of Ayurvedic remedies and gradually increase them as your body begins to adjust to it. If you go slow and one step at a time, it will help you monitor your body for any adverse reactions.
Well-known Ayurvedic Remedies Used in Cancer Care
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties that helps the body in stress management and boosting energy levels. It is also believed to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy.
Turmeric (Curcumin)
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb that can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with cancer. It has various other anti-cancer properties which makes it a popular choice in supportive cancer care.
Triphala
This traditional Ayurvedic formulation is used to detoxify the body and improve digestion. It can help prevent gastrointestinal side effects of chemotherapy.
Diet and Lifestyle: The Ayurvedic Perspective
Dietary Adjustments
Ayurveda strongly emphasizes on diet in managing diseases, including cancer. Depending on your dosha (body type), your practitioner may recommend specific foods that support healing and balance your body’s energies. Like how here at Pavtan, we understand the importance of a well-balanced diet for cancer patients and hence have developed Pavtan Nutritional Aata to assist cancer patients while providing extreme health benefits. It is made of ingredients possessing anti-cancer properties, like Rajgira (Amaranth), Green Gram, Singhara Kuttu, Sawan, and Ragi. It helps cancer patients manage the side effects of chemotherapy radiation, as well as aids by relieving the patient’s distress.
Physical & Mental Practices
Ayurvedic treatments often include yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises (Pranayama) to reduce stress and promote mental well-being. Fighting cancer not just affects your body, but equally takes a toll on your mind. These practices can complement treatments by improving emotional resilience and coping skills.
Conclusion: Is Combining Ayurvedic and Allopathic Medicine Right for You?
The combination of Ayurvedic and Allopathic medicines seem like a promising approach to cancer care, potentially reducing side effects, improving lifestyle and boosting immunity. However, this amalgamation requires careful analysis, clear communication with healthcare providers and a distinctive approach. Something that works for someone, might not work for others. So a personalized approach will help devise what works best for you.
Though Ayurveda does not promise a sure shot cancer-free life, it does help increase life expectancy and support your cancer treatment journey. By working closely with both your oncologist and a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, you can explore the best of both worlds to support your cancer treatment journey.
Remember that your health and safety always comes first, so never self-medicate or alter your treatment plan without proper professional guidance. With the right approach, combining Ayurveda and Allopathy could be a step towards holistic healing and a better quality of life.