Integrative Medicine Case Reports, Volume 2, Issue 1 (January), 2021

Role of Integrative Medicine in Oncology for longevity and Quality of life: A Case Report

Reshma P. Jogdand^*, Amit Singh, R. Nagrathna

Department of Life Sciences, SVYASA University, Bangalore, India

Introduction

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with an incidence of 14 million new cases per year, with about 1 million diagnosed in India. The prevalence of cancer has increased over the past decade and is expected to rise by 8% in the next 5 years. Regular screening, early detection, and improved therapies have increased the 10-year survival from 61% to 77% in the past decade. However, advancements in cancer treatment have not changed mortality rates (1).

Role of Yoga in Cancer

Several factors play a role in the onset of Cancer. Increasing importance is being given to inflammation. While acute inflammation is healing and beneficial, chronic inflammation has the opposite effect. Chronic inflammation triggers NF-kappa-B (NFkB), the protein complex which influences DNA transcription among other functions. NFkB activates a pathway resulting in the expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as cytokines, adhesion molecules and other chemicals. At this stage there is certain evidence that yoga and positive changes in one’s lifestyle can reverse this process (2).

Stress and Cancer

Stress associated with diagnosis and treatment of cancer, affects not only quality of life but also leads to poorer prognosis and shorter survival. Adverse effects of stress on prognosis occur through following mechanisms: 1. Suppression of natural killer (NK) cells and their cytotoxicity (3). 2. Poorer repair of damaged DNA (4). 3. Modulation of apoptosis (5) and 4. Oxidative stress: aggravated by psychological stress (6). NK cell activity increases by relaxation methods. Patients with malignant melanoma (Skin cancer), who underwent relaxation program for 6 weeks had significant increase in the percentage of NK cells, as well as increase in NK cell cytotoxicity, as also lower rates of recurrence and death. Similarly, supportive group relaxation methods led to longer survival and better quality of life among women with advanced breast cancer. Yoga, meditation and pranayama are century old processes known to relax mind and energize the body. SK Yoga , a rhythmic breathing process, introduced by Sri Sri Ravishankar ji, is known to eliminate stress, anxiety and depression and increase enthusiasm. Fall in blood lactate, increase in glutathione, superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and catalase and increase in natural killer (NK) cells indicate relaxation, better antioxidant and better immune effects of SKY in normal individuals and those with cancer. Further confirmation of better antioxidant defense was available through studies conducted using reverse transcriptase – polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), at AIIMS. This was accompanied by better stress regulation and better immune status due to prolonged life span of lymphocytes by up regulation of ant apoptotic genes and pro survival genes. Qu et al observed rapid and significantly greater effect of SKY on gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNs). Other positive effects of SKY included reduction in tobacco addiction and reduction in side effects of chemotherapy. Hence, SKY appears useful adjunct to cancer management (7), however the effect of hyperventilation needs to be carefully evaluated.

Lung malignant growth is the main source of disease spreading in the United States and around the globe. A greater part of lung malignant growth spread can be ascribed to cigarette smoking, and analysing the pace of cigarette smoking. Understanding the study of disease transmission and causal elements of lung malignant growth, can give in sights. This revolves around modifiable factors, including tobacco smoking, word related malignant growth, causing operators, diet, and ionizing radiation. It is akin to nuclear and innate pieces of lung carcinogenesis (8).

Case Presentation

A 54 years old male ‘Mr XXX from Delhi was enrolled as a participant in Prashanti Kutiram (Arogyadhma) on 3rd of September 2017 and was admitted in integrative medicine for Oncology, therapy started with mild yoga practices for a week and slowly Naturopathy and Ayurveda therapies were added for ailments. Second week onwards, integrated therapy started and patient has marked a positive change in health such as weakness in limbs, reduced, and gait was indicative normancy. Integrated medicine such as Yoga therapy, twice in a day, Naturopathy and Ayurveda Therapy once in a day was followed. Diet therapy was administrated whole day from morning to evening and according to symptoms, change in Diet protocol was allowed. Daily routine checkup includes vital parameters, dietary intake, practices follow up, as well as other symptoms related to bowel moment and gait. Result was taken before treatment and after treatment with a follow up having undergone a integrative therapy since 3 year.

