The world’s ancient systems of healing have prevailed despite the saturation of modern conventional medicine for one reason… they work. And because of this, they have been incorporated into the everyday lives, spiritual philosophies, health habits, and cultural customs of billions of people on the planet. Perhaps in no other healing tradition is this more evident than in the ancient practice of Ayurveda.
Let’s explore what Ayurveda has to say about the very modern dis-ease of cancer and look at the Ayurvedic treatment for cancer.
Ayurveda’s Herbs Are Already Being Studied
A quick look through the National Institutes of Health research database reveals studies investigating the most common Ayurvedic herbs. They tell the tale. To date there have been close to 500 studies conducted on cumin, 650 on fennel, and 2,500 on ginger.
Interestingly, there have been just under 10,000 research studies done on turmeric and curcumin − including 3,500 studies on how turmeric alone, as well as in combination with other herbs, can help fight cancer.
Most health-conscious individuals are aware of the healing power of these Ayurvedic spices and may even be aware of some of the other principles around Ayurveda. However, few grasp how these individual modalities are part of a cohesive and complex system of medicine that has been in existence for over 5,000 years.
The Basic Principles of Ayurvedic Medicine
The term Ayurveda translates to “the science of life.” Thus, Ayurveda does not just deal with the treatment of the physical body. It also focuses on balancing and harmonizing all aspects of a person’s mind, body, and spirit as well as that of society as a whole.
In Ayurveda, a person is seen as being made up of five primary natural elements: ether (or space), fire, water, air, and earth. These elements manifest and combine in the body in certain physiological ways. How these elements express themselves are called Doshas − Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Dosha-balancing is at the very heart of the Ayurvedic healing system.
In basic terms, each Dosha is responsible for specific functions in the body. Vata, for example, is associated with the air and ether. It is responsible for movement − including circulation, respiration, elimination, and nerve impulses. Pitta is said to be associated with water and fire and is responsible for metabolism, including cellular metabolism.
Finally, the Kapha Dosha is governed by water and earth. It is responsible for growth and protection, including the protection of the cerebral and spinal fluid and the mucosal lining of the stomach. It is also responsible for the growth of new tissue.
Each individual is unique within the Ayurvedic model, and thus each person expresses the Doshas differently. On your own or through a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, you can discover your own Dosha Type.
How Ayurveda Sees Cancer
In Ayurveda, any imbalance in the body system is caused by the overexpression or underexpression of one or more of the Doshas. Hence, all disease begins with them. Dosha imbalance can lead to dis-ease according to the following basic stages:
- Accumulation − where one or more of the Doshas has increased
- Aggravation − as levels increase for one Dosha, this causes the remaining Doshas to become imbalanced
- Overflow − the accumulated Dosha spreads into the body carrying Aama, or toxic waste products
- Localization − the Dosha settles at a weak site in the body
- Manifestation − i.e. symptoms
- Disease − this would be the point where a conventional doctor would make a diagnosis of dis-ease, such as a particular kind of cancer
One major indication of health and vitality, according to Ayurveda, is the ability of the body to adapt to changing environments and external stimuli. When the body is not able to adapt, this disrupts communication between body functions. The process of communication disruption can also be aggravated by Aama.
Aama is the accumulation of toxins in the form of non-digested matter in the circulatory system which eventually becomes deposited in tissues and cells.
According to information from the European Institute of Vedic Studies (EIVS), the concept of balanced Doshas can be equated to the modern concept of homeostasis. In Ayurveda, Dosha balance means that all body systems, functions, and communications both within the body and between the body and the external environment are operating smoothly. Ayurveda acknowledges that cancer cells are always present in the body, but when the body is in a state of Dosha balance (or homeostasis), this is not a problem.
Dr. Virender Sodhi (MD, ND) of the Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Medical Clinic in Washington State says,
According to Ayurveda, unbalanced physiology (Doshas) leads to faulty inherent intelligence leading to malfunctioning of genes and gene behavior leading to diseases like cancer.
We all make cancer cells every day but our immune system is very sharp and not only recognizes the bad faulty cells but also sends its own army to destroy it. That is why the balance of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health is a very important part of healing.”
