By Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa, B.A.M.S
Chemotherapy is a remedy used for treating cancers wherein sure medication are used which might kill and destroy the most cancers cells that are dividing quickly so as to stop these cells from rising and making increasingly more most cancers cells. It’s a half and parcel of the general remedy plan up which additionally consists of surgical procedure and radiation remedy. All these are collectively used to deal with many sorts of most cancers.
Learn – Cancer- Ayurvedic Understanding And Hopeful Treatment Modalities
Ayurveda Idea of chemotherapy
The Vata issue and ‘vata balancing measures’ within the administration of unwanted side effects of chemotherapy
The cell division and differentiation is underneath the management of balanced vata. When vata is aggressively aggravated the division of those cells and their differentiation takes place in an uncontrolled approach. Due to this fact vata shall be thought of because the chief precept behind the pathogenesis of most cancers.
The human physique is fashioned by the amalgamation of 5 parts of nature and the life component i.e. soul. Vayu is among the five elements. Vayu means air component. As soon as the shukra-shonita i.e. sperm and ovum mix to kind the embryo all these parts take part in differentiating and enabling growth of this embryo. The function of this vayu is vibhajana i.e. cell division which is the at the start occasion which takes place as soon as the zygote is fashioned. So from this stage itself the division and copy of the cells will likely be underneath the management of vayu component. Even after the delivery and all through the whole life course of from thereon vayu will keep it up this perform. Vayu component is represented in our physique within the type of Vata dosha. The mixture of vayu and akasha elements will result in the manifestation of vata dosha in our physique. When this vata is in a state of steadiness, the cell division and differentiation will likely be regular and wholesome. When vata goes out of steadiness it might trigger many well being problems that are troublesome to handle. Irregular cell division and differentiation is one such impact of imbalanced and aggravated vata. This pathological deviation of vata will result in causation of most cancers and comparable such circumstances. This may not occur in all folks however would possibly occur in those that are vulnerable and when an atmosphere appropriate for growth of most cancers is discovered within the physique following publicity to associated etiological components.
Due to this fact ‘vata balancing measures’ together with medicines, therapies, dietetic inclusions and life-style modifications would possibly work on the strains of chemotherapy. When hyperactivity of vata is managed, irregular division and copy of the cells will likely be managed. The identical targets are achieved by chemotherapy. Uncomfortable side effects of chemotherapy will be introduced underneath management and cured by balancing vata. So, addressing pathological vata and bringing it into steadiness is perhaps the very important step and measure Ayurveda physicians ought to take into consideration whereas dealing with the unwanted side effects of chemotherapy.
Learn – Vata Dosha – Introduction, 40 Things To Know
Essential vata controlling measures on this situation would come with –
Vasti – natural enemas (together with skillful mixture of decoction and unctuous enemas)
Balya Chikitsa – energy enhancing therapies and medicines
Brmhana Chikitsa – bulk selling and nourishing therapies and medicines
Santarpana Chikitsa – nourishing therapies and medicines
Rasayana Chikitsa – immunomodulator medicines
Vajikarana Chikitsa – aphrodisiac medicines
It’s equally necessary to handle particular person unwanted side effects expressed in blown out proportions together with vata controlling measures. In a few of these unwanted side effects ‘vata balancing therapies’ like vasti would possibly come in useful as a tertiary line of remedy moderately than the first measure. Vata balancing shall be performed solely after addressing the person and worst unwanted side effects of chemotherapy.
Learn – How To Balance Vata Dosha? Line Of Treatment And Reasoning
Administration of particular person unwanted side effects of chemotherapy
1. Nausea and Vomiting
- Doshas concerned – Tridoshas could also be individually concerned however kapha being the native dosha associated to the abdomen, kapha aggravation will likely be predominant. Vata or Pitta could also be related.
- Therapy precept – when nausea or vomiting is predominant amongst the unwanted side effects of chemotherapy it shall be handled on the idea of chardi chikitsa – i.e. remedy ideas of vomiting.
- Vamana therapy – Chemotherapy, particularly that administered by way of the oral route would have disturbed the pure atmosphere within the abdomen and would have put the doshas therein in a state of imbalance. If the affected person is robust sufficient and particularly after the stoppage of chemotherapy or in the course of the interval part of the remedy therapeutic emesis i.e. vamana remedy shall be administered. However this shall be administered when nausea or vomiting are absent however tends to recur. So, vamana is an efficient device to deal with repeated occurrences of vomiting and nausea throughout or after completion or in the course of the interval of chemotherapy and as a rule needs to be administered to sufferers with good energy and endurance.
