Supportive care
Daily routine (Dinacharya) during and after treatment
Dinacharya means daily routine. A steady rhythm of rest, sleep, gentle movement and calm breathing makes hard days a little easier. Every activity here is only as your treating team has cleared.
Call your oncologist first
A new lump, unexplained bleeding or weight loss, persistent pain, breathlessness, or fever during chemotherapy needs your oncologist or emergency care first.
Working with your oncologist
You continue under your oncologist. Our Ayurvedic care is coordinated with, and subject to, your treating oncology team.
Never start any Ayurvedic Medicine during chemotherapy or radiation without your oncologist and our doctor reviewing it together.
A sample
A gentle day
- Morning: wake at a similar time each day and sip warm water. Sit in the morning light for a few minutes.
- Midday: eat the main meal of the day, then rest for a short while.
- Afternoon: a short, easy walk if your team has cleared it, and time with family.
- Evening: an early, light dinner and a quiet activity you enjoy.
- Night: dim the lights, put screens away, and go to bed at the same time.
On treatment days and the day after, keep the routine lighter and plan more rest.
Four areas we help with
Sleep
How we help: a steady bedtime, a dark and quiet room, and short daytime naps.
Stop and call your oncology team if: pain or breathlessness keeps you awake.
Gentle movement
How we help: walking, light stretching or chair yoga, only as your treating team has cleared.
Stop and call your oncology team if: you feel chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness or new pain.
Breathing (Pranayama)
How we help: slow, gentle breathing to calm the mind. No forceful or breath-holding practice during treatment unless our doctor and your team agree.
Stop and call your oncology team if: you feel faint or short of breath.
Rest and energy
How we help: planning rest before tasks, pacing the day, and accepting help from family.
Stop and call your oncology team if: tiredness comes with fever.
A note on oil massage (Abhyanga)
Abhyanga is a gentle oil massage, part of a classical daily routine. During treatment it starts only after our doctor and your oncology team agree. Never apply oil over skin in the radiation area, or near ports, lines or surgical wounds.
Common questions
Does Ayurveda cure cancer?
No. Ayurvedic supportive care focuses on comfort, appetite, sleep, digestion and strength while your oncology team treats the cancer.
Is yoga safe during chemotherapy?
Gentle, slow yoga suits many people once their treating team has cleared it. Avoid hot or intense classes during treatment.
Which breathing practice should I do?
Slow, comfortable breathing in a quiet place. Our doctor suggests simple practices that suit your treatment stage.
How much should I rest?
Rest before you feel exhausted, not after. Short rests through the day help more than one long one.
Talk to our doctor
Tell us how your days go now. We will plan a routine that fits your treatment and your energy.