A Woman’s Guide to Ayurvedic Practices for Cancer Prevention

In the pursuit of health and disease prevention, Ayurveda takes a holistic approach, emphasizing the significance of daily (Dinacharya) and seasonal regimens (Rtucharya). These regimens are essential for disease prevention and strengthening immunity. 

Ayurveda highlights the importance of nurturing women’s health and recognizing the impact of hormonal changes from puberty onwards. Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life can influence normal physiology and emotional well-being, increasing the risk of gynecological cancers like breast cancer, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer. Stress is considered a potent factor in cancer development, and is prevalent in today’s fast-paced lifestyle.

Following these simple steps to prevent and care for women’s health can greatly reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers:

• Going to bed by 10pm and getting up in the morning by 6am ensures a good rest with proper sleep. A minimum of 6 hours of sleep is needed for normal hormonal functioning.
• A well-planned diet and living according to Dosha lifestyle guidelines supports and improves women’s hormonal health.

Embarking on a journey of well-being, Ayurveda also offers specialized care at every stage of a woman’s life. From the nuanced care during menstrual days to the transformative phases of pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause—Ayurveda provides personalized regimens for each unique chapter.

• Rajaswalacharya – special care on menstrual days. 
• Garbhini Masanumasika Charya – special modes of diet and care in pregnancy to prepare physically and psychologically for a birthing
• Sutika Paricharya – care for postpartum women.
• Rasayana Chikitsa – for women in their perimenopausal period.

Rajaswalacharya – special care on menstrual days 

• Have proper rest, avoid physical strain, and manage mental stress during menstruation. 
• Consume light fresh and warm foods avoiding high sugar, and artificial canned foods on menstrual days.
• Maintain menstrual hygiene by taking warm showers in the morning and evening.
• Only do light exercise on the first two days of bleeding.
• Abstaining from sex during menstruation contributes to preventing cervical cancer.
• Ayurveda also offers guidance for self-care practices, including self-examination of the breasts and abdominal health after menstrual days, ensuring early detection of any abnormalities. 

Garbhini Masanumasika Charya – pregnancy care

• Pregnancy care in Ayurveda focuses on supporting the physical body and emotional balance, reducing the likelihood of hormonal imbalances, stress, and potential cancer risks. Seeking physical and psychological support during this transformative period is encouraged.

Sutika Paricharya – care for postpartum women

• Postpartum care is important for women, Ayurveda recognizes the energy-draining nature of this phase. A specialized diet, including herbs and spices like ginger, turmeric, jaggery, Cedrus deodara, Brahmi, Gotukola, Satavari, Aegel marmelos, and coconut flower helps reduce inflammation and infection, ensuring reproductive health without cell changes.

Rasayana Chikitsa – for women in their perimenopausal period

• During the perimenopausal phase there is a hormonal shift, estrogen levels drop and hormones like testosterone, and insulin sensitivity may spike. Ayurveda suggests seasonal detoxes and a Panchakarma detox to alleviate symptoms and inflammatory stress. Mindfulness practices, such as yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation aid in the transition, while an antioxidant-rich diet, featuring a spectrum of colorful fruits and vegetables like carrot, beetroot, orange, mango, kale, celery, spinach, tomato, and olives helps boost immunity and vitality.

Finally, Ayurvedic herbs like Triphala, Ashwagandha, Gotu Kola, Guduchi, Brahmi, and Blue Pea, when used under the guidance of an Ayurvedic Physician, show promise in preventing gynecological cancers. These natural interventions not only support well-being but also enhance the quality of life.

Ayurveda’s holistic approach provides women with practical and accessible tools for cancer prevention through mindful living and balanced self-care.

 

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Dr. Resmi V. Rajagopal, BAMS, MS (Ayurveda Gynec), PGDYN

Dr. Resmi is a versatile Ayurvedic physician from Kerala, India, specializing in women’s health and pregnancy care, therapeutic yoga, and nutrition.

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