Managing Blood Cancer Symptoms With Ayurveda, Acupuncture, And Art Therapy

A blood cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. Not only are the symptoms of blood cancer devastating to bear, but its treatment itself is excruciating. As per a national survey conducted in the United States of America, hair loss, fatigue, organ dysfunction, and nerve damage were commonly reported as some of the side effects of blood cancer treatment. That is why, a lot of blood cancer patients explore complementary therapies forming the three A’s- Ayurveda, Acupuncture, and Art Therapy. 

Ayurvedic Treatments For Blood Cancer 

The ancient Indian science of balancing the mind, body, and soul, ayurveda is a famous therapy to manage the symptoms of blood cancer.  To understand its role in treating blood cancer symptoms, the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Ganesh Chaudhary, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), PHC, Darbhanga, Bihar.

“Ayurveda focuses on achieving balance in the body, mind, and spirit to promote overall health and well-being. Blood Cancer is a scary diagnosis. This is essential for anyone dealing with blood cancer as it takes a toll on the spirit as much as it does on the person’s mind and body,” he shared.

Also Read: Bone Cancer: Here Are 7 Proven Ayurvedic Herbs To Heal The Pain 

Sharing some ways in which Ayurveda can help blood cancer patients, he listed: 

• Diet and Nutrition: Ayurveda emphasises the importance of a balanced diet tailored to an individual’s doshas. Ayurvedic diets can support the immune system and overall health, helping the patient fight and bear the symptoms of the cancer, and also chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
• Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha and Turmeric have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, which can help you manage symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment.
• Stress Reduction: Ayurveda also incorporates practices like meditation and yoga to reduce stress, which can improve emotional well-being, which is crucial for cancer patients. 

Acupuncture For Blood Cancer

Now coming to an ancient Chinese tradition this time, for those of you who don’t know, acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy and promote healing. Now before you run away at the mere thought of inserting needles into your body, as shown in the image above, acupuncture needles are really thin and are inserted by a professional in such a manner that they don’t cause pain at all.

Here’s how acupuncture can help blood cancer patients:

• Pain Management: Yes you heard it right. Acupuncture needles don’t cause pain but actually are quite effective in reducing cancer-related pain, nerve damage, and muscle discomfort caused by cancer treatments.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Acupuncture also helps to alleviate one of the most common symptoms of chemotherapy- nausea and vomiting, and helps to improve a patient’s overall quality of life.
• Stress and Anxiety: Acupuncture sessions can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, which is common among cancer patients.

Art Therapy For Blood Cancer

Last but not least, art therapy, is a creative approach to psychotherapy that allows individuals to express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences through painting and crafting.

Also Read: Dancing Through Chemotherapy: Kathak Artist’s Battle with Ovarian Cancer

Here’s how art therapy is a commendable complementary therapy to manage symptoms of blood cancer. 

• Emotional Outlet: A cancer diagnosis comes with a lot of fear, anxiety, regret, grief, and anger. Art therapy provides a safe and non-verbal way for cancer patients to process these complex emotions. Managing emotions is important for a sound mind, which in turn is key to boosting your body’s physical health and healing.
• Stress Reduction: Engaging in art can also be calming and meditative, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
• Improving Quality of Life: Ultimately, art therapy can enhance the overall quality of life by providing a sense of accomplishment, self-expression, and connection with others.

A blood cancer diagnosis can make a person feel lonely and betrayed by the body that was supposed to protect them. It’s an unfortunate illness that can ruin not just individual lives but families. While conventional treatments are important, a holistic approach that includes complementary therapies like ayurveda, acupuncture, and art therapy can offer a more compassionate and personalised strategy for managing blood cancer and its associated challenges and improving the overall well-being of patients.