- Virechana therapy – therapeutic purgation can also be possibility in case of predominance of pitta or kapha.
Learn – 25 Easy, Effective Home Remedies for Vomiting And Nausea
Helpful herbs –
Ginger – zingiber officinale (efficacy is proved by way of research and researches)
Matulunga – Citrus medica
Cardamom
Trijata – mixture of cinnamon, cardamom and Cinnamomum tamala
Coriander – coriandrum sativum
Laja – parched grains
Bilwa – Aegle marmelos
Jambu – Syzygium cumini
Mango – mangifera indica
Raisins – Vitis vinifera
Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra
Amla – Emblica officinalis
Hrivera – Pavonia odorata
Sandalwood – Santalum album
Ushira – Vetiveria zizanioides
Helpful formulations –
Trijata churna
Trikatu churna
Bilwadi Leham
Madiphala Rasayanam
Eladi Vati
Gudardrakam
Drakshadi Kashayam
2. Lack of hairs
Chemotherapy might trigger hair loss or thinning of hairs.
Doshas concerned – vitiation of vata and pitta within the hair roots trigger hair fall. This aggravation of vata and pitta would possibly happen as a result of impact of chemotherapy.
Therapy precept –
Therapeutic purgation to expel the morbid pitta and steadiness vata
Nasya – medicinal errhines to assist the hair roots and to stop additional hair loss shall be thought of.
Helpful herbs and medicines – The hairs will develop as soon as the causal doshas are addressed following the above mentioned therapies. Later herbs, food regimen and formulations which assist the hair roots and helps to rejuvenate and develop in a wholesome approach are prescribed.
Murdni taila – oil therapies performed over the pinnacle
Hair oils like Bhringaraja Taila or Bhringamalaka Taila are prescribed to be utilized to the hair roots.
Learn – How To Make Bhringraj Oil For Hair Growth [Video]
Supportive medicines that are prescribed are normally Rasayanas i.e. immune modulators like Narasimha Rasayana, Chyavanaprash, Amalaki Rasayana and Brahma Rasayana and so on. Oral consumption of medicated ghee like Guggulutiktakam Ghrtam in small doses are useful. Herbs that are useful on this situation embody –
Amalaki – Emblica officinalis
Bhringaraja – Eclipta alba
Brahmi – Bacopa monneiri
Methika – Fenugreek
Sesame
Kumari – Aloe vera and so on
3. Brittle Nails
Chemotherapy might trigger many nail deformities together with brittle and skinny nails, ache in nail beds, colour modifications, formation of marks and ridges and falling of nails.
Nails are mentioned to be the waste supplies of bone tissue in accordance with Ayurveda. Although they’re wastes we don’t do away with them completely and they’re a part of our fingers and toes and are additionally of beauty significance. Nail deformities will be associated to bone deformities. Nail deformities which happen as unwanted side effects of chemotherapy most likely point out that the chemotherapy has affected the bones and bone metabolism in accordance with Ayurveda.
Doshas concerned – Vata predominant doshas are concerned on this situation. Pitta can also be concerned together with vata.
Therapy precept – Virechana and Vasti are very best therapies for this situation. Vasti with Tikta Ghrtas like Guggulutiktaka Ghrta are used for unctuous enema. Therapies prescribed for ‘asthivaha sroto dushti’ i.e. contamination of bone carrying channels also needs to be adopted.
Native therapies for the nails are additionally helpful. Instance – showering of the brittle nails with natural decoction ready with Panchatikta group of herbs or Nalpamaradi herbs. Brittle nails shall even be handled on the strains of treating kushta.
Helpful herbs and formulations
Guggulu – Commiphora mukul
Neem – Azadirachta indica
Patola – Trichosanthes dioica – pointed gourd
Aragwadha – Cassia fistula
Khadira – Acacia catechu
Turmeric – Curcuma longa
Daruharidra – Berberis aristata and so on
Formulations
Panchatikta Ghrta Guggulu
Triphala Guggulu
Tiktakam Kashayam / Tiktakam Ghrtam
Mahatiktakam Kashayam / Mahatiktakam Ghrtam
Guggulutiktaka Kashayam / Guggulutiktakam Ghrtam
Aragwadhadi Kashayam
Arogyavardhini
Gandhaka Rasayanam
Madhusnuhi Rasayanam and so on
4. Pores and skin modifications
Following chemotherapy, the pores and skin would change into dry and sore and likewise photosensitive.
