Cancer, a deadly disease, involves uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells and tissues that manifests in tumors, invading surrounding tissues and organs. Cancer can arise anywhere in the body and is classified according to the cells from which it arises.
Ayurveda does not consider cancer a single disease but identifies various abnormal growths in the body as Gradthi (minor swelling) and Arbuda (major swelling). As per Ayurveda, it is believed to arise from imbalances in the body's three basic energies (doshas): Vata (movement), Pitta (transformation), and Kapha (structure). If any of these doshas are out of balance due to improper diet, unhealthy lifestyle, stress or environmental toxins, this can result in accumulation of toxins in your body and weakening of your natural defenses. As time passes,this imbalance and toxin buildup can disrupt the functioning of your cells and lead to diseases such as cancer.
Cancer is a group of diseases that can impact almost any part of your body. Each type is named based on the part of the body or as per the sort of cells from where it starts. This helps Ayurvedic doctors determine the best treatment for your particular situation.
These are the main cancer types:
As we have discussed earlier, cancer occurs when your body cells start growing and multiplying uncontrollably. Basically, your body knows when you should create new cells and when to eliminate older, damaged cells. But when this natural process fails, damaged cells grow when they shouldn't, leading to cancer.
There's no single cause of cancer. It generally develops over time because of a mix of factors. These are the common causes of cancer:
If you feel a lump under your skin or notice swelling that doesn't go away in some time, it could be a sign of cancer.
If you lose or gain weight without putting any effort, this can be an early sign, especially if it occurs suddenly.
If you feel extremely tired even after resting, this could also be a sign of cancer.
If you have been facing pain anywhere in your body for a long time (without knowing what is causing it), you should discuss this with your doctor.
If you notice new moles, changes in the size or colour of existing moles, yellowing of the skin (jaundice) or darkened skin, these can all be cancer signs.
If you have a cough for more than a week or shortness of breath, this may indicate lung cancer or other health problems.
If you experience bleeding between periods, blood in your urine or stool or if you are coughing up blood, these are some serious signs that require medical attention.
If your body takes longer than normal to heal or you become ill more frequently, your immune system may be weakened.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of cancer using evidence-based Ayurvedic approaches. Our treatment plans are made in a customised manner to target the root causes of cancer, and instead of treating the symptoms only, they focus on complete healing, balance and stability.
Cancer makes people worried but Ayurveda provides a natural way to support your body against this disease. Ayurvedic herbs have long been used to increase immunity, reduce inflammation and combat unusual cellular development. These are the most common herbs recommended in Ayurveda for cancer.
If you feel weak, drained and stressed, Ashwagandha can be your best option. It is a natural energy booster and stress reliever. Ashwagandha is also believed to retard abnormal cell growth in your body. Also, it strengthens your immune system, so you can defend yourself and feel stronger during the healing process.
Amla is a small fruit with big benefits. If you want to protect your body from damage caused by harmful substances, amla is the best supplement for you. It is packed with natural vitamin C and antioxidants, which repair and prevent unhealthy changes that cause cancer. Amla also supports your liver, brain, breast, colon and lungs. It keeps your cells healthy and your system strong.
Turmeric has a compound called curcumin, which can be a great support if you have inflammation or if you are worried about cancer cell growth. Curcumin can greatly reduce inflammation and stop cancer cells from spreading. It also prevents cancer from returning and detoxifies your cells naturally.
In Ayurveda, we call Giloy the ‘root of immortality.’ Giloy can balance your body’s systems if you are struggling with low immunity or abnormal cell growth. It boosts your immune system and slows the growth of unhealthy cells. When it is used with herbs like turmeric and ashwagandha, it works even better to heal and safeguard your body.
Kalmegh is not so popular yet but it is very useful if you want your body to fight cancer naturally. It has been linked with destroying cancer cells and promoting better organ health. Kalmegh also balances your energies (doshas in Ayurveda) and gives you strength.
Garlic is a simple but potent herb. Garlic has antioxidants and natural compounds that protect your cells from damage. It can repair your cells and stop them from turning into cancer cells. Studies have shown that garlic can lower your risk of cancers like stomach, breast, pancreas, and prostate. With this, it also helps to build your body's natural defenses against such diseases.
Tulsi has been considered a sacred plant for its healing properties. Tulsi helps to reduce stress and increase immunity. It does this by decreasing oxidative stress, the stress brought on by accumulated toxins in your body. Tulsi also supports your body’s natural defenses and makes your cells healthy.
In Ayurveda, health is considered to be the state of equilibrium of three doshas in the body - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Though Ayurveda cannot guarantee curing cancer, it provides supporting therapies for dealing with the symptoms, improving overall well-being, and sometimes reducing side effects of standard treatments. Ayurvedic intervention is directed at:
Rasayana Therapy: This can be a treatment area involving rejuvenation and enhancing general healthy energy. Some herbal formulations may help to support the health of tissues and build up the immune system.
Diet and Lifestyle Advice: Ayurveda encourages a well-balanced diet and lifestyle, directed towards the constitution (practically the constitution) at a given point in time and imbalances. This might include recommendations for individual foods, the timing of meal consumption, sleep patterns and stress management.
Stress Management: The impact of stress on one's overall well-being is especially important during cancer treatment. Ayurveda suggests meditation, yoga, and Pranayama (breathing exercises) to help relax and reduce stress.
Palliative Care: Ayurveda can be supportive of palliative care, emphasising symptom management such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and insomnia, in order to enhance quality of life.
No. Ayurveda does not claim to cure cancer. Its role is to provide supportive care in addition to the conventional medical treatment to enhance well-being and potentially manage some side effects.
Yes, potentially. It's absolutely crucial to inform both your oncologist and your Ayurvedic practitioner about all medications and supplements you are taking, including herbal remedies, to avoid any harmful interactions.
Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet plays an essential role in keeping the entire body well, thereby providing strength and maintaining one's weight. The diet also strengthens the body to prevent damage by supporting the immune system.
Stress management techniques, such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and counseling, can really help manage the emotional and mental challenges of cancer treatment.
Certain Ayurvedic approaches, including specific dietary recommendations, herbal remedies used with caution and in consultation with your oncologist, and lifestyle adjustments, may be helpful in alleviating some of the side effects.
Combining Ayurveda with conventional cancer treatments is safe if done with close coordination between your oncologist and your Ayurvedic practitioner. Open communication between the two will ensure your safety and well-being.
A qualified and experienced Ayurveda practitioner who is educated about oncology and understands the importance of integrated care should be sought.
Ayurveda works on keeping the body and mind in balance. It does not promote any assured cure for cancer, rather helps ease symptoms and lessen some side effects of standard treatments.
