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Cancer an Ayurveda Perspective

Article · January 2017

DOI: 10.15406/jcpcr.2017.07.00226

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 Journal of Cancer Prevention & Current Research

Cancer an Ayurveda Perspective

Introduction
Perspective
Every culture, society or country, primitive or progressive, has
tried to keep its inhabitants healthy and happy. In this pursuit Volume 7 Issue 2 - 2017
they made observations, accumulated knowledge, and thus
developed values, rules and guidelines that through ritualistic
implementations became traditions. The older the culture, the Atharva Multi Specialty Ayurveda Hospital and Cancer, India
greater the accumulated wealth of knowledge, exemplified by
China, Egypt, India, Mesopotamia, Middle Eastern Countries and *Corresponding author: GaurangJoshi BAMS, MD, Director,
Europe. Most of this endowed traditional knowledge was passed Atharva Multi Specialty Ayurveda Hospital and Cancer,
Research Center, Rajkot, India,
on from generation to generation as folklore, with little written Email:
documentation, since paper has not yet been discovered. Some
documentation can be found inscribed on stones, cave paintings Received: July 28, 2016 | Published: January 09, 2017
etc. The earliest known documentation (estimated age about
5,000 years) exists in India.
Some written on birch bark later documents are found additional meanings namely body (Deh), living (Jivita), organs
written on bamboo and wooden strips. Most of the ancient Indian (Nityaga) and sense of continuum (Anubahdha, In Vedanta
documentation is found in four books of knowledge, the Ved meaning of Anubahdha carries further understanding of such
(Sanskrit words will be in Italics; Vedas in Western literature). connectivity which has a topic, a reason, an authenticity and
Subsequent elaboration of specific disciplines or topics resulted in their relationships with each other. Hence Ayurveda collectively
separate documents, Upvedas- Ayurveda could be considered as includes all these connotations, and becomes knowledge of life
an Upveda. As advances, further observations, experimentation, and in simple terms mean longevity, the science of human health.
concepts, principles and practices emerged, these were collected Ayu was first cited in Rig-Ved.Ayurved has been elaborated on in
in the form of ‘Samhitas’, or compilations. Atharva-Ved. Though ancient culture proliferated on fertile land
on the banks of several rivers, the ancient seers had visualized
Two of the Vedas, Rig -Ved and Atharva-Ved deal with health
water, which emerged from oceans, as a major component of
related topics. Rig-Vedhas more information on surgical aspects
living beings. The churning action of the ocean was thought very
and Atharva-Veddeals extensively with treatment and cure of
significant, and they visualized the oceans churned collaboratively
diseases.
by Gods (Devas – good aspects) and Demons (Asuras – bad
A few citations from Atharva-Ved depict the use of plants to aspects) with a mountain named Meruto produce a highly toxic
treat specific ailments: scum that floated (lighter in nature – lipoidal?) capable of killing
all life. Hence, they asked Lord Shiva to detoxify it. He drank it,
1. Prushnaparni (Urariapicta) Blood purification, destroys but to prevent the poison from spreading into his body, wrapped
fetus, bleeding piles (2-25-1-4) a snake (not finding a rope) around his neck. The snake absorbed
2. Kusta (Saussurialappa) Skin diseases, epilepsy, loss of hair, the poison and kept Lord Shiva (now known as Nilakantha- blue
head skin diseases, tumors, against excess of Vata-Kapha (5- necked one) alive. This is the first record of a snake symbolized
4-1-10) as a life saver- it has been the insignia of the medical profession
since.
3. Apamarg (Achyranthusaspara) Mouth- teeth diseases (7-
67-1-3); thirst, hunger (4-17-1-8,4-18-1-8) Concepts of Ayurveda
4. Durva (Crataevanurvala) 100s uses, detoxification, The ancients visualized one universal and pure life force
longevity, tonics (3-11-1-8) (Prana) present in all Molecules (Anu) and Atoms. (Parmanu). This
energy is deemed to have male (Purusha) and female (Prakruti)
5. Guggulu (Commiphoramukul) inhalation of fumes
attributes, also seen in Yin and Yang of Chinese concepts. High
cures tuberculosis(19-36-1-3), contact infections,
energy molecules are lighter where atoms are well separated as
inflamations(4-37-1-2)
in Air (Vayu-Vata), those closer gave sense of cohesive solidity as
One has to project into India’s past to understand Ayurveda in Earth (Snigdha- Kapha), and there is a component responsible
and its contributions. The original Sanskrit writings add subtle for production of energy (Fire – Pitta). Such perception led to the
meanings that cannot easily be translated. Ayurved is made fundamental concept of Tridosha, the three humors, namely Vata
up of two words: Ayuhoo (Phonetic pronunciation) and Ved (V), Pitta (P) and Kapha (K). Their hierarchical manifestation
(knowledge). According Sanskrit grammar rules, when two provided five basic elements (Pancha-Mahabhutas = PM) namely
words are united (Sandhi), the final word is changed, so Ayuhoo Earth (Pruthvi), Water (Jala), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu) and Space
+ Ved = Ayurved = Ayurveda in English. Ayu means living or life (Akash)- their relationships are shown in Fig.2.1. The PMare not
and also connotes moving and longevity (Ayus). Ayus also carries discrete entities but have a continuum of Entropy and Enthalpy.

Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com J Cancer Prev Curr Res 2017, 7(2): 00226
 Copyright:
Cancer an Ayurveda Perspective ©2017 Joshi et al. 2/4

As we move from Earth, Water, Fire, Air to Space we observe resulting from loss of normal regulatory biochemical and cellular
progressive randomness and spatial increments between control resulting in abnormal growth, lack of differentiation and
molecules (horizontally) and Entropy or degree of vibrational ability to metastasize and invade other cells and tissues.
energy vertically. This space concept between the molecules
Though we have acquired considerable understanding
can also be viewed as internal repulsive forces. Sequential PM
of oncology, the precise mechanism is unclear. There is no
arrangement fits well with Van der Waal forces. Not only it is
specific requirement for cancer to strike. It is indiscriminate
such a beautiful relationship evident in the five elements, in
and universal and can invade individuals irrespective of age,
combination they give vibrational energy attributes to VPK.
sex, cultural and ethnic background, and geography. Though no
Further they proposed that body has seven organs and tissues specific etiology is involved, factors include genetic inheritance,
(Dhaus), namely Plasma (Rasa), blood (Rakta), Muscles (Mansa), oncogene expression, chromosomal breakage, viral, bacterial
Fat (Meda), Bones (Asthi), Bone marrow (Maja) and Reproductive and parasitic infections, food-nutrition, chemical carcinogens,
tissues (Sukra for males and Artava for females). Understanding UV radiation, ionizing radiation etc. Almost always, the patient’s
these fundamentals of the Ayurvedic concepts is crucial in immunity is compromised. There also seems to be an unregulated
determining the state of health (balance) or sickness (imbalance). cell cycle (G0 -G1 -S-G2-M) in individual cells in different tissues
Knowing each individual Dhatu and its property will help us to and even in different sites in the same tissue. All these make it a
understand specific Arbud (cancer) and rationale in selecting forbidding task to successfully treat and cure cancers.
appropriate treatments. Further more these VPK attributes
are not only for human beings but also for plants, minerals and Today we have three formal and well-recognized treatments:
animals which are employed to prepare specific medication. Surgery, Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy.
We observe VPK in human growth. Children with cohesiveness If detected early and done competently, surgical procedures
have Kapha attributes and potential to grow. Younger people need can have success rates as high as 94% in cervical cancers to
higher energy (Pitta) for their body growth. Progressively more as low as 37% for lung cancers Similarly radiotherapy can
spacing and more randomness become attributes of aging Vata provide 88% success in Hodgkin’s disease to only 9% for lungs.
patients. Predominant ailments follow these patterns, namely Chemotherapy (mostly interfering cell cycles) also exhibits wide
Kapha diseases in children, Pitta problems in young –adults and range of success from 95% in Choriocarcinoma to only 16% for
Vata related ailments in older folks. lungs. Lung cancer is the most difficult to treat and cure (see
author’s Immunomodulatory approach). As individual treatments
There are also temporal and temperature (energy)
often do not provide desired cure, combinations are practiced
relationships with biological clock and circadian patterns. Cool
widely. There are other methods being investigated and include
Kapha in the morning (6-10 AM) followed by warmer Pitta during
hyperthermia, neutron bombardment, interferon, chemicals like
mid-day (10AM-2PM) and heat and randomness in Vata phase
hydrazine sulfate and steroids. In addition many complementary
(2-6 PM). The body progressively needs more and more energy
and alternative medicines and approaches including Ayurvedic
from the daybreak onwards, which are reflected in metabolic
medicines are being investigated and are the topics of this book.
and physiological processes. The cycle continues and we are
motionless during first phase of sleep, get active and ready to Arbuda: Ayurvedic views
move in the morning. All these patterns have far reaching health
and disease consequences. During the day it reaches the highest Arbuda: Though the most detailed description is in
demand state around 4:00 PM, when we become hypoglycemic, SushrutSamhita ( 1-11-388-392), the earliest use is found in
wasted and tired and demand a quick energy boost. Such Rig-Ved and Atharv-Ved. The most descriptive literary meaning
profound observations are intrinsic and universal components of is swelling like little mountain. There are over a dozen other
Ayurveda. Foods, medicinal plants, minerals and animal products descriptive synonyms that could be associated with one or more
all have varying balance and imbalance of VPK. For example those of characteristics of the ailment. In addition to specific organ-
materials with high Vata properties will aggravate Vata. Patients related Arbuda, there is always a varied amount of contribution
with basic Vata constitutions should not consume such foods and from the seven Dhatus mentioned earlier. According to Ayurveda,
diets. no disease can manifest without some imbalance of the Tridoshas,
Vata, Pitta and Kapha. For this article, ‘Cancer’ will be used for
The Disease Allopathic and ‘Arbuda’ for Ayurvedic systems and they will be
used interchangeably.
Cancer by any name is an extremely complex disease with
multiple facets. It may initiate at one site, proliferate and Arbuda is classified on various basis as follows:
metastasize to other sites and just take over unpredictably. The
Tridosha (Humors): Vataj, Pittaj, Kaphaj, Samprapti (
complexity is at every level of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry,
Pathogenesis), Sannipat (combination) Dwi(two) or Tri (three)
molecular biology, genetics etc. Science and medicine have made
Doshas
tremendous strides but the disease still evades us. In addition to
loss of life, it has drained families, governments and health care Dhatus (Tissues): Rakta (blood), Mansa (muscles), Meda (fat),
agencies of resources. The sad part is that it has been with us as Asthi (bones) etc.
far back as we can recall.
Anga (Organs): Shira (Head), Mukha (mouth), Gala (Neck-
Cancer: Western perspective throat), Yakrut (Liver) etc.