Doshas concerned – Dryness and photosensitivity following chemotherapy point out aggravation of vata, pitta or each.
Therapy precept – This aspect impact needs to be handled on the strains of vataja or pittaja or vata-pittaja kushta. From the dosha perspective, virechana i.e. therapeutic purgation will likely be a great option to steadiness the aggravated pitta and vata. Kaya dhara / pizhichil with vata / pitta assuaging oils / processed milk (ksheera dhara) defend and heal the pores and skin from results of daylight. Anyhow it’s very best to keep away from getting uncovered to the daylight if pores and skin modifications are discovered as unwanted side effects of chemotherapy.
Helpful Herbs and formulations –
Khadira – Acacia catechu
Aragwadha – Cassia fistula
Neem – Azadirachta indica
Turmeric – Curcuma longa
Daruharidra – Berberis aristata
Patola – Trichosanthes dioica and so on
Formulations –
Shatadhauta ghrta (software)
Yashtimadhu Taila (software)
Nalpamaradi Taila (software)
Tiktaka Ghrta
Draksha Ghrta and so on
5. Fatigue
Doshas concerned – predominantly vata
Therapy precept – Vata assuaging measures together with medicines, meals and actions, relaxation, being in a zone of delight and much from stress, nutritious and balanced meals are helpful.
Helpful Herbs
Bala – Sida cordifolia
Ashwagandha – Withania somnifera
Draksha – Vitis vinifera
Kapikachchu – Mucuna pruriens
Shatavari – Asparagus racemosus
Helpful formulations
Ashwagandha Lehya
Chyavanaprash
Ashwagandharishta
Balarishta
Saraswatharishta
Drakshadi Leham
Dashamula Kashayam
Draksharishta
6. Listening to impairment
Toxins of the chemotherapy have an effect on the nervous system and should trigger tinnitus and listening to loss.
Doshas concerned – predominantly vata
Therapy precept – Vata mitigating medicines, comforts, therapies, food regimen and actions shall be prescribed. Murdni Taila – oil therapies performed on the pinnacle and Nasya – errhines will assist in restoration from these circumstances. Karna Purana – filling the ears with oils processed with vata assuaging herbs can also be a great selection. In excessive circumstances and recurrences, vasti – natural enemas could also be included.
Helpful herbs
Castor – ricinus communis
Bala – Sida cordifolia
Ashwagandha – Withania somnifera
Bilva – Aegle marmelos
Helpful formulations
Triphala Guggulu
Dashamularishta
Draksharishta
Saraswatharishta
Balarishta
Ashwagandharishta
Bilwadi Taila
Ksheerabala Taila 101
Anu Taila
Shadbindu Taila
Learn – Tinnitus Causes, Ayurvedic Treatment, Herbs, Lifestyle Tips
7. Bleeding issues
Platelet rely can be lowered following chemotherapy. This can hamper clotting of blood. This would possibly trigger extreme bleeding.
Doshas concerned – predominantly pitta will likely be concerned, vata is perhaps concerned or related on this situation
Therapy precept – This situation shall be handled on the strains of raktapitta chikitsa – remedy of bleeding problems as defined in Ayurveda. If the blood is contaminated and indicators and signs just like raktapitta are discovered pratimargaharana chikitsa i.e. expulsion of doshas in reverse routes shall be administered i.e. therapeutic emesis shall be given if bleeding happens from decrease passages (anus, urethra, vagina) and therapeutic purgation shall be administered if bleeding happens from higher passages (eyes, mouth, nostril, ears). If pure blood is being expelled then raktaprasadana chikitsa i.e. therapies and medicines to advertise blood formation and upkeep shall be thought of.
Learn – Bleeding Disorders: Ayurveda Treatment, Diet, Home Remedies
Helpful herbs
Vasa – Adhathoda vasica
Sariva – Hemidesmus indicus
Manjishta – Rubia cordifolia
Trivrt – Operculina turpethum
Bola
Helpful formulations
Parpati formulations
Vasarishta / Vasavaleha
Sarivadyasava
Mahamanjishtadi Kashayam
8. Anemia
Chemotherapy would have an effect on the blood cells and RBC ranges would fall down drastically. This can result in anemia which leads to palpitations, shortness of breath and different signs of anemia.
Doshas concerned – Pitta is the principle dosha concerned right here although anemia can also be brought on by predominant vitiation of different doshas additionally. Elevated pitta and the resultant improve in extreme warmth will destroy the blood cells and trigger anemia. This course of is probably going triggered by chemotherapy which has an aggressive influence on pitta.
