Effect of Integrated Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy (IAYT) on osteoporosis detected in breast cancer patient on remission- A single case study

Abstract

This is a case study for invasive ductal carcinoma diagnosed in a patient aged 60 years in 2015. She went through chemotherapy and radiotherapy and was on remission in 2016. Bone density degeneration was the side effect from the breast cancer treatment. After trying the conventional treatment, she was not satisfied, she came to Union Yoga Ayurveda (UYA), Singapore. She came to clinic looking for alternative therapy to help her increase her bone density, cope up with weakness and overall mental and physical wellbeing. The patient was given holistic treatment of yoga and Ayurveda, involving patra pinda sweda (herbal compress) and picchu (herbal soaked gauze pieces). The yoga therapy involved asanas practise to increase strength, breathing and meditation for overall wellbeing. The patient was not on any other treatment/medication during the entire treatment. After uninterrupted therapy for six months there was an increase in her bone density along with increase in energy level. The patient case study is an attempt to provide yoga and Ayurveda as an alternative/supportive treatment for remission management osteoporosis from breast cancer patients.

An Integrated Approach of Yoga and Ayurveda in Cancer Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

“…This may be helpful for cancer sufferers, who frequently experience physical exhaustion, anxiety, sadness, sleeplessness, and weak muscles [22]. Yoga intervention combined with Ayurveda therapy may increase the psychophysiological health of such patients, along with enhanced probability of longevity [23].…”

“…Enhancing the framework of rehabilitation therapy may have a significant influence on overall functionality and QL amongst cancer survivors, since bulk of them are adversely impacted by the functioning impairments. A study by Tripathi et al [23] with an intervention of Ayurveda and Yoga as a supporting treatment shown to improve the bone density and energy levels in carcinoma patients who are diagnosed with osteoporosis. The psycho-oncological approach of cancer that is based on yoga philosophy has been explored by Amritanshuram et al [27] to incorporate the subtle characteristics of mind like prana and soul.…”