Cancer is viewed as an abnormal neoplastic malignancy Progression: Sotha (Inflammatory swelling), Granthi

Citation: Joshi G (2017) Cancer an Ayurveda Perspective. J Cancer Prev Curr Res 7(2): 00226. DOI: 10.15406/jcpcr.2017.07.00226
 Copyright:
Cancer an Ayurveda Perspective ©2017 Joshi et al. 3/4

(glandular swelling), Arbuda (Tumor), Drusta (malicious)/karkat Arbuda/Cancer model.

(Cancer) malignant, Adhy/Rogasthanantar (Metastatic), Dwir
(multiple/progressed metastasis) Diagnosis
Curability: Susadhya (easily cured), KastAsadhya (difficult to Nidan (Diagnosis): Modern Ayurvedic practitioners
cure), Asadhya (Impossible to cure) incorporate salient features of Ancient and modern Western
diagnostics. In particular, they use numerous criteria to determine
There is no single model for Arbuda. Based on literature Basic Constitution (Prakruti), which then becomes the basis for
information, training, school of thought, etiopathology of the every aspect of treatment.
patient and the state of development and progression of the
disease, each Vaidya generates a model. Ayurvedic models are For our discussion, the general diagnosis will be to determine
essentially conceptual and have dynamic components. The Vaidya Prakruti (Basic constitution), Balance/Imbalance of Tridoshas,
draws extensively from ancient texts, his or her formal training, Body (Sarira, Physical, somatic) , Physiology (Dharmguna),
personal experience and most importantly his patient and Psychological ( Mansik) and Spiritual (Adhyatmik). See
specifically how he views it. Though Ayurveda is universal in India, Nidansection below. I have extensively used subjective and
in the north it is less influenced by Siddha, the system of the south. objective Radial Pulse examination (see below), questionnaires,
The views of one southern Vaidya, MahadevaIyer, is particularly pulse, patient’s own evaluation, etc. I rely heavily on the reports
interesting as they are influenced by Siddha medicine. In general of Oncologists, Blood work, X-rays, Physical Examination Reports
one can conceptualize and incorporate following aspects in and if necessary order specific analyses.

