Cancer is abnormal growth of cells in the body, has been found to be fatal for a period of time, threatening life. Cancer is named according to the type of cell proliferation, and the organ or body part it is affecting. Conventional methods of treating cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and immunotherapy.
While modern medicine can treat or control the majority of cancers seen today, it is possible that complete healing may not be possible in a significant proportion of the affected population. The side effects of treatment and recurrence are major problems.
In this scenario, Ayurveda herbal medicine plays a clear and important role in the management and treatment of cancer. The Ayurveda nearest to cancer is "Raffa - Arbudo" which represents a malignant tumor.
The most important step of a serious disease is "prevention". Ayurveda aims for a healthy lifestyle by balancing the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of life. There is a strong stress on balanced diet, regular exercise and relaxation, preventive cleansing of the body at regular intervals, a holistic approach to physical and spiritual needs.
Ayurveda herbal medicine can be safely used as an additional therapy for contemporary treatment of various types of cancer. Treatment is (i) reduction in tumor size, (ii) prevention or cessation of spread of tumor cells via blood and lymphatics, and (iii) direct treatment of affected tissues. This therapy also results in side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Chinese medicines such as Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Indian Podophyllum (Podophyllum hexandrum), Sadapuli (Lochnera rosea), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Heerak Bhasma are used to reduce tumor size. Behavior style is complicated. Some act directly on tumor cells, others increase intracorporeal immunity and indirectly reduce tumor size. Combinations of helbo-minerals such as Arogya-Vardhini, Triphala Guggulu, Chandraprabha are also useful.
Treatment of "Rasa" and "Rakta" Dosha forms an important part of cancer treatment. Medicines such as Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata) are very useful for preventing spread of cancer cells in the body.
According to the basic principle of Ayurveda, the human body is composed of seven different organizations: - Lhasa, Lacta, Mansa, Meda, Ashti, Maja, Shukura. Tissues affected for a particular type of cancer can be treated directly with Ayurvedic medicine, which forms the third approach to cancer treatment.
This is therefore a summary of Ayurveda 's approach to cancer treatment. The main advantage is that the principles of cancer treatment described above can be applied to any type or form of cancer and the treatment can be adjusted according to the specific requirements of the individual patient. This therapy can surely improve the overall income and survival of cancer.
