Cancer

Overview

Cancer involves abnormal growth and spread of cells. Conventional care—surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and/or radiation—is the backbone of treatment. Complementary modalities can help manage symptoms, maintain strength, and improve quality of life when used safely alongside your oncologist’s plan.

Integrative Ayurvedic Perspective

Classical guidance emphasizes restoring balance (doṣa), improving digestion/metabolism (agni), reducing toxic load (āma), and supporting resilience (rasāyana). In modern integrative care this translates to tailored nutrition, gentle movement, breathwork/meditation, sleep hygiene, stress reduction, and practitioner-guided use of herbs where appropriate.

Note: Claims of “cure” with herbs alone are not supported by clinical evidence; use Ayurveda as a supportive framework under medical supervision.

Support During Chemo/Radiation

• Nausea & appetite: small frequent warm meals; ginger/lemon infusions if approved by your team.
• Fatigue: paced activity, restorative yoga, breath awareness (prāṇāyāma) as tolerated.
• Mouth/throat care: bland soft foods; lukewarm saline/baking-soda rinses; avoid very hot, spicy, or acidic foods if mucositis.
• Sleep & stress: consistent routines, guided relaxation, brief daytime sunlight exposure.
• Skin care: for radiation sites follow oncology-provided protocols only; avoid unapproved topicals.

Diet & Lifestyle (Supportive)

• Prefer freshly cooked, easy-to-digest warm meals; adequate protein per dietitian advice.
• Hydration with warm water/herbal sips; limit ultra-processed foods and excess sugar.
• Gentle daily movement; avoid over-exertion during low counts or severe fatigue.
• Meditation, chanting, or prayer for emotional regulation and resilience.

Cautions & Interactions

• Always disclose any herbs/supplements to your oncology team (possible interactions with chemotherapy, targeted agents, anticoagulants, etc.).
• Avoid unregulated formulations or heavy-metal preparations unless prescribed and monitored by a qualified practitioner.
• Stop non-essential supplements before procedures or when counts are low—follow your oncologist’s guidance.

Find Oncology & Integrative Practitioners

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When to Seek Urgent Care

• High fever, rigors, uncontrolled vomiting/diarrhea, bleeding, chest pain, new shortness of breath, confusion, or severe weakness.
• Call your oncology hotline or emergency services as instructed by your team.