CANCER (ARBUDA)TREATMENT MODALITIES PERSPECTIVES IN AYURVEDA

Abstract

Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical sciences. The knowledge of Ayurveda cannot limit in certain pages. Each system of medical science in the world has described the nature of Vikrti and Swasthya according to its own concept. The philosophy and hypothesis of each science differ from those of others and hence, each science described the fundamental elements of the universe in its own way. But thebasic aim of the concept and fundamental principles of the science is to establish happiness in the human body. Acharya Sushruta has described very clear and detailed definition that is “The Doshas having vitiated in any part of the body and afflicting the mamsaand produce a swelling, which is circular, fixed, slightly painful, big in size, broad based, slowly growing and does not suppurate”. No specific definition available in Charak samhita, but Acharya Charaka described Arbuda as a complication of Vata- Rakta and similarity between Arbuda and Shopha. Acharya Vagbhatanoted that Arbuda is relatively bigger than Granthi. Acharya Madhav while describing the definition of Arbudahe said the vitiated Doshaafflict the Mamsa and Rakta both to produce a swelling. Bhavaprakash and Sharangdhara are in agreement with Madhavkarma regarding the definition of Arbuda. Many diseases can be correlated with Arbuda but Cancer is a parallel disease for it. The signs and symptoms of Arbuda can be very well explained in modern terms. In various Ayurvedic classics the line of treatment of Arbuda is available but in scattered form, which can be divided into Prophylactic, Palliative, Curative, Supportive, Bhaishajyachikitsa, Shodhana karma,Samankarma, Shalyachikitsa, Shashtra karmaand Anushastrakarma. In the present review article focus has been given tothe above aspects of cancer treatment modalities according to principles of Ayurveda.