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Ayurveda and Cancer
Ayurveda and Cancer
Around 5000 years ago Ayurvedic doctors CLAssICAL AyuRvEDA AND CANCER
were already treating patients with problems of
susHRutA sAMHItA
abnormal growth or tumors. Charaka Samhita,
“Arbuda” is the Sanskrit word for tumor. According
Sushruta Samhita as well as the Ashtanga to Sushrut the three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha)
Hridayam, which was written much later, when aggravated, may develop a malignant tumor;
especially aggravated Kapha and Vata doshas. This
give very detailed descriptions about this affects the tissue, which might result in developing a
subject. These texts clearly signal the fact malignant tumor. This tumor will have the following
that tumors and cancer are not modern dis- features:
personal disciplines. Causes, preliminary A malignant tumor does not suppurate, because it
stages, symptoms, forms of appearance contains an excess of Kapha and adipose tissue, thus
forming firm little balls.
and possible treatments are described in
all the works. susHRut DEsCRIBEs 6 tyPEs OF tuMORs
The first four of these tumors are benign and can be
succesfully treated at an early stage with the proper
The big difference between Western and Ayurvedic therapies. The last two tumors are malignant.
treatment of cancer is that Ayurveda doesn't have any
agressive body therapies. The focus is much more on TUMOR CAUSED BY:
stimulating the self healing abilities of the body. This
Vatika granthi Vata dosha
starts with an extensive treatment program for health
maintenance, existing in regular check-ups and lifelong Paitika granthi Pitta dosha
guidance to support health. In case of disease, Ayurveda Kaphaja granthi Kapha dosha
has a wide range of therapies and herbs to purify and
Medas granthi Affected adipose tissue
support body tissues for natural recovery. The starting
(adipose tissue)
point is (re)balancing the Tridosha and Triguna.
The DevelopmenT of mAlignAnT TumoRs have now developed into a malignant tumor (arbuda).
When a benign tumor suddenly starts to grow exces- Curable are those granthi that occur in the blood ves-
sively and roots deeply into the tissue, with symptoms sels, are painful and mobile. However, granthi that are
compatible with increased Kapha dosha and fatty tis- painless, large, immobile and situated in the vital parts
sue, a malignant tumor is occurring. Malignant tumors of the body are exceedingly difficult to cure.
do not suppurate and also do not exude fluid, blood or
pus anymore. They are no longer removed by the body,
grow quickly and cover a large area. They are caused AYURVEDA AND CANCER NOw A DAYS
by three vitiated doshas and always affect muscle tis- In the present time we are aware that tumors can occur
sue, adipose tissue and blood. For more information in almost all body tissues. Furthermore, we have a
see the detailed descriptions in the Sushruta Samhita. better knowledge of the course of tumor growth and
The four previously described benign tumors (granthi) cancer. Because of her unique diagnostics, Ayurveda
– Agni: the digestion in the stomach, liver, pancreas, second stage – promotion
intestines and cell metabolism. The processes of cell build-up and cell destruction
– Ama: accumulation of toxins in the body from im- are disturbed. Cell growth is modified but not yet
properly digested food or waste material in the body. agressive. This is caused by a so called “promoter”.
– Malas: disturbance of the natural excretion of body
wastes: urine, faeces and sweat. Development of a malignant tumor:
– Dhatus: one or more of the seven body tissues is Third stage – progression
unable to function properly. The tissue weakens. The cell multiplies in an agressive way at the expense
– Srotas: these are the body channels, blood- and of surrounding tissue, due to a “progressor”. In the
lymphatic system. They can be clogged from aggra- end the cell will develop into a tumor, deeply inroot-
vated doshas or Ama. ed in the body tissues. As long as there is one cancer
– Ojas: Ojas is the end product of digestion, it is re- cell, the immune system will be able to detect and de-
leased when all the body tissues are healthy. The struct it. This will pose a problem when the immune
dhatus (tissues) are mutually interdependent. When system weakens and the cell has a chance to multi-
sufficient, Ojas is equated with immunity. When de- ply. This perspective of cancer has mentioned three
ficient, it means that one or more tissues function substances. They can be either (toxins) derived from
inadequately and immunity decreases. the environment or have a genetic cause, like for in-
stance UV radiation, asbestos or genetically modified
In an early stage of a malignant tumor, increased DNA; which is inherited or developed during life.
