Critical analysis of malignancies in Ayurveda

Authors

  • Subhash Waghe HOD – Dept. of Roga Nidana & Vikruti Vigyana Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan College of Ayurveda & Research Center, Bhopal – 462 047 (M.P.) (India)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v11i6.928

Keywords:

Arbuda, Gulma, Tumor, Cancer

Abstract

Cancer is one of the major causes of death across the globe accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. Every 6th death in the world is due to the cancer. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (ARC), by 2040, the global burden of Cancer is expected to grow by 27.5 million new cases. As per national Cancer Registration data (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GOI), in India there were 63,797 deaths in 2020 due to cancer and projected deaths by 2022 are 66,879.  And it is going to increase further due to faulty dietary and lifestyle practices.  Therefore, it becomes necessary to look for every possible solution including the ancient medical sciences such as in Ayurveda. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical science. There are references to various malignancies in Ayurveda. The tumor is referred as ‘Arbuda’ or ‘Gulma’ in Ayurveda. All the characteristics of tumor are very well mentioned in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic acharyas have suggested to excise the tumor completely along with surrounding healthy tissue otherwise it recures soon, indicating the malignant nature of the tumor. Most of the tumors are mentioned as incurable again indicating its malignant nature. In Ayurveda, tumor is classified based on doshas, dhatus and structural appearances. Among the treatment modality for Cancer, apart from medicine and surgery, cauterization and application of Alkali is also suggested in Ayurveda to avoid the recurrence. The liver cancer is mentioned under headings like ‘Yakrit Gulma’ and ‘Yakrut Udara’. Viral liver cirrhosis is the main cause of liver cancer apart from fatty infiltration, obesity, diabetes and alcoholism. It is observed and concluded that Cancers are very well documented in Ayurveda and the Ayurvedic treatment suggested for treating the tumors need to be reexplored.

Author Biography

Subhash Waghe, HOD – Dept. of Roga Nidana & Vikruti Vigyana Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan College of Ayurveda & Research Center, Bhopal – 462 047 (M.P.) (India)

HOD – Dept. of Roga Nidana & Vikruti Vigyana

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan College of Ayurveda & Research Center, Bhopal – 462 047 (M.P.) (India)

Published

2023-07-17

How to Cite

Waghe, S. . (2023). Critical analysis of malignancies in Ayurveda. Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine (JAHM), 11(6). https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v11i6.928