In Ayurvedic Medicine, Prevention is Key
Of course, the concept of prevention is not strictly relegated to Ayurveda. Changing your lifestyle to include more live foods, vegetables, and organic, grass-fed meats while reducing processed foods is part of it. In addition, reducing stress, getting adequate amounts of sleep and exercise, reducing your toxic burden, and fortifying the body with quality supplements are all good practices for health and vitality no matter who you are.
These days, more people are learning about ancient systems such as Ayurveda in order to provide an overall game plan for preventing cancer. They are doing this not only for their physical health, but for a quality life in general. Today all over the world, millions of people practice daily stretching, meditation & prayer, and take healing herbs associated with Ayurveda every day.
6 Ayurvedic Medicine Modalities You May Have Never Heard Of
There may be some Ayurvedic modalities you may not be as familiar with, however:
#1. Abhyanga
Abhyanga means massage and is a key part of Ayurvedic therapy. It usually involves oils prepared with specialized Ayurvedic herbs and essential oils for lymph drainage, detox, and relaxation.
#2. Shirodhara
Shirodhara is a kind of massage that is done by gently pouring warm herbalized oil over the forehead. Shirodhara is said to synchronize brain waves patterns and help to coordinate and calm the body as well the mind. For those who wish to prevent breast cancer, Stanya Shodhana massage uses castor, coconut, olive, or other herbalized or non-herbalized oils to gently massage the breast area. This is for detoxification and to help immobilize accumulated toxins in the mammary glands.
#3. Swedana
Swedana is an herbalized steam bath. In this procedure, the head and heart are kept cool while gentle hyperthermia is applied to the rest of the body. This procedure is said to remove both physical and emotional toxins lodged deep within the tissues.
#4. Garshana
This is dry lymphatic skin brushing. This procedure helps increase circulation and cleanses the pores of the skin.
#5. Basti
Basti is an enema using Ayurvedic herbs in order to pull toxins out of the colon.
#6. Panchakarma
Panchakarma means “five treatments.” It is designed to use up to five of the above modalities (and others not mentioned) in order to engage all five senses for a deeply detoxifying experience for mind, body and soul. Panchakarma is individually tuned to each individual’s health needs. Check with an Ayurvedic center near you to see if they offer this service. Basti (enema) is usually performed at the end of a Panchakarma treatment in order to get rid of loosened impurities. It is also used to introduce Ayurvedic medicines into the blood and tissues in the most effective way possible.
Ayurveda offers a rich body of information and practices for the health of the body, mind and spirit − indeed, this article barely scratched the surface of that knowledge. Ayurvedic treatment for cancer is an excellent adjunct to any healing journey and its contribution to what we now call the modern science of “natural healing” is beyond compare.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in June 2016. It has been updated and republished in November 2019.
Article Summary
Ancient healing systems such as Ayurveda have prevailed despite modern conventional medicine for one reason: they work.
Ayurveda focuses on balancing and harmonizing all aspects of a person’s mind, body, and spirit as well as that of society as a whole.
The term Ayurveda translates to “the science of life.”
In Ayurveda, a person is seen as being made up of five primary natural elements: ether (or space), fire, water, air, and earth.
Ayurveda acknowledges that cancer cells are always present in the body, but when the body is in a state of Dosha balance (or homeostasis), this is not a problem.
There are numerous Ayurvedic modalities which can be used to help balance the body, mind, and spirit and Ayurvedic treatment is an excellent adjunct to any healing journey.
This is a great article. We need to learn from all of the main traditional systems of the world, because the wisdom of the world is not trapped in one culture.
I will tell you one thing. I much rather use Ayurveda treatments instead of conventional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. At least with Ayurveda therapy, your hair does not fall off and one does not feel nauseous and throws up and develops cold sores in the mouth and feel numbness in the feet. This particular therapy should be recommended to all 4 stages of cancer instead of the conventional therapies.
As an Ayurvedic physician I help people heal from cancer. Though the author has written a good essay on using Ayurveda to prevent cancer, she doesn’t seem to have any knowledge of the very effective and specific ways that we treat different types of cancer.
