Ayurvedic treatment and guidelines for patients undergoing Chemotherapy
Ayurvedic treatment minimizes toxicities of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is one of the treatment modalities of Cancer Treatment in Modern medical science. Though Cancer Chemotherapy is highly effective in many Cancers, toxicities of Chemotherapy are severe in many patients. Chemotherapy medicines produce side – effects like Diarrhoea, Loss of appetite, Anorexia, Vomiting, Constipation, Stomatitis, Burning sensation, Fever, Weakness, Loss of weight, Alopecia.
Chemotherapy medicines produce Myelosupression i.e. Hemoglobin, White Blood Cell count & Platelets are reduced. Thus patients can not take Chemotherapy cycles on scheduled date.
Cancer Research Project of Ayurved Hospital & Research Centre has treated more than 1000 patients undergoing Chemotherapy. It is observed that side – effects of Chemotherapy are remarkable reduced with Ayurvedic treatment & patient can tolerate Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy medicines mainly hamper Gastrointestinal tract. In this condition, Ayurvedic line of treatment improves appetite, promotes digestion & relives associated symptoms like Nausea, Vomiting, Loss of appetite, Stomatitis, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Hyperacidity.
Ayurvedic medicines having cooling property are also found to be effective to reduce excessive heat produced due to Chemotherapy medicines. Thus patients get relief from symptoms like burning sensation in chest, palms, soles & in eyes.
Ayurvedic medicines improved blood count & removing toxicities in blood and are also beneficial to maintain Hemoglobin, WBC count & platelets.
As blood counts are maintained in most of the patients, they complete course of Chemotherapy in speculated time period.
Along with medicines, diet plays an important role in minimizing side – effects of Chemotherapy. Diet like rice, moong dal, boiled vegetables, vegetable soup, fresh sweet fruits, cow’s milk, cow’s ghee, buttermilk, butter is recommended during the course of Chemotherapy. This diet is light to digest & nourishes the body.
Insomnia (Disturbed sleep) is a common problem during Chemotherapy. It is due to mental stress & physiological disturbance. Shiropichu (Application of gauze soaked in medicated oil) is observed to be beneficial in this problem.
Counseling of patients & relatives is of utmost importance in management of Chemotherapy side – effects. Counseling is done by Doctors & other patients who have completed chemotherapy. It helps to boost up the courage / confidence of patient.
Cancer patients are definitely benefited with this type of integrated approach of treatment.