The journey through cancer treatment is undeniably challenging, especially when it involves chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are two of the most common therapies for cancer. While they can be useful in killing cancer cells, they can also have several side effects, including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, anaemia , constipation, insomnia, mouth sores etc.
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, can assist to reduce these side effects and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients.
How Does Ayurveda Work?
Ayurveda is based on the belief that health is a state of balance between the three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can disrupt this balance, leading to side effects. Ayurveda can help to restore harmony by using herbs, diet, and lifestyle changes.
Specific Ayurvedic Treatments for Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy Side Effects:
Ayurvedic treatments for the side effects of chemo and radiotherapy can aid to restore balance to the doshas and enhance the patient’s overall well-being. Some of these treatments include:
- Herbal medicines: There are several herbs that can help to reduce the side effects of chemo and radiotherapy. These include ginger, turmeric, licorice, Guduchi, Shatavari, Triphala, ashwagandha, aamalaki, chandan, Sariwa, Suwarngairik, kutaki,neemb etc.
- Diet and Nutrition: A healthy diet is crucial for supporting the body during cancer treatment. Ayurveda places great emphasis on dietary choices tailored to individual doshas. During cancer treatment, the proper diet can significantly influence recovery. Dr. Manoj Deshpande’s team at Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™ designs personalized diet plans that optimize nutrition, strengthen the immune system, and counteract treatment-induced weight loss. Diet is designed in such a way that it boosts immunity and give strength to fight cancer and also helps to avoid metastasis.
- Yoga and meditation: Yoga and meditation can help to relieve stress, improve sleep, and strengthen the immune system. Patience, positivity and great deal of will power are the most necessary things during cancer treatment. Yoga can surely help to achieve these things by means of various aasanas, pranayam , mudra etc.
- Panchakarma: Panchakarma is a group of certain Ayurvedic treatments that cleanses the body and removes toxins. It can help reduce the side effects of chemo and radiotherapy. These treatments not only alleviate physical symptoms but also promote emotional well-being. Panchkarm like virechan , basti , raktamokshan, shirodhara may help in various conditions followed by cancer medications.
It is critical to note that Ayurveda is not a substitute for traditional cancer treatment. However, it can be a complementary treatment that can help to improve the patient’s quality of life.
For more information and treatment modalities watch our informative video
Here are some specific examples of how Ayurveda can help to reduce the side effects of chemo and radiotherapy:
- Nausea and vomiting: Ginger is a well-known cure for nausea and vomiting. It can be taken as a tea, tincture, or capsule.Many ayurvedic medicines are prepared by using ginger.
- Fatigue: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that can help to reduce fatigue. It can be taken as a tea, tincture, or tablet.
- Hair loss: Amla is a fruit that can help to prevent hair loss. It can be taken as a juice, powder, or capsule.
- Mouth sores: Licorice can aid to soothe mouth sores. It can be taken as a tea or capsule.
Many bhasm preparations such as Moti, Suwarn, Vidrum,Makshik, Abhrak are utmost important while tackeling side effects of Chemo and radiotherapy .
If you are considering using Ayurveda to help reduce the side effects of chemo and radiotherapy, it is important to talk to your doctor first. They can help you to develop a treatment plan that is safe and useful for you.
Here are some additional tips for using Ayurveda to ease the side effects of chemo and radiotherapy:
- Choose a skilled Ayurvedic practitioner.
- Make sure that the herbs and supplements that you are taking are safe for you to use.
- Start with small doses and gradually increase them as tolerated.
- Monitor your symptoms closely and report any differences to your doctor.
Ayurveda can be a good complementary therapy for individuals undergoing chemo and radiotherapy. By working with a skilled Ayurvedic practitioner, you can find methods to reduce the side effects of these treatments and improve your overall well-being.
About Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™:
Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™ is a leading Ayurvedic clinic in Pune, Maharashtra. We have been providing comprehensive Ayurvedic therapies for a variety of conditions, including cancer for over 25 years. Our team of experienced Ayurvedic practitioners Dr. Manoj Deshpande & Dr. Aparna Deshpande can help you to create a personalized treatment plan that is right for you. We are committed to provide our patients with the highest quality of care.
If you are considering using Ayurveda to help reduce the side effects of chemo and radiotherapy, we encourage you to contact us. We would be happy to discuss your personal needs and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Contact us today to learn more about how Ayurveda can help you.
Contact Us:
To learn more about how Ayurveda can help you to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, please contact us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and enable you to get started on your journey to better health.