AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF CANCER
*Dr. Pratibha Kondibarao Waghmare and Dr. Pradip Kashinath Kumbharwad
ABSTRACT
According to WHO, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, so cancer needs a serious concern because of its increasing incidence with high mortality and morbidity rate. In Ayurvedic literature, concept of cancer was not found, but the diseases having the similar signs and symptoms to those of cancer are described by Acharya Charaka and Acharya Sushutra as inflammatory or non -inflammatory swellings and mentioned either as Granthi (Minor neoplasm) or Arbuda (Major neoplasm). According to the Ayurvedic concept cancer arises when there is an imbalance between the vata, pitta and kapha doshas which are important for normal body function. It is a condition where some of cells become toxic, grow uncontrollably and the toxic cells also cause harm to adjacent normal cells. In benign neoplasm, one or two doshas are out of control and it is not too harmful because the body is still trying to coordinate among these doshas. In malignant tumors, all three doshas (tridoshas) get out of control and lose mutual coordination between them. Tridoshas cause excessive metabolic crisis resulting in proliferation, that causes tissue damage which leads to degeneration and depletion, resulting in deadly morbid condition. Taking this into consideration, an ayurvedic approach focusing on strengthening digestion, eliminating toxins, reducing tumor growth and improving tissue metabolism is useful. An Ayurvedic approach to cancer supportive care focusses on restoring equilibrium, building strength and rejuvenation.
Keywords: Cancer, Doshas, Granthi, Arbuda.
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