title: Correlating traditional Ayurvedic and modern medical perspectives on cancer: results of a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To characterize Ayurvedic perspectives on the etiopathogenesis and supportive treatments for a biomedical diagnosis of cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hour-long, digitally recorded interviews were conducted with 10 experienced Ayurvedic clinicians, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using techniques of qualitative thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four major themes were identified. The Ayurvedic description of the pathophysiology of cancer uses traditional concepts translated into a modern context. Although the biomedical treatment of cancer is considered valuable, from an Ayurvedic perspective it results in degeneration and depletion. In cases where biomedical treatment of cancer is not feasible, an Ayurvedic approach focusing on strengthening digestion, eliminating toxins, reducing tumor growth, and improving tissue metabolism is useful. An Ayurvedic approach to cancer supportive care focuses on restoring equilibrium, building strength, and rejuvenation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ayurvedic medicine offers a unique perspective on the biomedical diagnosis of cancer that emphasizes restoring wholeness, uses natural remedies, includes a focus on emotional health, and emphasizes prevention strategies.
authors.affiliation: 1 University of California, San Francisco, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine , San Francisco, CA.
authors.forename: Anand
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dhruva
authors.forename: Frederick M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Hecht
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Miaskowski
authors.forename: Ted J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Kaptchuk
authors.forename: Gerard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bodeker
authors.forename: Donald
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Abrams
authors.forename: Vasant
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lad
authors.forename: Shelley R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Adler
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008515:Medicine, Ayurvedic; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D036301:Qualitative Research