Cancer treatment can be a very difficult experience. Most of the traditional cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation, can target cancer cells, all the while weakening the person—both physically and emotionally. Ayurveda provides a whole-body approach to helping a person detoxify, nourish and revive after treatment.
Ayurvedic cancer treatment focuses not just on physical healing, but also mental fortitude and healing. Ayurveda helps to recover the body from the lingering side effects of conventional treatment and to bring the body, mind, and spirit back to a state of harmony.
1. An Ayurvedic Approach To Post-Cancer Care
From an Ayurvedic perspective, cancer develops due to an imbalance of the Tridoshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha; as well as the presence of accumulated Ama (toxins) in the body. Usually following any medical treatment, the natural energies of the body become depleted, the digestive fire (Agni) declines and the body's immunity weakens.
The goal of post-treatment care in Ayurveda is to:
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Clear the body from toxins that linger.
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Rebuild immunity (Ojas).
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Restore stamina and muscle density.
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Re-establish emotional equilibrium and energy balance.
Detox therapies (Shodhana Chikitsa) are important in terms of healing after being treated for cancer. It specifically helps flush out toxins that may remain in the body from chemotherapy, radiation, and strong medications.
2. Commonly used detox therapies include
Panchakarma: A five step purification process consisting of Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti (medicated enema), Nasya (nasal therapy) and Raktamokshana (blood purification).
Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Increases circulation, calms the nervous system and builds weak tissues.
Swedana (Herbal Steam Therapy): Opens up the pores in the body and helps flush toxins out through sweat.
All detox therapies should be done under the care of medical professionals in an Ayurveda hospital providing care for cancer to ensure safety and recovery.
3. Immune Building with Ayurveda
The immune system is typically comprised after cancer therapy. Ayurveda is able to rebuild immunity through diet, herbs, and rejuvenating therapies (Rasayana Chikitsa).
Some of the important Ayurvedic herbs that build immunity are:
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Ashwagandha: Reduces stress, strengthens muscles and muscle strength.
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Amalaki (Amla): It contains a high source of vitamin C, improves immunity, and even digestion.
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Guduchi (Giloy): Helps to improve immune function, and detoxification.
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Turmeric: Helps fight inflammation, as well as healing at the cellular level.
A diet rich in fresh fruits, cooked vegetables, and easy to digest grains will also assist the body in regaining its vigor and strength.
4. Restoration of Strength and Mental Rejuvenation
Cancer treatments commonly lead to various forms of fatigue, muscle weakness, and emotional fatigue. Ayurveda offers strength restoration through the following types of therapies:
Rasayana Therapy: Helps rejuvenate and restore one's vitality. Several herbs like Shatavari and Bala may help rebuild tissue and restore depleted energy.
Yoga and Meditation: Can help restore flexibility, improve oxygen flow, and aid mental tranquility.
Oil Massage with various herbal oils: Can help improve blood circulation. Can also help reduce joint pain or stiffness due once a patient has been on medications for long periods of time.
These therapies will allow for a patient to have energy back, but will also help with emotional re-alignment, allowing for the transition back into life with newfound strength.
5. Recommendations by an Ayurvedic Practitioner
Everyone's recovery process following cancer is different. The best way to navigate through a unique and individualized recovery process is to seek help from the best Ayurvedic oncologist who can discuss treatment protocols that would be appropriate for the body at its present condition and medical history. Following consultation, the recommended practitioner will incorporate herbal medicines, food choices, and lifestyle habits in conjunction with educational training to aid in a productive recovery for improved quality of life.
By selecting a reputable Ayurveda hospital to assist you with your cancer followup, you will have access to detox programs or Rasayana therapies that will aid in a good recovery, overall, you will be comfortable in knowing you are being evaluated by someone who can provide medical supervision to facilitate ongoing follow-up care for the duration of your recovery process.
Conclusion
Ayurvedic cancer care is not meant to replace conventional therapy but can serve as an adjunctive pathway to rebuilding life after cancer. By helping detoxify the body, building immune levels, and restoring strength, Ayurveda provides a comprehensive form of rejuvenation - physically, mentally, and spiritually.
When receiving care from the best Ayurvedic oncologists, patients are better able to gain energy, reduce side effects of conventional treatment, and restore balance. In this respect, Ayurveda also reminds us that healing is not merely about healing from disease but instead about restoring your whole being to harmony & vitality.
