1) What is Colon?
Colon is an important part of the digestive system. Colon helps primarily to process the waste products from the digested material. It helps to absorb water and electrolytes from the digested material. Colon prepares the digested material for elimination. Several parts of colon are as follows:
a) Cecum: Cecum is part of the large intestine where the small intestine connects. The appendix is attached to the cecum.
b) Ascending Colon: It is located on the right side of the abdomen and runs upwards.
c) Transverse Colon: Transverse colon lies superiorly in the colon and runs horizontally.
d) Descending Colon: It is locates on the left side of the abdomen and runs downwards.
e) Sigmoid Colon: It is an S shaped structure and lead to rectum.
Colon contains large number of beneficial bacteria that helps in breaking down undigested food and producing important elements like Vitamin K. Colon helps to solidify the waste and helps in forming the stool. let’s understand colon cancer and Management of Colon Cancer through Ayurveda
2) What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer, which can also be called as colorectal cancer it includes cancer which originate in both the colon and the rectum. Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that originate or begins in the large intestine (colon). Colorectal cancer typically begins as non-cancerous and dysplastic clumps of cells called polyps. This polyp is sessile and forms in the inner linings of the colon or the rectum. Gradually, over time some polyp may acquire additional mutations and can lead to cancerous transformation.
Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer
The exact cause of colorectal cancer is still unclear but certain factors that increases the risk factors are:
a) Age: Most people with colon cancer are diagnosed above the age of 50 years but it is a well-known fact that it can occur at any age.
b) Genetics: Inherited genetic mutations like Lynch Syndrome and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) can increase the risk of colon cancer.
c) Diet: A diet rich in red meat, processed meat, and low on fiber can increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
d) Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inflammatory Bowel Disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can increase the likelihood of colorectal cancer.
3) Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Colon Cancer at earlier stages may not cause any symptoms but as the disease progresses certain common symptoms may include:
a) Changes in bowel habits: Changes in bowel habits can be manifested by diarrhea, constipation that last for more than a few days. As the disease progresses, this may gradually worsen.
b) Bleeding per rectum: Colon Cancer can also be manifested by bleeding per rectum or blood in the stools. Fecal Occult Blood Test (FBT) is usually done for diagnosis of colon cancer.
c) Unexplained Weight Loss: Loss of more than 10% of weight with not even trying to do so warrants further investigations. Colon Cancer at advanced stage can also be manifested by weight loss.
d) Fatigue or Weakness: Persistent feeling of weakness or fatigue can be sign of colon cancer. This feeling of fatigue or weakness does not even resolve with adequate rest.
e) Heaviness in the bowel: A feeling of heaviness or incomplete evacuation of the bowel can be sign of colon cancer. This can gradually worsen as the disease progresses.
4) What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is one of the oldest system of medicine that has originated and progressed in India since 5000 years. The words “Ayurveda” is derived from two Sanskrit words “Ayur”, meaning life, and “Veda” meaning knowledge of life. So Ayurveda translates into knowledge or science of life. Ayurveda strongly emphasizes and focuses on achieving balance between mind, body, and spirit. Key concepts of Ayurveda as follows:
a) Doshas: Ayurveda describes that every person is unique combination of three doshas: 1) Vata. 2) Pitta. 3) Kapha. Vata dosha governs the movement and communication in the body. Pitta dosha governs the digestion and metabolism in the body. Kapha helps to maintain the structure and integrity of an individual.
b) Diet and Nutrition: Ayurveda strongly believes and promotes that wholesome diet with carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is most important for patients suffering from cancer. Ayurveda promotes that food or diet should consist of six rasa’s (Shadha Rasa’s): 1) Madhur. 2) Amla. 3) Lavana. 4) Katu. 5) Tiktha. 6) Kashaya. Each diet of cancer patients and normal person should consist of all the six rasa’s. As per Ayurveda, the person should start eating first with Madhur Rasa, and then should end with Katu Rasa. Ayurveda also promotes against excessive consumption of any rasa’s under the concept of ‘Ati Sarvatra Varjayeta’.
5) Concept of Colon Cancer in Ayurveda
As it is well described that antra (intestine) and guda (rectum and anal canal) is formed from raktha (blood) and kapha after being digested by pitta and vayu. So dusthi of raktha and kapha can be causative factor in colorectal cancer.
In Ayurveda, no such specific term for colorectal cancer is mentioned but its ‘Dosha Samprapti or Etiopathology’ can be compared with the topic or roga called ‘Arbuda/अर्बुद’. When the same dosha and dushya samprapti mentioned in Arbuda/अर्बुद affects Pakvashaya, it is called पक्वाशय and गुद अर्बुद.
