Ayurvedic perspective on Cancer: Conceptualization and Treatment

Mohamed Muzzammel S; Bhumika S; Dhivyashri S

doi:10.21760/jaims.9.10.14

Mohamed Muzzammel S Medical Officer, Centre for Integrative Oncology, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India.
Bhumika S Assistant Professor, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Shri C. B. Guttal Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India.
Dhivyashri S Final Year Post Graduate Scholar, Dept. of Agada Tantra, KAHER’s Shri BMK Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Belgaum, Karnataka, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21760/jaims.9.10.14

Keywords: Ayurveda, Cancer, Pathophysiology, Doshas, Dhatu Kshaya, Ojo Kshaya, Virechana, Integrative Oncology, Rasavaha Srotas, Metastasis

Abstract

Cancer, a multifactorial disease, continues to challenge modern medicine despite decades of research. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, presents a holistic approach to understanding and managing cancer by viewing it as a disorder of the Doshas (bodily humors), Dhatus (tissues), and Srotas (channels). This review explores how cancer can be interpreted through two key pathological states in Ayurveda, Dhatu Kshaya (tissue depletion) and Ojo Kshaya (vitality depletion), which lead to imbalances in the body’s homeostasis. By correlating cancer with conditions such as Srotoavarodha (blockage of channels) and Agnimandhya (suppressed digestive fire), this paper sheds light on Ayurvedic perspectives on carcinogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic approaches like Virechana (purgation therapy). The review also discusses modern cancer pathophysiology and its correlation with Ayurveda, highlighting how integrative therapies can be used for effective cancer management.

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