Nidan (Diagnosis)
↓
Pariksha (Examination, e.g. Nad
↓
Prakruti/Vikruti/Tridosha (Balance/Imbalance details)
↓
Vitiated Doshas
↓
Distribution of Doshas in Dhatus
↓
Body, Physiology, Psychology
↓
Pariksha (Examination, e.g. Nadi)
↓
Doshas and SubDoshas
↓
Rogalakshan (Symptoms of disease)
↓
Agni (Digestive fire, level of digestion, Ama considerations)
↓
Srotas (Body Channels)
↓
Prashna (Inqiries, details eg. Genetics, habits, diets, life style)
↓
Nirnaya (decision)
(Conclusion/ final determination, manifestation and level of the disease, complications etc.)
Two major criteria are discussed here (a) NadiPariksha (Radial Pulse Examination), and (b) Determination of Basic constitution.

Citation: Joshi G (2017) Cancer an Ayurveda Perspective. J Cancer Prev Curr Res 7(2): 00226. DOI: 10.15406/jcpcr.2017.07.00226
 Copyright:
Cancer an Ayurveda Perspective ©2017 Joshi et al. 4/4

Treatment - Ayurvedic IV. Future strategy to combat and cure Cancer(PMAA)

Ayurvedic treatments: They are holistic and take into account Ayurvedic Views
all the aspects of concepts, principles and practices discussed
in section 2. Cancer treatments are no exception. Each Vaidya The first overt symptom in the pathogenesis (Samprapti) of
generates protocol depending on his/her specialty. Most every Arbuda is swelling (Sotha). Sotha according to Ayurveda may
one determines the Tridosha balance/imbalance and obtains result from many causes. They most contributory factor is Ama,
chronological history of the patient. I have generated my own which results from incomplete digestion (Apakva) of foods due to
Consultation- Diagnosis Protocol similar to many Vaidyas. lack of biofire (MandAgni). Ama is considered to be acidic toxin. It
During patient’s first visit I conduct Nadi Pariksha/Radial Pulse is produced in stomach and if not properly neutralized reducing
Examination between 8-9 AM, to be consistent with biological food intake, namely fasting (Langhan), eating less and only what
clock requirements. The patient provides his/her evaluation by gets easily digested and/or increasing Agni. If unattended it
filling forms. A detailed evaluation proceeds, all the information slowly and progressively disperses from digestive system to other
is scrutinized and if necessary additional information is tissues. This acidic - low pH – toxin may subtly alter many cellular
requested. Patient gets detailed instructions on medication, processes, including many enzymatic reactions, homeostasis,
dietary preferences and constraints, if necessary changes in daily cellular transport etc. Acidity sets in and cells become less
routines, instructions on meditation and exercise for mind-body resilient and forms hard swollen masses (Granthi). Depending
connections. The entire approach is holistic and every aspect of life on many factors including genetic make up of the person, foods,
if focused for Self-healing and bringing in harmony to imbalances. diets, smoking and in take of many carcinogens, the Granthi
Emphasis is made that, ‘No compliance No Cure’. Patient is given now grows to an enlarged Arbuda, the Tumor. I have implicated
option to participate in PMAA (Personalized Medicine according two very important cellular components, namely microtubules
to Atharva Ayurveda) Strict warning is given for ‘Safety First’ and (Nadis) and microfilaments (Srotas). They are impaired. They are
patient should stop all medications if any unusual symptoms normally involved in maintaining cellular structural coherence
occur and turgidity through septate desmosomes and tight junctions.
What seems to result is that cell becomes abnormal and loses
Future: Concepts, Rationale and Strategies its inherent communication functions. Normal microfilamental
astral bodies fail to regulate cell division, which results in
In the search of novel approaches to combat cancer I have abnormal growth. State of malignancy (Drusta orKarkat) sets in
compared several modalities employed by both Western and and it spreads subsequently to other cells and tissues (Dhatus).
Eastern medical disciplines. I have addressed following questions: This result in metastasis (Dwir). This type of logical thinking,
I. Understand Ayurvedic views on initiation and progression right or not, implicates microtubules (Nadi) and microfilaments
of Arbuda (Cancer) (Srotas). Sushrut attributes formation of Arbuda to them. It
became apparent that I must measure either structural integrity
II. Develop non-invasive diagnostic technology or functional capacity of Nadi and Srotas. This should preferably
III. Discover agents that will correct the melody (palliative) and done directly on the patient and also the diagnosis must be non-
cure the disease invasive.

Citation: Joshi G (2017) Cancer an Ayurveda Perspective. J Cancer Prev Curr Res 7(2): 00226. DOI: 10.15406/jcpcr.2017.07.00226

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