By Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa, B.A.M.S
Chemotherapy is a therapy used for treating cancers wherein sure medicine are used which might kill and destroy the most cancers cells that are dividing quickly so as to forestall these cells from rising and making increasingly most cancers cells. It’s a half and parcel of the general therapy 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 – Most cancers- Ayurvedic Understanding And Hopeful Therapy Modalities
Ayurveda Idea of chemotherapy
The Vata issue and ‘vata balancing measures’ within the administration of negative 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 manner. Subsequently 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 aspect i.e. soul. Vayu is without doubt one of the 5 parts. Vayu means air aspect. As soon as the shukra-shonita i.e. sperm and ovum mix to type 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 before everything occasion which takes place as soon as the zygote is fashioned. So from this stage itself the division and copy of the cells can be underneath the management of vayu aspect. Even after the start and all through all the life course of from thereon vayu will keep on this perform. Vayu aspect is represented in our physique within the type of Vata dosha. The mixture of vayu and akasha parts 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 can be regular and wholesome. When vata goes out of steadiness it could 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 won’t occur in all individuals however may occur in those that are vulnerable and when an setting appropriate for growth of most cancers is discovered within the physique following publicity to associated etiological elements.
Subsequently ‘vata balancing measures’ together with medicines, therapies, dietetic inclusions and way of life modifications may work on the traces of chemotherapy. When hyperactivity of vata is managed, irregular division and copy of the cells can be managed. The identical targets are achieved by chemotherapy. Negative effects of chemotherapy might be introduced underneath management and cured by balancing vata. So, addressing pathological vata and bringing it into steadiness is likely to be the very important step and measure Ayurveda physicians ought to take into consideration whereas dealing with the negative effects of chemotherapy.
Learn – Vata Dosha – Introduction, 40 Issues 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 – power enhancing remedies and medicines
Brmhana Chikitsa – bulk selling and nourishing remedies and medicines
Santarpana Chikitsa – nourishing therapies and medicines
Rasayana Chikitsa – immunomodulator medicines
Vajikarana Chikitsa – aphrodisiac medicines
It’s equally vital to deal with particular person negative effects expressed in blown out proportions together with vata controlling measures. In a few of these negative effects ‘vata balancing remedies’ like vasti may come in useful as a tertiary line of therapy reasonably than the first measure. Vata balancing shall be accomplished solely after addressing the person and worst negative effects of chemotherapy.
Learn – How To Stability Vata Dosha? Line Of Therapy And Reasoning
Administration of particular person negative 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 can be predominant. Vata or Pitta could also be related.
- Therapy precept – when nausea or vomiting is predominant amongst the negative effects of chemotherapy it shall be handled on the idea of chardi chikitsa – i.e. therapy rules of vomiting.
- Vamana remedy – Chemotherapy, particularly that administered by the oral route would have disturbed the pure setting 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 throughout the interval section 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 instrument to deal with repeated occurrences of vomiting and nausea throughout or after completion or throughout the interval of chemotherapy and as a rule must be administered to sufferers with good power and endurance.
- Virechana remedy – therapeutic purgation can also be a great choice in case of predominance of pitta or kapha.
Learn – 25 Straightforward, Efficient Residence Cures for Vomiting And Nausea
Helpful herbs –
Ginger – zingiber officinale (efficacy is proved by 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 may happen as a result of impact of chemotherapy.
Therapy precept –
Therapeutic purgation to expel the morbid pitta and steadiness vata
Nasya – medicinal errhines to help the hair roots and to forestall 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, weight loss plan and formulations which help the hair roots and helps to rejuvenate and develop in a wholesome manner are prescribed.
Murdni taila – oil therapies accomplished 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 Development [Video]
Supportive medicines that are prescribed are often 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 embrace –
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, coloration modifications, formation of marks and ridges and falling of nails.
Nails are mentioned to be the waste supplies of bone tissue in line 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 might be associated to bone deformities. Nail deformities which happen as negative effects of chemotherapy in all probability point out that the chemotherapy has affected the bones and bone metabolism in line with Ayurveda.
Doshas concerned – Vata predominant doshas are concerned on this situation. Pitta might also be concerned together with vata.
Therapy precept – Virechana and Vasti are best remedies for this situation. Vasti with Tikta Ghrtas like Guggulutiktaka Ghrta are used for unctuous enema. Remedies prescribed for ‘asthivaha sroto dushti’ i.e. contamination of bone carrying channels also needs to be adopted.
