A Holistic Approach to Healing
Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) is set to offer art and music therapy at its upcoming 100-bed Ayurvedic Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Khopoli, Maharashtra—India’s first of its kind. Expected to be completed by March 2026, the hospital will focus on holistic healing by integrating traditional medicine with creative therapeutic practices such as painting, drawing, crafting, and music.
Strengthening Immunity Through Creative Expression
“Cancer often causes long-term side effects and recurrence,” said Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, head and neck cancer surgeon at TMH. “Our core goal is to fortify post-treatment immunity using medicinal plant-based compounds and herbal aids alongside conventional treatments.” He emphasized that creative therapies would complement Ayurvedic regimens and improve patient outcomes.
Global Evidence Supports Art and Music in Cancer Care
Globally, researchers and oncologists increasingly recognize the impact of non-pharmacological interventions on cancer recovery. For instance, a study in New York involving 73 hematologic cancer patients found that those who participated in guided bedside art sessions reported significantly lower anxiety levels—a mean score of 8.92, compared to 12.1 in non-participants. Additionally, 79.6% of patients felt less bored, 46.9% experienced reduced anxiety, and 24.5% reported less depression.
The Science Behind Music Therapy
According to Dr Chaturvedi, “Music therapy is a powerful complementary tool in cancer care. It helps lower cortisol levels, regulate heart rate, improve sleep quality, and boost the immune response.” These effects not only ease emotional distress but also accelerate physical healing and improve the overall quality of life.
Creative Therapies to Aid Emotional Expression
Alongside music therapy, the Khopoli hospital will promote art forms such as painting, drawing, and crafting, which help patients channel their emotions, cope with trauma, and experience a sense of accomplishment. These activities are known to stimulate cognitive function and offer a non-verbal way to express fear, hope, and resilience during cancer recovery.
Building on TMH’s Holistic Care Legacy
As reported by hindustantimes, these new therapies will form part of the ImPaCCT Foundation programme, TMH’s initiative focused on the holistic development of children with cancer. The hospital has already witnessed positive outcomes through innovative approaches. In 2023, TMH introduced dog therapy at its paediatric OPD, where a trained therapy dog named Sufi visits children undergoing treatment twice a week.
Dog Therapy Uplifts Spirits and Boosts Recovery
“Children with cancer often suffer from depression, which delays recovery,” said Dr Shripad Banavali, TMH’s Director of Academics. “Dog therapy has helped uplift their mood, improve treatment adherence, and even reduce dropout rates. Happy patients release dopamine and serotonin, which are essential for healing.”
Redefining Cancer Recovery in India
By integrating Ayurveda with creative therapies, TMH is redefining how cancer is treated—placing emotional and mental well-being at the forefront of recovery. As India continues to adopt more integrative healthcare models, TMH’s Khopoli hospital may serve as a pioneering example of how tradition, innovation, and compassion can work hand-in-hand.