Hello please reply me at hemantkushwah1888@gmail.com where did you get treatment or by which treatment my father can recover himself from last stage of cancer.
Hi Hemant,
We are sorry to hear what is going on with your father. The best advice we can give you is to consult with one of the doctors/experts that we interviewed in our Global Quest Series. Here is a link to get their information: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
If coffee enemas would dehydrate the body, how about drinking plenty of water beforehand. And I´d love to hear how Basti is in comparison.
When we found out My dad had Urinary bladder cancer. We opted for Ayurveda treatment. For the past one year he is doing fine. He has gained weight. Although he has his ups and Downs ( Some days he gets burning sensation while urinating and Disturbed sleep as had to urniate few times at night). He is having healthy life. He eats well and leading a normal life. Thanks for Ayurvedic treatment. Its lucky we did not go for chemo and radiation therapies.
Plz dear Harri help me my mother has also issue of cancer but doctor says only on way of treatment which is chemo.plZ help me engrumairkakar@gmail.com plZ mail. Me
Hello Harris
Where you started the treatment plz tell me.
Plz help me out gourav.k.j03@gmail.com.
Hi Harri, my aunt is having lung cancer . She is in 4th stage. There is no cure for it in allopathy and doctor has told us to follow chemotherapy as it will increase her lifespan by a year or so. Please tell me how Ayurveda has helped you and which ayurvedic center should I visit…..Plzz contact me at kashyapmore@hotmail.com
I’ve always appreciated attempts to help me approach healthcare from a more natural perspective, and ayurveda seems like it’s attempting to do just that. I’ve heard a lot about it, but I think this may be the article that actually makes me go search for a practitioner. It can’t hurt to try something new, right?
Try out Ayurveda pharmacy in Coimbatore, India. They have very good system. They run ayurveda colleges,Hospitals, There are experienced doctors and they prepare their own ayurvedic medicines.
which is the best Ayurveda who really does cancer treatment successfully. As know a days if Dr came to know its a cancer patients then there is money lottery for him. If there is good Dr in Mumbai, India who really does treatments for patient with reasonable fees plz let me know urgent . As i need very urgent for my mother as she has cancer
hi inderjit ..there is a doctor in Roorkee Dr Rishabh Jain ..he is very good and give genuine medicines ,his 4 generations are in Ayurveda .search on internet you will get the details..
Plz mona tell me how can I contact him for medicine my mother is suffering from cancer plz tell me
Please, can someone guide me to an Ayurvedic doctor in Srilanka or India to treat and cure my niece as she is suffering with two malignant tumours in her stomach, the champs and radio therapy is not answering positively. Please help. Thanķ you.
My niece is having two cancerous malignant tumours in her stomach, chemo and radio therapy not answering positively, can someone guide me to genuine Ayurvedic doctor who will be able to cure her,we are in Srilanka.
Lalin,
We are so sorry to hear about what your niece is going through. The best advice we can give you is to consult with one of the doctors/experts that we interviewed in our Global Quest Series. Here is a link to get their information: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
Buy a colloidal silver making machine and make at 10 parts per million. Take two tablespoons every hour while awake and eat a raw food vegetable diet, no sugar added .eggs are good for you, use sea salt, plenty of sunshine, vitamins and minerals, pray to the great healer Jesus Christ and I believe you will have a very good outcme. I’ve seen my father and others healed of cancer doing this!!!
As far as i know you cant be ever 100% sure with ayurvedic treatment. My friend whose mother is diagnosed with breast cancer tried ayurvedic treatment but there was no effect. Now, hes taking another ayurvedic treatment from Cancertame and its been 2 months and he says that its actually helping and working
Hello Silvia… sounds like you’ve had a bad experience with chemo. I was lucky enough to have none of those side effects during my 6months of chemo last year (stage 4 colon cancer). Last week I returned from one month in India at a Ayurvedic Hospital and Research Centre – it was fantastic and I did the Panchakarma Detox to help detox the chemo chemicals (and begin the process of hopefuly keeping the cancer at bay). BUT…. I can tell you that although I didn’t have side effects from chemo, Panchakarma is all about vomiting and pooping! Its a better end result however. I’d hihly recomend it and most certainly would recomend the place I went to. There were many cancer patients there. Some were using purely Ayurvedic healing remedies, while others like me had already undergone conventional treatments. It depends what stage you’re at I guess – certainly with mine being stage 4, chemo seemed like the safest option at that point. I wish you luck with your healing journey.
