Kaya chikitsa

As we all know, Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical systems, which comprises thousands of medical concepts, fundamental principles and hypothesis. It is not just the traditional Indian medicinal system but also a science of life with a holistic approach to health and personalized medicine. Interestingly, Ayurveda has ability to treat many chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and asthma, which are untreatable in modern medicine. But unfortunately, due to lack of authenticity or scientific validation and documentation, this precious gift from our ancestors is sinking. Hence evidence-based research is need of an hour for Ayurveda, which needs further advancements in the research methodology. Although, with proper mode of action & pharmacovigilance Ayurvedic drugs are highly effective but still not fully explored and scientifically accepted due to lack of evidence.

Ayurveda is science of life and Kayachikitsa is one of most important branch (Anga) of Ashtang Ayurveda (8 branches of Ayurveda). Kaya means body and Chikitsa means treatment. In Kayachikitsa there are various ways of treatments like Shaman Chikitsa, Shodhan Chikitsa, maintaining balance of Doshas, Balancing of Agni, Rasayan, Vajikaran, Manasroga etc; Kayachikitsa is preventive, protective, curative and nutritive type of treatment. This department is concern with patient care, education and research area of internal Ayurvedic medicine and clinical practice. Ayurveda clinical specialists are much easier to find in private sector. The conditions where Ayurveda has numerous self-styled specialists are many and composes mainly of cancer, diabetes, skin diseases (psoriasis, vitiligo and leukoderma), arthritis, sexual dysfunctions, infertility, obesity and cosmetic care.

Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an apex organization in India,which is responsible for setting the translational benchmarks for practice in Ayurveda made rapid advances towards specialty research by establishing clinical research centers across the country. These research centers are working in the areas like cancer, veterinary Ayurveda, heart diseases, eye diseases, mental diseases, mother and child care etc. Any real impact of these specialty centers on the research, education and practice of Ayurveda in the country however is yet to be seen. In public health care delivery system of India, roles of Ayurveda clinical specialists have not yet been identified. In central services like CGHS and ESI and in state services, only general Ayurvedic health care is delivered and not the specialized care. Ayurvedic clinical specializations are not yet utilized in public health care delivery and neither has ever been thought of.

Ayurvedic clinics in general are found to have visited by large number of patients suffering with joint diseases. Over 50–60% arthritis patients seek Ayurvedic care during the course of their illness. Current arthritis practice in Ayurveda however largely lacks an evidence-based decision-making approach related to diagnosis and management on the basis of rogi-roga pariksha (examining the disease and the patient).

Coming to one of the most prevalent diseases under limelight now a days is cancer; Cancer means any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream. The terminology for cancer is Carcinoma, sarcoma, teratoma. It occurs at any age and in both genders. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths.

Acharyas have the concept of Cancer in Ayurveda as inflammatory or non-inflammatory swelling mentioned under under the heading of Arbuda, Granthi, Gulma and many other entities the aetiology, clinical features, different types and their treatment principles and Treatments in terms of Herbal, Mineral preparation and external applications has been explained in Ayurveda classics. The drugs like Ashvagandha, Guduchi, Bhallataka, Haridra, Rasona, Palandu (Onion) and Gomutra (cow’s urine) and different Rasayana kalpas are having different Anti-oxidant property and active principles. These drugs enhance the quality of life, increases immunity and reduce risks of Cancer. Researchers are under process. Different types of treatment modalities in terms of Bahyachikitsa (External treatment modalities), Shamanachikitsa (conservative treatments) and Rasayanayogas explained for Arbuda. Medicines like Guggulukalpas, Ghritakalpas, Rasayanakalpa along with preventive and control measures and diet. The quality of life can be better improved by following nutritious food and lifestyle modification. Different researches are going on Ashvagandha, Guduchi, Bhallataka, Haridra, Rasona, Palanduand Gomutra on Cancer.

The Vata, Pitta, Kapha are three basics of Ayurveda and very important for normal body function. In malignant tumors all three systems get out of control (Tridoshas) and lose mutual coordination that causes tissue damage, resulting critical condition. Tridoshas cause excessive metabolic crisis resulting in proliferation. The modern cancer therapy which is known to burdened by drug-induced toxic side effects hoping perfect cure of disease form the complementary and alternative medicine system. The main goal of Ayurvedic therapy is to find the ultimate cause of an illness while the therapeutic approach of Ayurveda.

According to Sushruta, the fundamental cause of major neoplasm is the pathogens that affect all parts of the body. He called the sixth layer of the skin as ‘Rohini,’ (epithelium) and pathogenic injuries to this layer in muscular tissues and blood vessels caused by lifestyle errors, unhealthy foods, poor hygiene and bad habits results in the derangement of doshas, which leads to the manifestation of tumours.

The factors responsible for the vitiation of doshas are discussed here:

• Vata aggravating factors: excessive intake of bitter, pungent, astringent, dry foods and stressful conditions.
• Pitta aggravating factors: excessive intake of sour, salty, fried foods and excessive anger.
• Kapha aggravating factors: excessive intake of sweet, oily food and sedentary nature.
• Rakta aggravating factors: excessive intake of acid or alkali containing foods. Fried and roasted foods, alcoholic beverages, sour fruits are some examples. Excessive anger or severe emotional upset, sunbathing or working under scorching sun or near fire and hot conditions, etc. are some other causes.
• Mamsa aggravating factors: excessive use of exudative foods like meat, fish, yoghurt, milk and cream. Behaviours leading to exudation like sleeping during the day and overeating are some of the causes for pathogens invading the fatty tissues.
• Medo aggravating factors: excessive intake of oily foods, sweets, alcohol and lazy attitude.