Ayurveda Expert Elaborates On Effective Preventive & Recuperative Measures For Cancer

Preventive Care For Cancer

Cancer is the name given to a collection of related diseases, which result from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. When cancer develops, the body's normal control mechanism fails to work, cells become more and more abnormal, old or damaged cells survive when they should die, and new cells form when they are not needed. These extra cells can divide without stopping and may form growths called tumors. Cancer can affect any part of the body. It is a complex disease resulting in long-term constitutional & genetic disturbances. Many cancers form solid tumors, which are masses of tissue. Cancers of the blood, such as leukemias, generally do not form solid tumors.

In Ayurveda, cancer is described as inflammatory or non-inflammatory swelling and mentioned either as ‘Granthi’ (minor neoplasm) or ‘Arbuda’ (major neoplasm). Aggravated Vata and Kapha doshas affect the tissues resulting in the development of a round, firm, large, deep-rooted, slow-growing fleshy growth associated with mild pain.

Symptoms Of Cancer

Cancer can develop anywhere in the body and the symptoms vary according to its position. But the common symptoms are as follows-

• Fatigue.
• Weight loss or gain.
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits.
• Unexplained bleeding.
• Skin darkening.
• Persistent cough or indigestion or body or muscle pain.
• Persistent fever.
• Swelling or lumping on a particular area.

Causes Of Cancer

A group of factors may be responsible for cancer to develop including:

• Lifestyle factors – High fat unhealthy diet, smoking.
• Some genetic disorders alter our immunity system as the Immune system is a complex system that functions to protect our body from diseases and injections.
• Inheritance or family history of cancer.
• Human genetics.
• Environmental exposure like fertilizers, pesticides, harmful chemicals.
• High doses of radiation or chemotherapy may cause secondary cancers.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Cancer

Ayurveda recommends some of the therapies and yoga can help to reduce the symptoms and side-effects of the cancer treatment as well as assist the body in its recovery process.

Some of the treatment modalities are mentioned below:

• Aashwasan Chikitsa

  The first and foremost thing is to give ‘Aashwasan Chikitsa’ to boost their confidence and faith in the treatment that they are going to come out of this worst situation. Give them a good counseling session for the same.

• Sodhana chikitsa

  It is a purification process, which eliminates vitiated doshas, has been primarily used for the medical management of cancer. When both internal and external medications were given then it is called panchakarma chikitsa.
  
  There are three types of Sodhana Chikilsa.
  
  1. Internal purification-It is the purification of visceral organs, using internal medicines.
  
  2. External purification-purification of the body using external medicines like the application of Medicinal paste, the specialized Lepa called “Karuthalepam & Yellow lepam”, and sodhana using specially formulated oils such as burn oil, etc.
  
  3. The third one is the purification of blood, Biochips (syn. Vishakkallu) are used by traditional Ayurvedic Vaidyas for the treatment of snake & insect bitten patients. All these sodhana procedures are designed according to the condition of the cancer patient.

• Somana chikitsa

  The other type of curative therapy is called Somana chikitsa, which pacifies dosha and gradually relieves the disease. However, this treatment is prescribed only to weaker patients for whom Sodana chikitsa is contraindicated.

• Rasayana Chikitsa

  In Rasayana Prayoga (immunotherapy), certain poisonous plants, mercury-like metals, and animal products were rendered non-toxic and harmless by the use of alchemy and are used as rejuvenating drugs. They help restore the body’s functions and help to do Saptadhatu position. There are certain medicines like Amalaki, Guduchi, Pippli, Ashwagandha which can improve quality of life.

• Dhatwagni Chikitsa (correction of metabolic defects)

  Dhatwagni Paka (Tissue metabolism) is a unique concept in Ayurveda. It includes total nourishment and development of the body structures. Agni (the substance responsible for metabolic transformations) is the basic functional entity in the Dhatwagnipaka. Dhatwagnipaka refers to the sequential changes undergone by the essence of food consumed through the medium of seven Dhatwagni entities.

• Other methods of treatment include Vyadhipratyanika chikitsa (specific anticancer drugs) and Lakshanika chikitsa (symptomatic treatment).
• Medication

  Ayurveda has certain medication which protects healthy cells and controls the growth of abnormal cells i.e. regulates & rejuvenates the body’s normal mechanism.

• Yoga

  Ayurveda suggests yoga is the best way to indulge in exercises that will relax both your body and mind. There are not only asanas (body practices) but various other forms like bandha mudras, pranayama and Shuddhikriyas explained which will help to clear toxins in the mind as well as in the body. These also help improve blood circulation.

• Music therapy

  This will help the patients to reduce their stress & anxiety levels which will lead to a better diagnosis.

The therapeutic approach of Ayurveda is Sodhana chikitsa, Shamana chikitsa, Rasayana Prayoga, Vyadhipratyanika chikitsa, Lakshanika chikitsa, medication, music therapy, Yoga, and Pranayama.

