Integrated Buddhism for Holistic Health Care of Cancer Patients

Abstract

This article aims to: 1) study concepts and theories related to health care for cancer patients and the current health care situation in Thai society; 2) study Buddhist principles applied in holistic health care; and 3) propose a Buddhist-integrated model for holistic health care of cancer patients. This is qualitative research design. The fieldwork was conducted at the Phaet Witthidham Health Camp (Traditional Dhamma-based Medicine Health Camp) at Santi Asoke, Bangkok. The main research instrument was a semi-structured interview protocol, used in 1 in-depth interviews. The target groups consisted of Buddhist scholars, experts in alternative “Witthidham” medicine, and cancer patients. The findings revealed that: 1) current cancer care in the conventional health system mainly focuses on biomedical treatment, lacking holistic healthcare. This results in physical and emotional side effects, financial burdens, and limited access to services; 2) holistic health care integrating the Seven Factors of Enlightenment (bojjhaṅga), the Four Bases of Spiritual Power (iddhipāda), and other Buddhist teachings with alternative medicine practices from the "Natural Way of Healing" approach shows strong potential to enhance well-being in all dimensions. This is consistent with the patient-centered care model and scientific principles; 3) the proposed Buddhist-integrated holistic model involves integrating Dhamma with simple, accessible, and self-reliant practices that are free from harm, targeting physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions simultaneously. This model has demonstrated high efficacy in supporting cancer patients’ overall well-being.