Role and limitations of an Ayurvedic practitioner in Integrative approach for the management of Cancer - Dr. Jaya Gopal Parla
Parla S Jayagopal BAMS, MD (Ayurveda), MAOM (C) is foremost in Ayurveda in the Los Angels area, as well as nationally and internationally. Hailing from a family of traditional Ayurvedic healers, he has an extensive educational background that also includes Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture as well as Yoga. Currently he is Prof. and chair dept. of Ayurveda at American university of complementary medicine, Beverly Hills, which offers Clinical Doctorate in Ayurveda (AyD) / PhD programs. His proficiency in Ayurvedic medicine comes from extensive clinical experience and practice of over 15 years. Jayagopal has presented several papers in national and international conferences. He recently graduated from Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program. Jayagopal serves as chair of Academic committee Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America, Member Complementary and Alternative Medicine at Charles Drew Medical University, USC medical systems, LA. Board member of Council of Ayurvedic Credentialing (CAC), He also is a visiting faculty for Japan Ayurveda School, Tokyo, Japan and Southern California University of health Sciences, Whittier, CA, USA.
Role and limitations of an Ayurvedic practitioner in Integrative approach for the management of Cancer in United States
It is estimated that by the end of year 2013, a staggering 1.5 million new cases of Cancer will be diagnosed in the US population. The prevalence of AM use among cancer patients in the United States has been estimated to be between 7% and 54%.
An increased number of population is resorting to CAM modalities for side-effects of the primary care, improve quality of life, prevent complications, counteract re-occurrence. In some instances if there is inconclusive findings for diagnosis, CAM is used as a primary modality. Ayurveda with its wide arena of modalities and holistic approach can provide useful outcomes at all levels of Cancer care. Since patients with cancer are not informed about the limitation of Ayurvedic practice in the US, expectations are much diverse.
This presentation is a record of cases that are diagnosed with cancer, where Ayurveda was used in various methods to support the client needs. Observation of these cases reveals a need for evidence based integrative approach in management of Cancer and a necessity to define the role and limitations of an Ayurvedic practitioner in cancer care in current times.