Preventive Measures To Cure Cancer

Ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga, and lifestyle changes can play a major role in the prevention of cancer as well as other diseases. According to Ayurveda, all diseases happened due to an imbalance of Tridoshas (i.e. Vata / Pitta / Kapha) Saptdhatu & mala. There are certain principles mentioned in our old texts about the daily regime

• Dincharya

  Dinacharya starts with waking up at Brahma muhurta- during this time, Shuddha Vayu, Jala, bhumi, Prakasha, and akasha are present. Morden science accepts that exposure to early morning sun’s rays reduces Vitamin D deficiency. .

• Rutuchanya

  By regulating the Ahara Vihara according to seasons, the possibility of Doshavaishamya is minimized, increases immunity, reduces GI disturbances, and promotes well-being.

• Achara Rasayana

  By observing truthfulness, avoiding anger alcohol- violence- exertion, remaining peaceful, soft-spoken, Smaswapna Jaagarana, Nitya Ksheera Gruta Abhyasa, regime according to Kaala and Desa, etc helps in maintaining comfortable psychological and physical activity, which leads to hormone balance, restoration of anabolic activity, leading to Ojovriddhi and in turn enhances immunity.

• Regular habits of doing exercise, yoga will help to keep a healthy body and mind. .
• Avoiding certain faulty habits like smoking, drinking, avoiding contact with harmful chemicals and pesticides can prevent us from such harmful diseases.

Following dinacharya, Ritu Charya, and Achara Rasayana will help not only to prevent cancer but also to revert the complications during the therapies. Nityopayogi Ahara and proper vihara help in maintaining the equilibrium of doshas and in turn both physical and psychological well-being.

Herbal Remedies To Preventing Cancer

Ayurveda recommends several herbs for preventing cancer. The benefit of an herbal decoction is that it can nourish the body as a whole by supporting various organ systems.

Here are some common herbs which are proven to have anti-cancer properties.

• Amla

  Amla is an Ayurvedic superfood. It is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C and also contains quercetin, phyllaemblic compounds, gallic acid, tannins, flavonoids, pectin, and various polyphenolic compounds, making it the king of rejuvenation. Scientific research of three decades has proven the traditional use of amla to be correct. Laboratory trials of amla extracts have shown their ability to kill and prevent the growth of cancer cells while not harming the healthy cells. .

• Garlic

  Garlic contains Sulphur, arginine, flavonoids, and selenium. The bio-active compounds of garlic are formed from allicin when the bulb is chopped or crushed. Garlic is a known antibacterial agent with the ability to stop the formation and activation of cancer-causing agents. The World Health Organization recommends at least 2-5 grams or one bulb of garlic daily for adults. .

• Turmeric

  It is one of the most researched herbs for its anti-cancer properties. It is attributed to antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic values. The major component of turmeric is curcumin which is a potent antioxidant scavenging free radicals and inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells. Almost 2000 published scientific papers have shown that curcumin can kill cancer cells while not harming the healthy cells.

• Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng)

  It reduces Vata/Kapha (with excess Pitta), immune-boosting herb, supports the recovery process of overall fatigue, nervous conditions, generally rejuvenate tissues. Its anti-cancer value was realized about 40 years ago when researchers isolated a crystalline steroidal compound (withaferin A) from this herb. Further research on these extracts which were taken from the leaf of ashwagandha showed that they were able to kill cancerous cells.

• Holy Basil

  Commonly known as Tulsi in India, this sacred herb is known for its healing powers. It is used for improving immunity and fighting stress. It also possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-diabetic, and anti-stress properties. Studies have shown that the phytochemicals present in tulsi prevented chemically induced lung, liver, oral, and skin cancers by increasing the antioxidant activity, altering gene expressions, killing cancer cells, and preventing the spread of cancer to other cells. .

• Ginger

  The active constituents of ginger have potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and some have exhibited cancer-preventive activity in experimental models. Many studies showed that ginger caused ovarian cancer cells to die and also, showed decreased inflammation of the colon.

• Triphala

  Triphala is known for its anti-cancer properties. It is a good radioprotective agent. It is useful in reducing the growth of cancerous tumor cells in the body. It is useful in the prevention of cancer and also possesses antineoplastic, radioprotective, and chemoprotective effects. Triphala slows down the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. It helps in reducing the spindle formations thereby reducing the risk of growth of metastasis of cancer cells.

• Guduchi

  (Tinospora Cordifolia)They balance Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), helps increase the effectiveness of protective white blood cells and builds up the body’s defense mechanism, very effective herb for the live rand helps to prevent liver infections, beneficial for digestive disorders, especially recommended before and after chemotherapy, to recover and build up strength. Internally, Guduchi is one of the most effective Rasayanas-Rejuvenatives. It works well on the seven Dhatus – Tissues and keeps the systems in balance. .

• Shatavari

  (Asparagus Racemosus)

  Asparagus Racemosus comprises phytoestrogens which can be used for the treatment of breast cancer. In the current study, In vitro antiproliferative activity of the extracts of Asparagus Racemosus is performed in T47D cancer cell lines.

Some of the Ayurvedic herbs that fight against cancer are Amla, Garlic, Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Ginger, Triphala, Guduchi, Shatavari, etc.

Conclusion

The information related to Cancer is based on various Ayurvedic resources. Always seek the advice of an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any Ayurvedic herbs for the treatment of Cancer.

References

• Charaka Samhita.
• Sushruta Samhita.