AYUSH: Adjunct supportive therapy for cancer control

Cancer Research Institute is offering clinical services of ( AYUSH ) complimentary therapies to cancer patients through collaboration with Ayurveda Center, Holistic Medicine Department , Homeopathy & Yoga services at HIHT.
CRI has started AYUSH clinics staffed by well trained physicians in complimentary therapies such as Ayurveda , Homeopathy , Yoga , Osteopathy . These therapies are offered only as supportive treatment , while patients are receiving standard protocols of modern cancer treatment. Multidisciplinary teams of various experts such as Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology & Medical Oncology identify the needs and suitability of patients for integration of these therapies and monitors the progress of patients.
Complimentary therapy is not promoted as Anti - Cancer treatment.
Some of the common indications for use of these therapies are -

• Rejuvenation after completion of cancer specific therapies, from toxicities and general debility.
• As supportive therapy for physical , mental & spiritual well being , while a patient is undergoing cancer specific therapy.
• Symptom control in patients receiving only palliative care for advanced cancer / end of life care.
• Life style management for prevention of cancer.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINE:

Ayurveda, the most ancient & holistic health system of medicine originated in India provides rational means for the treatment of many chronic diseases including cancer. The Ayurvedic system of medicine is well founded on the basic principles of nature and is the first system to emphasize health as the perfect state of physical, psychological, social and spiritual component of a human being.
According to Ayurveda all the diseases and other health problems are caused due to imbalances of doshas and disharmony with the natural environment. The primary aim of ayurveda is to re-establish balance of doshas and strengthening the body tissues along with body's biological and spiritual forces. The therapeutic approach of Ayurveda has been divided into four categories as Prakritisthapana chikitsa (health maintenance), Roganashani chikitsa (disease cure), Rasayana chikitsa (restoration of normal function) and Naishthiki chikitsa (spiritual approach). This unique holistic approach of ayurveda helps cancer patients in restoring cellular intelligence, doshic balance, immunity, vital strength and healthy environment covering all the levels: physical, mental, emotional & spiritual.
Ayurvedic dietary recommendations, herbal supplements, and lifestyle practices , stress management techniques help the patient to enjoy an optimum state of health while undergoing cancer treatment.

OSTEOPATHY:

Osteopathy is a form of drug-free, non-invasive manual medicine that focuses on total body health by treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework, which includes the joints, muscles and spine. Its aim is to positively affect the body's nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems. Osteopaths do not simply concentrate on treating the problem area, but use manual techniques to balance all the systems of the body, to provide overall good health and wellbeing. The philosophy of Osteopathy is what sets it apart from other medical disciplines. The key principles are based on all parts of the body functioning together in an integrated manner. If one part of the body is restricted, then the rest of the body must adapt and compensate for this, eventually leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness and other health conditions. When the body is free of restrictions in movement, Osteopathic treatment assists the body with pain minimization, reduced stress and greater mobility providing the body with the opportunity to heal itself.
Osteopaths use a broad range of gentle hands-on techniques including soft tissue stretching, deep tactile pressure, and mobilization or manipulation of joints. Osteopathic treatment in itself is not disease preventive or curative . Osteopaths respect the body's natural ability as a self-regulating mechanism and only intervene when pain or discomfort is present. The benefits of osteopathy are the general improvement in mobility and structural stability of the body. In turn, other systems of the body such as the circulatory, nervous and lymphatic systems function more effectively and for a number of general conditions, minimal treatment is required.
Osteopathic treatment at CRI is available by a qualified renowned osteopath trained in UK, Dr. Mira Swami, in consultation with treating oncologist.