IAYT Protocol (9)

Treatment Regimen: (Intervention is 3 months)

Table 1: Yoga protocol followed by participants

Diet Plan

Table 2: Diet chart

Table 3: Details about Sprout Juice ingredients

Integrative Therapy Time table

Friday Schedule:

01:00 pm- Lunch Annapurna Hall

03:00 pm- Consultation/Parameters (Respective section)

05:00 pm- Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy Introduction Lecture

06:00 pm- Bhajan (Sampurna Hall)

06:30 pm- Trataka/CM (Sampurna Hall)

07:30 pm- Dinner (Annapurna Hall)

08:00 pm- Kit collection

**English: Sampurna Hall; **Hindi: Prajwal Hall; **Kannada: Vimarsha Hall

Vital data: Intervention (3 months)

Table 4: Vital data in Numerical form before and After treatment

Graphical presentation shows that there is an marked positive reduction in symptom score. Positive reduction in all vital signs. Bhramari rate shows a positive improvement and more specifically, Bhramari rate has increased which can be considered as a positive improvement.

Discussion

Several factors play a role in the onset of Cancer. Increasing importance is being given to inflammation. While acute inflammation is healing and beneficial, chronic inflammation has the opposite effect. Chronic inflammation triggers NF-kappa-B (NFkB), the protein complex which influences DNA transcription among other functions. NFkB activates a pathway resulting in the expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as cytokines, adhesions molecules and other neuro transmitter. At this stage, there is certain evidence that yoga and positive changes in one’s lifestyle can reverse this process.

3 months of intervention and 3 years of follow up case of Adenocarcinoma of lungs was observed. The patient was able to maintain a healthy living adopting IAYT (Integrated approach of Yoga therapy) which helped improving the symptoms score including reduction in fatigueless in limbs so that participant is able to walk without support and attaining day to day activity without care taker, reduction in shoulder pain and provided a quality of sleep as well as reduction in medication. During his stay he had undergone yoga technique practice, meditation, relaxation techniques, Naturopathy treatments there will be marked positive changes in all vitals including Blood pressure, Respiratory rate as well as increased in Bhramari rate which shows the good capacity of lungs, Marked change in weight of Participants with healthy food hobbits able to achieve healthy weight gain.

Fig. 1: Graphical presentation of Vital data before and after treatment.

Conclusion

Integrative medicine is very much effective in symptomatic reduction and maintain healthy life style if IAYT Protocol adopted prolong or made as a routine.

Acknowledgement

First of all, I bestow in front of Lord Dhanavantari and express deepest gratitude to the almighty. In addition I would like to acknowledge the following people who played an instrumental role in the completion of this project. I express my appreciation to the blessings of my gurus and salutations to my parents and all my teachers. I am grateful to Dr. Nagarathna and Dr. Amit Singh of research for sharing their thoughts with other people. Special thanks to a person who motivated me for this work is Dr. Amit singh, his guidance and support makes me more strong and confident to study in this area.

I am appreciative to section therapist Mr. Parameshwar and section In charge Dr. Umashankar for their guidance and allowing me to provide Yoga therapy details and their immense support in my presented work. My love and regards goes to my loving parents for their endless support and encouragement. Finally, my hearted thank to my husband Mr. Sumit Aundhekar for extending his support throughout my work. I express my gratitude to all the Participants, as they were the true inspiration and purpose.

Authorship contribution

RJ has analyzed data and written the paper.
RN has conceptualized the integrative module for Oncology management – guided in writing a article.
AS has implemented treatment protocol and taken the clinical parameters.

Informed consent

Yes.

Source of funding

Nil.

Conflict of interest

Nil.

Received Date: 01-05-20; Revised Date: 21-11-20
Accepted Date: 26-12-20

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