Breast Cancer Awareness - An Ayurvedic Approach - Manisha Madhavi
Manisha Madhavi, B.A.M.S. She has experience of 14 years of Ayurvedic Consultation, Diet and Nutrition, Health and Life Style Counseling, faculty of Ayurveda, Lectures & Workshops on various Health Topics in India and USA, presenter and Speaker for AAPNA 2012, 2009 conferences in LA and PA, expert Panel Member for AAPNA 2011 conference in Boston, presenter, Conference Coordinator, Comparer and Speaker for NAMA 2006 conference in NY, presenter, Speaker at NAMA 2007 conference in Albuquerque, expert in Panchakarma Therapy (Body Detoxification Therapy). Developed various Ayurvedic formulations for Individuals, pancha Karma Therapy camps conducted, written various columns for Ayurveda and Beauty Therapy, community Health Educational seminars conducted for WHO, extensive work done in Family Counseling and Youth Rehabilitation Program.
Breast Cancer Awareness - An Ayurvedic Approach
Breast Cancer is the irregular excessive division of cells in the breast tissue that can spread to adjacent tissues through the blood and lymphatic system. The main types of Breast Cancer are 1)DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in situ) 2)Invasive ductal carcinoma 3) Invasive Lobular carcinoma 4)Inflammatory Breast Cancer 5) Male Breast Cancer 6) Recurrent Breast Cancer 6) Metastatic Breast Cancer.
In Ayurveda breast cancer is called Sthana Arbuda.
Main Types are Rakta Arbuda, Mamsa Arbuda.
Other types are Vata Arbuda, Pitta Arbuda, Kapha Arbuda, Tridosha Arbuda
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
1)Swelling in all or part of the Breast, 2)LUMP in te breast, Lump in underarms, 3)pain in breast, skin irritation, 4)Dimpling,redness,scaliness,thickening of the nipple or breast skin. 5)Inward turning nipple, 6)Discharge from nipple other than breast milk.
Stages:
Stage 1:The Lump/tumor smaller than 2cm and not spread outside the breast
Stage 2:The tumor larger than 2cm-5cm,spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 3:The tumor is any size, has spread to more lymph nodes in axilla or internal mammary lymph nodes,Enlargement of
lymph nodes same side of breast, not spread to distant areas/sites.
Stage 4:The cancer regardless of size has spread to distal organs such as lungs, bones,liver, lymph nodes away from breast.
Risk Factors:
1)Family history 2)Age above 45-50 3)Genes: Gene defects found in BRCA1,BRCA2 genes can most likely cause breast cancer.Normally these genes produce proteins that inhibit the growth of cancer. 4)Smoking 5)Alcohol 6)Obesity 7)Hormonal Imbalances and hormone replacement Therapy 8)Child birth later in life 9)Irregular menstrual cycle,prolonged cycle,early menachy,late menopause are all high risk factors.
Prevention: EARLY DETECTION IS THE KEY TO PREVENTION AND BETTER PROGNOSIS
1)Screening and testing:-
a)Mammogram: should be done once every year above 40yrs. Findings like irregular areas of increased density,clusters of small calcification, any area of skin thickening, asymmetric in the mammogram can be helpful to make early detections. b)Breast MRI: can give better images using magnetic resonance, gives 3D images, used in high risk cases. c)Biopsy: Needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, vacuum assisted breast biopsy guided by mammogram is done. Sometimes Ductal Lavage is done to suction out breast milk for testing.
d)Blood Test, e)Ultrasound, f)Bone scan , g)Breast Physical Exam by Doctor , h)Breast Self Exam ( will be taught during the lecture)
Management of Breast Cancer Local management:Surgery and Radiation (To be done by qualified Oncologist/Surgeon only). Lumpectomy,Mastectomy (full or partial)are done, Systemic management: (To be given by qualified Oncologist/ Physician only), Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Hormonal treatments,immune therapy, pain medications, nutritional support.
Ayurvedic Management: Preventive therapies,Diet and lifestyle changes are the Keys to Health,wealth and prosperity -Pallative,Supportive therapy during, before and after Chemo-radiation.
Immune Boosters to increase quality of life.
Local Application on skin, eyes, head, hairs (Chandan,AloeVera,Manjishtha) for soothing,calming
Herbs,Meditation,Relaxation,Yoga,Breadthing,Pranayama,Hypnosis,Visualization,
(The following ayurvedic treatment will be discussed in details)
Taking into consideration the 10 factors of management before starting ayurvedic therapy,like dushya,desha,balam,,kalam,analam,prakruti,vayaha,satvam,satmyam,aharam,avastha,,.....vaghbhat sutra
Herbs like Ashoka,Chitraka, Amalaki, Tumeric, Guduchi,Gokshura, Ashwagandha, Sariva, Kutki, Nimba, Tulsi, Patol, Patha, Triphla, Bringaraj, Musta have shown promising results in cancer prevention. They help to balance tridoshas,help Rasa dhatu, rakta dhatu improvement and correct immune dysfunction and prolong survival.
Some Rasa Kalpa like Sutashekhar rasa, Punarnava mandura, Avipattikar churna,Kamadhugdha rasa,have shown good effects.
To reduce side effects of Chemo-radiation: Drakshasava 2tsp twice daily with water
Khadirarishta 2tsp twice daily with water
Triphala churna 2tsp after dinner with warm water
Manjishthadi Kwatha 2tsp
Coriander leaves fresh juice 20 gms twice daily during chemo
1tsp cow ghee + 1tsp salt empty stomach with hot water.
Decoction used to purify body cells:2tsp twice daily
Dashmula Kwatha, Manjishthadi Kwatha, Kanchnar Kwatha, Varunadi Kwatha.
Classical Ayurvedic formulations used in management of Cancer -
Triphala Guggulu , Kanchanar Guggulu , Kaishore Guggulu , Trivang Bhasma , Swarna Bhasma
Ayurveda for Symptomatic relief: For loose motions, vomitting :bilva,amalaki 2tsp twice every 4/5 hrs
For pain in abdomen: Shigaru Chitrakadi 2tabs 3times daily
For Headaches: Shirashooladi 2tabs 2times daily