It is important to note that the composition and set of doshas (vitiated Kapha and Vata Dosha) which when affects Mansha dhatu causes ‘Arbuda/अर्बुद’, and when the same set of doshas affects पक्वाशय and गुद it causes ‘Colorectal Cancer’ or पक्वाशय and गुद अर्बुद.
6) Treatment of Colon Cancer through Ayurveda
Ayurveda strongly believes and preaches in finding the causative factor of colon cancer and prevent it from originating. The treatment aspect of colon cancer is divided two main parts:
a) Oral Ayurvedic Medications in Colon Cancer.
b) Panchakarma in Colon Cancer.
- Somanathi Tamra Bhasma (सोमनाथि ताम्र भस्म) in Colorectal Cancer
Somanathi Tamra Bhasma is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation that is prepared using purified copper (Tamra), and it is further processed with various herbs and minerals. Bhasma traditionally refers to fine powder that is prepared through a process of purification, calcination, and trituration with herbal plants.
For preparation of Somanathi Tamra Bhasma, Tamra (Copper), Parada (Mercury), Gandhaka (Sulphur), Haratala (Arsenic trioxide), and Manashila (Arsenic dioxide) is taken. The quantity of the individual ingredients are taken as it is: 1) Tamra (Copper), Parada (Mercury), and Gandhaka (Sulphur) is taken into equal amount. 2) Haratala (Arsenic trioxide) is taken half of the quantity of Gandhaka. 3) Manashila (Arsenic dioxide) is taken half the quantity of Haratala. A pisthi is prepeared from the mixture and the mixture is then heated in Valuka Yantra for 36 hours. Later is Yantra is let to cool down and Somanathi Tamra Bhasma is collected.
Benefits of Somanathi Tamra Bhasma in Colorectal Cancer:
A) Digestive Health: Somanathi Tamra Bhasma is commonly used to treat digestive disorders in colon cancer patients like indigestion, bloating, and loss of appetite. Somanathi Tamra Bhasma also proves extremely beneficial in colon cancer.
B) Liver Disorders: Somanathi Tamra Bhasma helps to supports liver function in colon cancer patients who are suffering from jaundice. Somanathi Tamra Bhasma proves extremely beneficial in colon cancer which has metastasized to the liver.
C) Antioxidants Effects: Somanathi Tamra Bhasma has good anti-oxidant properties and protect the colon cancer patients from oxidative stress.
- Kasisadi Tel (Oil) as Matra Basti in Colon Cancer Patients
Kasisadi Oil is an Ayurvedic herbal oil that is used to multiple ailments like various skin disorders, non-healing wounds or ulcers, especially hemorrhoids (piles). Kasisadi oil also proves extremely beneficial in colorectal cancer. Kasisadi Oil is prepared with a base of sesame oil and several other key ingredients are Kasis (Ferrous Sulphate), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) etc. Sesame oil is boiled with ingredients mentioned above and heating is stopped when tel paka vidhi is achieved.
Matra Basti is one of type of Ayurvedic Panchakarma Therapy which involves administering a small quantity of medicated oil or ghee through rectum. The unique qualities of matra basti is that it can be administered daily and does not cause any harm after long term usage. Matra Basti is considered gentle and nourishing in nature and helps in dealing with multiple ailments.
Benefits of Kasisadi Oil Matra Basti in Colorectal Cancer
A) Anti-Inflammatory: Kasisadi oil possess anti-inflammatory effect and so proves extremely beneficial as a matra basti in colorectal cancer.
B) Anti-Apoptotic: Kasis (Ferrous Sulphate) is mentioned in Ayurveda as to have ksharan karma. Through this ksharan karma it helps to remove slough of tissue through its anti-apoptotic affects. So matra basti of Kasisadi Oil matra proves extremely beneficial in colon cancer.
C) Improves Digestion: Kasisadi Oil Matra Basti helps to improves digestion and metabolism in colon cancer patients. Kasisadi oil also helps with bloating and constipation of colorectal cancer patients.
About Team ‘Cancer in Ayurveda’
Our Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ consists of Ayurvedic practitioners who are dedicated to providing patients with the best possible care for cancer. We at Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ believe that Ayurveda can complement modern medicine and provide patients with a more comprehensive approach to their care. Our personalized approach to treatment, extensive knowledge of Ayurvedic herbs, use of Panchakarma, and modern parameters make us one of the most dynamic teams of Ayurvedic cancer experts in Mumbai.
We at Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ are committed to helping patients manage their condition effectively and provide them with the support and guidance they need throughout the process.