Kapha (Ama) and Vata may disturb a small part of
tissue. This could block the excretion of waste prod-
ucts and Ama and will therefore weaken the whole TRIGUNA AND CANCER
area. The cell metabolism is disrupted, as well as the Other than body functions, there are also mental
regulating mechanism between the cell and its sur- qualities that can contribute to the development of a
rounding. Potentially damaging substances are being tumor: the Triguna. This concept exists in the follow-
accepted into the cell. From this moment on in the ing qualities:
process, we can follow the modern views on the de-
velopment of tumors/cancer. • Sattva (goodness, purity)
having a harmonious, balanced mind or attitude;
friendliness, calm and resolution.
MODERN MEDICAL POINT OF VIEw • Rajas (passion)
DEFINItION a dynamic mind, sometimes restless and forceful.
Cancer refers to a large number of conditions that • Tamas (ignorance)
is characterized by abnormal cell division. The mul- a quiet state of mind, sometimes slow and uninterested.
tiplication of cells is progressive, uncontrolled and
the cells of cancer infiltrate and destroy surrounding A chronic disease like cancer does not only disturb the
healthy tissue. They have the ability to metastasize body, it also affects the mind. When for instance, due
and spread throughout the body. to any kind of circumstances, someone is blocked in
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• X-ray beams. in progress. A vitamin D deficiency is considered
X-rays are forms of radiant energy that can penetrate to increase the risk of bowel cancer especially
the body and are used to produce medical images, in persons over the age of 50 years, as their skin
are used in petrochemical industries, nuclear power function decreases. This function regulates the
plants and are also present in space. Prolonged expo- natural production of vitamin D when exposed to
sure to X-rays can result in cancer of the blood cells sunlight.
or acute leukemia.
• Excessive sexual activity or unsafe sex. CHEMICAL CARCINOgENIC suBstANCEs FROM
• Excessive physical effort. tHE ENvIRONMENt AND INDustRIEs
• Debilitated persons (people suffering from impair- • Asbestos.
ments, disease or medical conditions). Prolonged inhalation of asbestos increases the risk
• Stress. of lung cancer and pleural cancer.
• Suppression of the 13 natural needs. • Nickel.
• Activities that are not in accordance with the body Prolonged inhalation of nickel increases the risk of
constitution, whereupon Vata, Pitta or Kapha will lung cancer and nasal cavity cancer.
increase. • Other substances: arsenic, aromatic amines, benzene,
• Not living your life according to your inner needs. chromates, vinyl chloride.
• Not following the seasonal rhythm in lifestyle and
diet. CHEMICALs usED IN MEDICINE
• DES: diethylstilbestrol.
In 1970's DES, a synthetic estrogen, was widely
used by pregnant women to supplement the wo-
man's natural estrogen production.
• Other chemicals: alkyl substances, oxymetholone
and Thorotrast (radiographic contrast agent).
gEOgRAPHICAL CANCER
The risk of certain types of cancer is also connected to
the geographic area of residence. Factors that weigh
in are genetic pattern, eating habits and environment.
There is for instance no gastric cancer in Japan.
Yet in Japanese people who have immigrated to
NutRItION the United States, the risk increased and eventually
• Smoked or conserved foods. equalled the rest of the American population after
These foods contain substances that may lead to some generations.
especially stomach cancer, when eaten in excess.
• Fat percentage. vIRusEs
Research studies have shown that foods contai- • Papillomavirus.
ning less than 30% calories from fat, reduce breast A virus that can cause genital warts and increases
and lung cancer risk. the risk of cervical cancer.
• Alcohol. • Hepatitis B virus.
Consuming large amounts of alcohol increases the Might cause liver cancer.
risk of cancer of the oesophagus, mouth and throat. • Epstein-Bar Virus.
• Spoiled food. Causes Burkitt's lymphoma in Africa and cancers of
• Frequently eating heavy meals. the nose and pharynx in China.
• Not eating foods according to your body consti- • HIV.
tution. Might cause lymphoma and cancer of the blood.
• (Stale) foods that are kept too long.
• Incompatible food combinations. PARAsItEs
• Dry foods. Some species of parasites are known to cause cancer,
• Vitamins. such as Schistosoma and Clonorchis. They cause, re-
Many vitamins are supposed to inhibit the deve- spectively, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer and bile
lopment of tumors, but clinical research is still duct cancer.
Lifestyle:
1. Make sure you have enough exercise, take (long)
walks outside or relax in nature.
2. Practice meditation and yoga for mental and phy-
sical relaxation. To calm the mind to a clear and
tranquil state, will especially help you to distin- When radiation or chemotherapy is the only possible
guish what is beneficial for you and what not. way, the body is severely depleted. There are a few
3. Listening to harmonious music is soothing, calming Ayurvedic remedies to support the body in this pro-
and healing for the mind, thoughts and nervous cess. Please consult with your doctor to ensure that
system. they are applied properly.