You have cancer when some cells in the body start to divide without control. These cells live for a longer time and tend to clump together to form tumors. These cells can also travel to other parts of the body to cause cancers there.

Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, etc. are the standard treatments for cancers. These treatments work by removing the tumor or by killing the cancer cells in the body. 

One of the main problems with cancer treatments is side effects. It happens because treatments, while killing cancer cells, also damage healthy cells. 

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, can help to control these side effects. It can improve general health as well as help with managing the side effects.

As said, there are different methods for treating cancers. It will depend on the following factors.

The type of cancer

The stage

The spread of cancer

The general health 

 

The doctor will look into these factors and decide on the best treatment option. It will take a few months to complete the treatment.

The treatments will help to control cancer and make it go to a phase of remission. In a remission phase, there will not be any signs of disease.

But these treatments can also cause a lot of side effects on the body. It is because of the damage that happens to healthy cells in the body during treatment.

Cancer treatments help in treating and controlling the spread of cancer. But there will be a lot of problems with its side-effects and after-effects.

Some of the common problems are

Loss of taste and appetite

Skin rashes

Bleeding or bruising on the skin or fingernails

Feeling tired or fatigued

Loss of hair

Sores in the mouth or throat

Nausea and vomiting

Fertility and sexual problems

Other issues include 

Feeling angry or irritated without any reason

Feel distressed or depressed

Problems with sleeping 

The side effects of cancer treatments will be there for a long time. It will be there until the healthy tissues that got damaged during it, repairs, or heals by itself. Until then, one will have to live with these problems, making the person feel more weak and fragile.

Post cancer rehabilitation is the main area where Ayurveda could intervene effectively. Ayurveda treatments will help to get over these side effects and restore health. It also helps to refresh the body and mind.

The treatment will include yoga, counseling, meditation, etc. to calm and relax the mind and body. Ayurveda aims to treat the body and mind as a single unit rather than two different entities. 

Ayurveda does not claim to 'cure' cancer. It complements modern medical treatments and helps to get better of the side effects.

So, people go for Ayurveda only after completing the course of treatment suggested by the doctor. 

According to Ayurveda, our body consists of three humors or doshas, namely the Vata, pitta, and Kapha. Vata controls the blood circulation, body movements, and movement of air in the body. Pitta controls our digestion, and Kapha gives the structure and provides lubrication to the body. 

When all these doshas are in a state of balance, we are healthy. Anything that upsets this balance will make us ill. If any of these doshas get aggravated, there will be an effect on the other two. For us to get back our health, the doshas should go back to their state of balance.

Ayurveda designs treatments in such a way that it brings a state of harmony in our body. It treats our body as well as the mind and also refreshes our soul.

According to Ayurveda, cancers occur due to inflammation of some tissues in the body. These tumors affect the functions of the organ affected as well as other parts of the body.  

Most cancer treatments, like chemotherapy that kill cancer cells, will also damage the healthy cells and tissues. Ayurveda helps to nourish the normal tissues back to health and helps to control these side effects.

It is important to note that Ayurveda does not claim to have an empirically proven cure for cancer. Generally, the treatment aims at providing support and rejuvenation after the standard cancer treatments like chemotherapy.

The main goals of the Ayurveda treatment for cancer are

Rejuvenate and nourish the system

Restore the tissues and give it strength to function

Relieve the stress

Improve the metabolism or digestion process

Manage the pain better

Improve the quality of life.

 

Ayurveda views that Ama or toxins due to indigestion can spread cancer cells. So, it is important to cleanse the body of these toxins. There will be procedures to strengthen the tissues, as well.

Some of the common methods include

Shirodhara, where medicated oil gets poured over the forehead. It calms the body and mind and also improves the sleep quality

Abhyanga or oil massage helps to improve blood circulation, reduces pain and improves the strength of the body

Swedana or herbal steam bath to nourish the tissues, improve digestion and strength of the body.

Kashaya Dhara ( pouring water extracts on the affected part) to reduce inflammation.

Garshana or dry massage, which stimulates blood flow and senses.

Panchakarma procedures such as Vasti or induced enema or induced purgation to flush out the toxins from the body

Rasayana procedures to strengthen the immune system

 

Pain management is a key part of the program. Internal medicines and external therapies with herbal medicines form the basis for this treatment. It helps in reducing pain in the muscles, bones, joints, stomach, head, etc.

While these methods above indicate the standard procedures, the treatment will be as per your doctor's advice. Your doctor will consider the following aspects while preparing the treatment plan.

The type and stage of the cancer

Medications for the cancer

The overall health

The main dosha type

 

The doctor will prepare this integrated plan and discuss it with you before starting the treatment.