THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Impressed by the powerful therapeutic effects of Indian Ayurvedic and other traditional medical wisdom, experts from the reputed International Institute of Oncology have suggested harnessing the benefits of integrative treatment protocols for cancer patients.
Dr Jun Mao of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, speaking at the ongoing Global Ayurveda Festival, said he was impressed by the powerful techniques of Ayurvedic therapy and was convinced it could benefit cancer patients suffering from side effects of treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.
Mao, head of integrative medicine services at the institution, considered one of the most prominent oncology research centres globally, said he was fortunate to receive an Ayurvedic massage and shirodhara (oil offering) after his visit here for an Ayurvedic conference.
The US oncologist said alternative medicines like Ayurveda could help improve the quality of life of cancer patients: “Traditional wisdom and modern medicine can co-exist. For the field to develop, both need to be in balance and create harmony.”
Mao said his research centre already incorporates elements of yoga, Chinese medicine and acupuncture into holistic cancer treatment: “India has a lot of Ayurvedic wisdom and experience, so the world can learn a lot about what has been practiced for centuries. Plus, patients want this kind of approach because they want to live healthier lives.”
Dr. Santosh Narayan of MD Anderson Cancer Center and an associate professor at the University of Texas said research conducted by her team has found that both patients and the oncologists who treat them are looking for the same information about cancer patients’ diet, pain management and healthy lifestyles.
She said Ayurvedic practitioners and oncologists should communicate with each other and create a platform to share knowledge to complement treatment.
Narayan, who graduated from medical school in India and then moved to the United States for graduate school and research, said he would like to see more Western physicians attend conferences like the Global Ayurveda Festival.
“We have a lot to learn from each other,” she added.
((With inputs from IANS)
