Prevention and Management of Breast Cancer with Ayurveda

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. It is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and is the second most frequent cause of cancer death. Breast cancer is of two types, one is Ductal ie; carcinoma in the cells that line the ducts of breast (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and the other is Lobular i.e. cancer of the lobules of the breast (glands where milk is formed). In Ayurveda, breast cancer is called as Sthana Arbuda. Unbalanced doshas leads to faulty inherent intelligence of cells that in turn lead to malfunctioning of genes and gene behavior leading to diseases like cancer. We all make cancer cells every day but our immune system recognizes the bad faulty cells and sends its own army to destroy it. That is why the balance at mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health is an important part of healing.

SYMPTOMS

• Swelling in breast
• Lump in breast and under arms
• Thickening, dimpling, redness and scaling of nipple or breast skin
• Inward turning of nipple
• Discharge from nipple other than breast milk

STAGES

• Stage 1: The lump smaller than 2cm and is not spread to other body parts
• Stage 2: Tumor larger than 2cm, spread to nearby lymph nodes
• Stage 3: Tumor is large sized and has spread to more lymph nodes
• Stage4: The cancer regardless of size and has spread to distal organs

RISK FACTORS

• Age above 45
• Family history
• Genetics
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Obesity
• Hormonal imbalances and hormonal replacement therapy
• Late pregnancy
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Menopause

Prevention: Early detection is the key to prevention and better prognosis

FACTORS THAT HELP TO REDUCE THE RISK OF BREAST CANCER

• Twelve months of breast feeding.
• Increased physical activity.
• Limited alcohol consumption.
• Include more fresh vegetables, nuts like almond, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts, macadamia, hemp seeds, etc. in your diet
• Eat 2-3 seasonal fruits per day.
• Try to avoid fried food, sugar, red meat, and extra calories.
• Eating low calorie helps not to grow cancer cells at all.
• Control your negative emotions like anger, hatred, jealousy, low self –esteem and self- hatred.
• Avoid exposure to chemicals, pesticides, solvents, emissions, industrial wastes.
• Go for a brisk walk for up to 45 min per day.
• Practice yoga and meditation every day.
• Do regular breast massage. For this you can use coconut oil, castor oil or olive oil that helps to eliminate accumulated toxins and also boost detoxification.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

Generally, Ayurvedic treatment for breast cancer is given as an additional therapy with other conventional treatment. This helps to reduce the side effects and increases the pace of recovery.

• Preventive therapies: Diet and life style changes are the keys to health, wealth and prosperity
• Palliative therapy during, before and after Chemo-radiation is recommended.Immune boosters to increase quality of life
• Ayurevdic detox treatment known as Pancha Karma and Ayurvedic rejuvenation treatments known as rasayana helps to detox and rejuvenate the body substantially, there by equipping the body to fight the cancer better.
• There are different herbs like Ashoka, Chithraka, Amlaki, Turmeric, Guduchi, Ashwagandha, Sariva, Gokshura, Nimba, Tulsi, Patola, Bringaraja, Musta have shown promising results in cancer prevention. They help to balance tridoshas, help rasa and raktha dhatu improvement and correct immune dysfunction and prolong survival.

Death is imminent, we all die one day. You should not be afraid of death and thereby decreasing your immunity. To enjoy the life at its full, eat healthy organic foods, and concentrate more on the vegetarian side. Do exercise regularly. Always do self-breast examination and always stay happy. Do periodic consultation with the expert to know about your current health status. Visit Liv Ayurveda to know more.