New Delhi: According to a Research Gate report published in February this year, Background Cancer incidence (the number of new cancer cases in a specific population over a given period, usually a year) rates are rising at an alarming rate in India and are expected to rise by 12% in the next 5 years. The report goes on to state that “cancer, as in other developing nations, has been one of the top causes of morbidity and mortality in India and carries more than a tenth of the worldwide cancer burden.”
In India, cancer management poses many complex challenges owing to socio-economic disparities and issues about accessibility and affordability of healthcare. Bridging care gaps, reducing the financial burden of treatment, and helping patients deal with not just the disease itself but the side effects of the treatment are some of the issues that need urgent attention.
“For millions, pain management and a specially-curated nutritional plan can be key to better health outcomes for cancer patients,” said Dr Ravishankar Polisetty, the pioneer of Poly Scientific Ayurveda.
Chemotherapy is recommended widely to patients as it targets fast-growing cancer cells, slows down cancer growth, and shrinks tumours. “However, it also leads to many side effects including fatigue, weakened immunity, mouth sores, nausea, and hair loss. Poly Scientific Ayurveda’s holistic recovery techniques and personalised nutritional regimens can support patients through this journey and offer them relief,” says Dr Polisetty.
Explaining how Poly Scientific Ayurveda can offer effective complementary support alongside chemotherapy, Dr Polisetty says, “Poly Scientific Ayurveda can help boost immunity levels with the help of restorative herbs, detoxifying therapies such as ‘Panchakarma’ dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes that promote overall well-being. It does not target the disease directly as chemotherapy does but strives to balance the ‘doshas’, (Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha) of each individual, promotes tissue recovery, and also alleviates the toxicity of aggressive treatments.”
Antioxidants like ashwagandha, turmeric, tulsi, and amla are also recommended for their anti-inflammatory qualities reiterate the importance of recognising the mind-body connection when it comes to disease management. Dr Polisetty explains, “Cancer takes a great toll on mental and emotional health and so meditation and pranayama therapies along with Yoga can help enhance spiritual resilience and relieve debilitating stress.”
