Cancer contributes to so many losses of life all over the world in today’s era. The number of new cancer cases in 2021 has already exceeded 19 million worldwide. The disease is more common and invasive than every day. There are many kinds of treatment available in medical science each with different ways of treating cancer along with different side effects and limitations.
The question is, apart from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, is there a way that doesn’t involve harsh and toxic chemicals with minimum side effects? The ancient art of yoga and ancient way of treating illness or Ayurveda may provide alternative approaches to dealing with cancer and related complications.
For the success of any treatment, the body needs to enjoy its benefits. Due to extreme stress, anxiety, and anxiety, the body may reject these medications and treatment may not be very effective. Therefore, to prepare the body for treatment and ensure recovery, yoga and Ayurveda help to calm the mind and reduce stress and panic. Let’s dig a bit into the effectiveness of yoga and Ayurveda in cancer treatment.
Ayurveda and yoga: an overview
Today, environmental, dietary, and unpredictable and unstable daily life changes in individuals have clear cancer associations. Ayurveda stands for “Science of Life” and is the oldest holistic healing system in the world originating from the Indian subcontinent. This practice and methodology of treatment are probably older than 5000 years. Ayurveda emphasises that it balances the constant connection between body, mind, and soul, and thus the natural harmony of each individual. Ayurveda recognizes and characterises some well-mentioned numerous herbs and herbal preparations for treating cancer forms and illnesses.
Let’s talk about yoga now. Yoga is an old and complex practice rooted in Indian philosophy. Although it began as a spiritual practice, it was a popular way to promote physical and mental well-being. There are different styles of yoga, from gentle exercises to physically intense exercises. Differences in the types of yoga used in research studies can affect research results. This makes it difficult to evaluate studies on the health effects of yoga.
Ayurvedic way of treating cancer
Modern and allopathic science now believes in the ayurvedic principle. Hence more research is happening towards ayurvedic herbs and natural remedies. Many health centres and universities are incorporating Ayurveda into their programs to combat the growing number of non-communicable diseases. All medical professionals believe that prevention is better than treatment. So, Ayurveda paves the way for such a goal of living a healthy and blissful life.
Ayurveda does not consider cancer to be a separate disease or a collection of diseases. In contrast, Ayurveda states that all diseases are caused by systemic imbalance and dysfunction of the three Doshas. Instead of targeted therapies to destroy tumours, Ayurvedic drugs/treatments tries correcting metabolic defects and restore normal tissue functions. Like most forms of traditional medicine, Ayurvedic medicine is holistic, as immunotherapy (Rasayana Prayoga) to rejuvenate the body’s support system is an important component of cancer therapy.
Ayurveda has many herbs with specific medicinal properties, from common colds to malignant diseases such as cancer. Some of these herbs have protective properties, while others heal naturally. These herbs have been used to treat different types of cancer for thousands of years. The phytochemicals contained in these herbs are currently the subject of intensive research and research to isolate the most active ingredients. The active ingredient can be used to develop medicines.
Some of the ayurvedic herbs useful for fighting cancer are ashwagandha, Aloe vera, Makandi, Indian Sandalwood, Sesame oil, Arjuna, Lakshmanaphala, Guduchi, etc. These herbs have been shown to have chemoprotective and anticancer properties in the research conducted.
Yoga to fight cancer and add blissfulness
Studies show that yoga can help cancer patients both mentally and physically. Although you can’t fight cancer itself, yoga can reduce some of the side effects of cancer and its cures. Several studies have found that yoga can reduce cancer-related fatigue and improve sleep. It also helps recovery after cancer surgery. One aspect of yoga is dealing with the mind, which can reduce depression, anxiety, and stress.
There`s no particular kind of yoga or yoga pose that`s high-quality for cancer patients. But studies show that much less strenuous sorts can assist with a few facet outcomes of treatment. These encompass mild hatha yoga and restorative yoga. Some of the yoga poses and techniques that can be practised are Vrikshasana or tree pose, Marjariasana, Vajrasana or thunderbolt pose, Anulom Vilom, Siddhohum Kriya, etc.
One workout involved deep inhalations, accompanied with the aid of using lengthy exhalations at the same time as creating a buzzing sound. (It’s called Bhramari pranayama.) Even without bodily yoga poses, the respiratory exercises decreased fatigue in a few persons who have been getting radiation for cancer.
Summing up
Yoga and Ayurveda are not just ways of treating diseases or ailments but they are the science for body, mind, and spirit. These practices can have a very strong impact on healing and recovery, especially if in the third stage of cancer.