Therapy precept – This situation is handled on the strains of pandu roga chikitsa i.e. remedy of anemia as defined in Ayurveda. Therapeutic purgation to fight morbid pitta will likely be very best to take management of the state of affairs however the energy of the affected person shall be assessed first. If the affected person is debilitated on account of chemotherapy and has anemia, medicines which result in rakta prasadana i.e. enhancement of high quality and amount of blood and people helpful for the channels carrying blood shall be administered together with food regimen which is appropriate for blood enchancment as defined within the context of pandu roga remedy. Following this, medicines to enhance energy shall be administered. As soon as the affected person good points energy if the anemia is unbroken and the blood image has not improved appreciably, therapeutic purgation shall be thought of. Following purgation the medicines and food regimen as beneficial to enhance blood image shall be applied.
Helpful herbs
Punarnava – Boerhavia diffusa
Draksha – Vitis vinifera
Iron
Mandura – waste of iron
Pippali – Piper longum
Haritaki – Terminalia chebula
Dhatri – Emblica officinalis
Turmeric – Curcuma longa
Danti – Baliospermum montanum
Pomegranate – Punica granatum
Katuki – Picrorhiza kurrooa
Helpful formulations
Punarnava Mandura
Mandura Vataka
Dhatryavaleha
Arogyavardhini
Trivrt Leham
Tryushana Churna
Yogaraja Guggulu
Navayasa Loha
Mandura Bhasma
Loha Bhasma
Gomutra Haritaki
9. Mucositis
Irritation of mucous membrane happens as a aspect impact of chemotherapy and should have an effect on the mucous membrane of any a part of the digestive system.
Doshas concerned – pitta is aggravated
Therapy precept – anti-pitta therapies in order to steadiness it, primarily therapeutic purgation (if the energy and tolerance of the affected person is nice) and pitta balancing food regimen shall be administered to fight mucositis.
Helpful herbs
Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra
Raisins– Vitis vinifera
Amalaki – Emblica officinalis
Shatavari – Asparagus racemosus
Shankha – conch
Kaparda – shell oyster
Helpful formulations
Drakshadi churna / ghrta
Yashtimadhu churna
Sukumara Kashayam / ghrtam
Shatavari Ghrtam / gudam
Trivrt Leham
Triphala Churna
Shanka Bhasma / Vati
Kaparda Bhasma
10. Lack of Urge for food and weight reduction
Doshas concerned – predominantly vata and pitta
Therapy precept – these circumstances shall be handled on the strains of ajirna (indigestion), agnimandhya (lack of urge for food) and arochaka (tastelessness). Therapy ideas of karshya (emaciation, weight reduction) and measures to steadiness vata and pitta will come in useful. Brmhana (bulk selling) and balya (strengthening) medicines will likely be useful.
Helpful herbs
Pippali – Piper longum
Ginger – Zingiber officinale
Chitraka – Plumbago zeylanica
Coriandrum – Coriandrum sativum
Musta – Cyperus rotundus
Rock salt
Cumin seeds
Krshna Jiraka – Carum carvii
Hingu – asafetida
Pomegranate
Ashwagandha – Withania somnifera
Helpful formulations
Hingwashtaka Churna
Bhaskara Lavana
Chitrakadi Vati
Panchakola Churna
Trikatu Churna
Ajamodadi Churna / Vati
Pippalyasava
Mustarishta
Panchakolasava
11. Lack of curiosity in intercourse / lack of libido / lowered fertility
Chemotherapy might trigger lack of curiosity in intercourse and likewise scale back an individual’s fertility.
Doshas concerned – Vitiation of vata and pitta specifically will result in the contamination of shukravaha / artavavaha srotas i.e. channels which produce and transport sperms or ovum, and ultimately injury the sperms and ovum. They could additionally contaminate the testes and ovary. The doshas can even afflict the upper facilities positioned within the mind which management sexual capabilities and hormones which regulate regular sexual habits / efficiency of people. It’s actually balanced vata which is liable for curiosity in intercourse, menstruation, ovulation and ejaculation. Elevated pitta might trigger irritation of organs of reproductive system.