Hello Rosslyn! I hope you are keeping well and living the Ayurvedic way. I would be very grateful if you could give me the name and details of the Ayurvedic hospital in India, as my mom has got cancer.
Even if I am an Ayurvedic therapist I never had a chance to go to India because I am looking after my mom full time. She had chemotherapy a few times but cancer came back. I always believed and trusted Ayurveda but here in western world it is not easy to go speak anything apart from conventional medicine, and it is very frustrating. Thank you so much. 🙏🏼
Roslyn, it was not me who had cancer. It was my mother who had cancer and underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy and had bad experiences with them. She developed cold sores in her mouth, had thrush, vomited, and felt numbness in her feet. My mother had breast cancer in 1994, then it spread to her bones in 2003, and in the end in 2009, the cancer went to her bone marrow, liver, and brain and she died at age 62 in November 2009. I did not know about natural treatments then. I only knew about the conventional therapies. How is your stage 4 colon cancer going? Do you still have this disease or has it disappeared completely? Have you tried immunotherapy and viral therapy?
Dear roslyn, Can I please know the place where you had ayurvedic treatment in India? Thanks .– Hari
My mummy had breast cancer in 2016…we had treatment of chemotherapy nd radiation…now After 1.5 yr….cancer spread to bones…..Now she is suffering from bone cancer….
We have started ayurvedic treatment from 2 days…
Can we rely upon only ayurvedic treatment????
We dont want to start chemo nd all…
Can only ayurvedic treatment cure or prevennt cancer???
Plzzzzzz replyyy
Nazninshaiikh,
The best advice we can give you is to consult with one of the doctors/experts that we interviewed in our Global Quest Series. Here is a link to get their information: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
My father is also suffering from urinary bladder cancer. Iwould like to know the ayurvedic medicine what your father had to cure it. Please send reply to my email id. anil_ mdkt@yahoo.com
are that true people really cured by Ayurvedic treatment?
My dad is suffering from cancer. please provide me some informations for the best hospital, doctor for the ayurveda treatment. kindly please send mail on aichnilanjana55@gmail.com
Hi nilanjana,
We are sorry to hear about what your father is going through. We unfortunately can’t provide you with medical advice, so the best advice we can give you is to consult with one of the doctors/experts that we interviewed in our Global Quest Series. Here is a link to get their information: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
I would recommend giving cancertame a try, I am using it for my mother’s breast cancer treatment.
They help in opening the blocked airway and continue to prevent any additional attack of asthma.
It is percormed by mixing some mustard oil after a little camphor
and after that massagin it on the chest of the individual affected.
You ccan now easily gra this solution online looking at the official website.
In today’s life, most of us are busy with a multitude of activities in order to perform in our respective workspaces in addition to bearing social and family responsibilities. Sometimes we may not even be aware of it but mostly this combination of demand on our time and energy throws us out of balance every day. This state of imbalance at physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels, leads to compromised physical health, loss of mental peace, shattered relationships and reduced output.
Through its various activities, Ath Ayurdhamah is dedicated to restoring and maintaining this lost balance through the understanding and practice of age-old systems of Ayurveda and Yoga. Our strength lies in understanding the body and its performance at the constitutional level.
There is a number of natural herbs and products that are used by Ayurvedic doctors. We ensure careful selection and sourcing of herbs, minerals and oils from the best sources and appreciate the fact that hygiene and high-quality control standards are critical in the manufacturing of these medicines and products
Ayurveda essentially means the knowledge of life. It is a precise combination of science and the art of healthy living. Ayurveda is popular for its extensive natural healing ways that work on illnesses and improving the general wellness of the human body and mind.
It does not simply mean chanting, yoga, applying packs and massaging with oils, but branches deep into the psychological and physiological aspects of eliminating the root cause of health problems.