Homeopathy

Homeopathy is derived from Greek words "Homoeos" = Like or Similar; and "Pathos" = disease or suffering, which means 'Likes cure Likes'. The efficacy of homeopathy drugs is well established in almost all the ailments including those which are a challenge to the modern medicine such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cancer (Malignancies of various origins), Diabetes Mellitus, etc. Most importantly since homeopathic medicines are in dilutions the side effects are greatly minimized. Hence this system is perfect in ailments of infants and children

The effects or the medicinal values of the drugs are determined by drug proving. The homeopathic drugs are derived from various sources. A good remedy removes the disease from its roots and leaves no trace of the disease behind. Individual constitution is given prime importance in homeopathy because no two individuals are alike. Hence we have one drug per individual. This path thus becomes unique and more accurate. Case taking is the most vital part prior to treatment wherein the Doctors analyze the mental symptoms along with the physical symptoms. There is a concept of Vital force and Miasmas that determine the health status of the patient and his future health condition, which are again unique to the principle of this path.

Ayurveda

Over the years scientists have been trying hard to find a cure for cancer, which is incurable and fatal unless detected in its early stage. Modern researchers say cancer treatment will gradually improve and perhaps in another 30 years we may have something that works for several cancers. Since cancer panacea is long way off according to modern scientists, it is high time we explore the remedies described in other medical systems, especially Ayurveda.

Ayurveda describes that each person has physical and mental constitution. In other words everyone is born with a unique nature or personality. In order to maintain good health, it is important to maintain this "original" prakriti or nature. This is done by eating foods and performing activities that are in harmony with our nature. Thus a state of natural balance is maintained at physical, psychological and spiritual level. However, a disturbance in the state of natural balance leads to damages in the natural set of body even at the minute level including the genes.

Ayurveda propounds the principle of natural living. This includes food, environment, lifestyle, and the like. Modern life often violates principles of natural living. Artificial lights and air, processed and preserved food items, polluted environment, and ingestion of chemicals in numerous ways, overworking physically as well as mentally, imperfect relations and negative emotions are opposite to Ayurveda's principles of natural living.

Ayurveda describes that in cancer, the blood becomes impure due to aggravation of one or more dosha. This impurity of the blood is actually related to the subtle part of blood (rakta dhatu), and is not detected by physical tests. The dosha may get aggravated due to a number of factors including improper food and lifestyle. Smoking, chewing tobacco, breathing in chemical fumes or eating foods and fruits that have been heavily processed with chemical during cultivation also aggravate dosha in the body.

Although cancer is a difficult disease, Ayurveda can offer a lot of support and comfort to the patients through its natural treatments.