Therapy precept – Elevated vata and pitta needs to be expelled by administration of medicated enemas and therapeutic purgation. Herbs and formulations which promote formation and upkeep of sperms and ovum and are additionally therapeutic on the associated channels of formation and transportation shall be prescribed. Rasayanas and Vajikaranas are very best prescriptions. Since improve in vata can even result in impairment of psychological capabilities and likewise trigger systemic stress which could influence sexual efficiency and fertility, exterior therapies like natural oil therapeutic massage and oil therapies performed on the pinnacle – murdni taila and nasya will assist.
Helpful herbs
Ashwagandha – Withania somnifera
Shatavari – Asparagus racemosus
Kapikachchu – Mucuna pruriens
Vidari – Pueraria tuberosa
Guduchi – Tinospora cordifolia
Helpful formulations
Ashwagandha Rasayana / Lehya
Shatavari Gulam
Vanari Kalpa
Vidaryadi Churna
Chyavanaprash
Brahmi Rasayana
Shilajatu
12. Issues associated to bowel
Diarrhea or constipation are the same old intestine associated unwanted side effects of chemotherapy.
Doshas concerned – Pitta or Vata are normally concerned
Therapy precept – T reated on the strains of atisara if there’s diarrhoea and koshtabaddhata, anaha, udavarta or atopa if there’s constipation. Vata and pitta balancing meals and medicines shall be given and the hydration shall be taken care of. In extreme constipation unctuous purgation or oil / ghee (medicated) enema shall be administered. Gentle meals as talked about in samsarjana krama i.e. post-emesis / post-purgation dietetic routine shall be administered after diarrhoea has stopped. This can assist in intestine restoration and likewise will present energy and vitamin to the affected person.
Learn – 37 Ayurveda Home Remedies For Diarrhea And Dysentery
Helpful herbs
Kutaja – Holarrhena antidysenterica
Musta – Cyperus rotundus
Bilwa – Aegle marmelos
Castor – Ricinus communis
Ginger – Zingiber officinale
Cumin seeds
Helpful formulations
Kutajarishta
Mustarishta
Kutaja Ghana Vati
Bilwadi Leham
Gandharvahastadi Kashayam
Jeerakarishta
Gandharvahastadi Tailam
13. Issues associated to psychological well being and cognition
Following chemotherapy reasoning and organising expertise and multitasking will likely be affected. One can also undergo from temper swings and despair.
Doshas concerned – All three doshas are put right into a state of imbalance. The dosha predominance shall be judged relying on the signs manifested in relation to disturbance of psychological well being and cognition. Many instances indicators and signs of vata and pitta improve will likely be seen.
Therapy precept – These psychological and cognitive disturbances shall be handled on the strains of treating unmada, apasmara and afflictions of manovaha srotas. Medhya Rasayanas i.e. rejuvenation medicines for the thoughts and remedy ideas talked about for thoughts problems shall be adopted as supportive interventions. They embody counseling and strategies to boost mind, braveness and self assist methods and channelizing the ideas. Panchakarma measures together with therapeutic purgation, enema or errhines shall be administered to expel the morbid doshas as and when wanted relying on the predominance of doshas, energy of the affected person and illness. Exterior therapies, primarily murdni taila procedures i.e. oil therapies performed on the pinnacle needs to be included.
Helpful herbs
Brahmi – Bacopa monnieri
Jatamansi – Nardostachys jatamansi
Shatavari – Asparagus racemosus
Ashwagandha – Withania somnifera
Tagara – Valeriana wallichii
Shankapushpi – Convolvulus pluricaulis
Guduchi – Tinospora cordifolia
Bala – Sida cordifolia
Kushmanda – Benincasa hispida
Draksha – Vitis vinifera
Helpful formulations
Brahmi Ghrta
Brahmi Vati
Shatavari Ghrta / Gulam
Ashwagandha Leham
Balarishtam
Kushmanda Rasayanam
Draksharishtam / Drakshavaleham
Chyavanaprash
Brahma Rasayana
Saraswatharishtam
Shilajatu and so on
14. Infections
WBCs are the road of protection within the physique. Chemotherapy damages these cells and exposes the physique for a lot of infections.
Doshas concerned – all three doshas are concerned
Therapy precept – Relying on the predominant dosha concerned – therapeutic emesis, purgation or natural enemas are administered. There will likely be severe tissue injury in these circumstances and would make the particular person vulnerable to infections and likewise would decrease the immunity. Due to this fact aside from dosha balancing therapies, Rasayanas also needs to be administered to strengthen the tissues, enhance the protection mechanism and immunity of the physique. Day by day regimens and seasonal regimens needs to be adopted as defined in Ayurveda texts.
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