Whole-system Ayurveda program for survivors
Better quality of life in one small study with no comparison group.
What studies found
In a 2020 pilot, 27 of 32 breast cancer survivors finished a four-month, one-on-one program of diet, daily routine, yoga and marma (acupressure-like) sessions. Emotional and cognitive functioning, sleep and fatigue improved, and no harms were reported. An NIH-funded follow-up is now testing it at more sites.
The catch
Without a comparison group, the gains can't be credited to the program; many survivors improve with time. It is a quality-of-life approach, not a cancer treatment.
What to do
Reasonable as an add-on if it leaves out metal-based remedies, purging and bloodletting. Tell your oncology team.
Sources
Rung 2 of 5, Limited: Few, small or conflicting human studies, or only indirect measures such as blood markers. How we score
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the breast cancer page.
Related
- Acupuncture for cancer painRung 4 · StrongWith your doctorRung 4 · StrongSide-effect supportWith your doctor
- Healthy eating pattern after breast cancerRung 3 · ModerateYou can do thisRung 3 · ModerateSide-effect supportYou can do this
- Keeping a healthy weight after breast cancerRung 3 · ModerateYou can do thisRung 3 · ModerateSide-effect supportYou can do this
- Yoga, massage, music and hypnosisRung 3 · ModerateYou can do thisRung 3 · ModerateSide-effect supportYou can do this
- Exercise during and after any cancer treatmentRung 5 · EstablishedYou can do thisRung 5 · EstablishedSide-effect supportYou can do this