Effect of Integrated Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy (IAYT) on remission management of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A single case study

Abstract

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are lymphoid malignant neoplasms and the prognosis depends on the staging and response to therapy. Stress is an independent factor which can affect the prognosis of the disease. The purpose of the current case study was to evaluate the impact of Yoga and Ayurveda as complementary therapy on the prognosis of the disease and the effect of the same on perceived stress level. A 36 year patient diagnosed with relapsed Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) after receiving 3 rounds of chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant visited Union Yoga Ayurveda Clinic in Singapore for therapy. Perceived stress, complete blood count and hemoglobin were assessed pre and post intervention. A 6 month follow up was also done with similar evaluations. The patient was given holistic Yoga therapy and Ayurveda herbal treatment including patrapindasweda (herbal compress) and pichu(herbal soaked gauze pieces). The patient reported improvement in day to day energy levels and immunity with increase in WBC count. The perceived stress scores also showed distinct improvement post intervention. The current case study suggests that the integrative yoga and Ayurveda therapy was feasible and showed improvement in stress and complete blood count in patients with Non-Hodgkin lymphomas.