Native remedies 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 traces 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 turn out to be dry and sore and in addition photosensitive.
Doshas concerned – Dryness and photosensitivity following chemotherapy point out aggravation of vata, pitta or each.
Therapy precept – This aspect impact must be handled on the traces of vataja or pittaja or vata-pittaja kushta. From the dosha perspective, virechana i.e. therapeutic purgation can be a super option to steadiness the aggravated pitta and vata. Kaya dhara / pizhichil with vata / pitta assuaging oils / processed milk (ksheera dhara) shield and heal the pores and skin from results of daylight. In any case it’s best to keep away from getting uncovered to the daylight if pores and skin modifications are discovered as negative 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 (utility)
Yashtimadhu Taila (utility)
Nalpamaradi Taila (utility)
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 will trigger tinnitus and listening to loss.
Doshas concerned – predominantly vata
Therapy precept – Vata mitigating medicines, comforts, therapies, weight loss plan and actions shall be prescribed. Murdni Taila – oil therapies accomplished 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 super 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 Therapy, Herbs, Life-style Ideas
7. Bleeding issues
Platelet rely can be lowered following chemotherapy. This can hamper clotting of blood. This may trigger extreme bleeding.
Doshas concerned – predominantly pitta can be concerned, vata is likely to be concerned or related on this situation
Therapy precept – This situation shall be handled on the traces of raktapitta chikitsa – therapy 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. remedies and medicines to advertise blood formation and upkeep shall be thought of.
Learn – Bleeding Issues: Ayurveda Therapy, Food regimen, Residence Cures
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 attributable to predominant vitiation of different doshas additionally. Elevated pitta and the resultant enhance in extreme warmth will destroy the blood cells and trigger anemia. This course of is probably going triggered by chemotherapy which has an aggressive affect on pitta.
Therapy precept – This situation is handled on the traces of pandu roga chikitsa i.e. therapy of anemia as defined in Ayurveda. Therapeutic purgation to fight morbid pitta can be best to take management of the state of affairs however the power of the affected person shall be assessed first. If the affected person is debilitated resulting from 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 weight loss plan which is appropriate for blood enchancment as defined within the context of pandu roga therapy. Following this, medicines to enhance power shall be administered. As soon as the affected person good points power if the anemia is unbroken and the blood image has not improved appreciably, therapeutic purgation shall be thought of. Following purgation the medicines and weight loss plan as really useful to enhance blood image shall be carried out.
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 will have an effect on the mucous membrane of any a part of the digestive system.
Doshas concerned – pitta is aggravated
Therapy precept – anti-pitta remedies in order to steadiness it, primarily therapeutic purgation (if the power and tolerance of the affected person is sweet) and pitta balancing weight loss plan 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 traces of ajirna (indigestion), agnimandhya (lack of urge for food) and arochaka (tastelessness). Therapy rules of karshya (emaciation, weight reduction) and measures to steadiness vata and pitta will come in useful. Brmhana (bulk selling) and balya (strengthening) medicines can 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 in addition cut 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 finally harm 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 features and hormones which regulate regular sexual conduct / efficiency of people. It’s actually balanced vata which is chargeable for curiosity in intercourse, menstruation, ovulation and ejaculation. Elevated pitta might trigger irritation of organs of reproductive system.
Therapy precept – Elevated vata and pitta must 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 best prescriptions. Since enhance in vata can even result in impairment of psychological features and in addition trigger systemic stress which could affect sexual efficiency and fertility, exterior therapies like natural oil therapeutic massage and oil therapies accomplished 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 negative effects of chemotherapy.
Doshas concerned – Pitta or Vata are often concerned
Therapy precept – T reated on the traces 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 in addition will present power and vitamin to the affected person.
Learn – 37 Ayurveda Residence Cures 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 abilities and multitasking can be affected. One might 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 enhance can be seen.
Therapy precept – These psychological and cognitive disturbances shall be handled on the traces of treating unmada, apasmara and afflictions of manovaha srotas. Medhya Rasayanas i.e. rejuvenation medicines for the thoughts and therapy rules talked about for thoughts problems shall be adopted as supportive interventions. They embrace counseling and strategies to boost mind, braveness and self assist strategies 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, power of the affected person and illness. Exterior therapies, primarily murdni taila procedures i.e. oil therapies carried out on the pinnacle must 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 can be critical tissue harm in these circumstances and would make the particular person vulnerable to infections and in addition would decrease the immunity. Subsequently aside from dosha balancing remedies, 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 must be adopted as defined in Ayurveda texts.
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