About Ayurveda
Ayurveda is traditional and ancient system on medicine that has originated in India approximately around 5000 years ago. Ayurveda is one of the oldest, and vastly described traditional healing system of medicine that is still widely adopted in India, and even across the globe. The word “Ayurveda” has originated from the Sanskrit words “ayur” (life) and “veda” (knowledge), which in real sense means “the knowledge of life.”
Ayurveda, and its founding principles strongly preaches that the health and the well-being of an individual firmly relies over the delicate balance between mind, body and the spirit. This principle also reflects in the main goal of the ayurveda that is to promote good health of an individual by maintaining the balance of the mind, body and the spirit, and to treat the disease by restoring the balance.
Ayurveda strongly believes and promotes doshic system of health and illness. As per Ayurveda, an individual is composed of three doshas: 1) Vata. 2) Pitta. 3) Kapha. These doshas are the governing principles of the body, and the mind. When doshas are in harmony or in balance, it promotes physical and mental health, and when the same doshas are imbalanced due to many lifestyle and environmental factors it can result in different physical and mental diseases or illness.
Ayurveda can benefit cervical cancer many ways through suggesting dietary changes and lifestyle recommendations. Different herbal remedies and detoxification therapies can be advised to restore the imbalance in doshas in cervical cancer patients. Yoga and meditation will promote physical, and mental well-being of cervical cancer patients. Massage and different body therapies as advised in Ayurveda can promote healing in cervical cancer patients.
What is cervix?
The cervix is a one of the part of the female reproductive system, and it is in cylindrical shape. It creates a channel between the uterus and vagina, and is situated at the bottom of the uterus. The cervix produces mucus that is slightly acidic in nature, and changes its consistency during different stages of menstrual cycle.
The mucus acts a protective barrier and prevents infections from entering the uterus. The mucus also facilitate the passage of sperm into uterus for fertilization.
The cervix serves two most important function:
1) Flow of Menstrual Blood :
Menstrual blood can travel from the uterus into the vagina during menstruation due to cervix.
2) Facilitating Childbirth:
During pregnancy, the cervix plays most important in the process of the childbirth. In uterus, during pregnancy as the child grows, the cervix remains firmly closed. But, as the labor begins, the cervix starts to soften and thin out. A more stretchable cervix during labor allows the baby to pass during delivery.
Regular and periodic cervical screening such as ‘PAP Smear Test’ helps in detecting cancerous or pre-cancerous lesions, and helps in facilitating early diagnosis, and prompt treatment.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cancer that develops in the cervix is called cervical cancer. Cervix is the lower part of the uterus that open into the vagina, and is one of the common site of cancer in females. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a type of sexually transmitted infection and is one of the major cause in cervical cancer cases. Persistent HPV infection is one of the major, and primary risk factor for predisposition to cervical cancer.
Other risk factor for cervical cancer are long term abuse of cigarettes, compromised immune system, multiple sexual partner, long term usage of birth control pills, and also a family history of cervical cancer. Regular and periodic screening through Pap smear test can help in detecting pre-cancerous or cancerous lesion in the cervix.
Pap smear helps to determine the cytological composition of the cervix, and detect any abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. Periodic Pap smear helps to diagnose cervical cancer at the stage when it is most treatable.
If cervical cancer is detected during Pap smear testing then further investigations can be performed to confirm the diagnosis are colposcopy, biopsy, and other imaging studies. One of the most effective ways to prevent against cervical cancer is to get vaccinated with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
HPV vaccine is recommended both in males and females, and is typically administered during adolescence. Practicing safe sex, and avoiding unprotected sexual contact through condoms can prove effective modality in reducing the risk for cervical cancer.
The prognosis of the cervical cancer varies depending on the stage of the cancer, and early detection and prompt treatment is key in successful treatment of cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer Statistics
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix which connects the lower part of the uterus to the vagina. It is one of the most common type of cancer among women, and is further mentioned some statistics related to cervical cancer:
1) Incidence and Mortality:
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer worldwide among women. It is estimated that 6, 05,000 new cases of cervical cancer was detected worldwide in 2022, and it was responsible for approximately 342,000 deaths globally. In India, approximately 124,000 new cases of cervical cancer was detected and it was responsible estimated 77,000 deaths due to cervical cancer in 2022. Cervical cancer is second most common cause of cancer related deaths in India just after breast cancer.
2) Regional Variation:
Cervical cancer incidence and mortality varies widely across the world with incidence and mortality found to be on a higher side in less developed countries due to limited access to screening and different treatment modalities. Worldwide, high incidence of cervical cancer is found in Africa and Latin America, and in India high incidence rates is found in states of Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.
3) Age-standardized ratio:
Age standardized incidence rate worldwide and India is 13.1 per 100,000 women, and age-standardized mortality rate worldwide and in India is 6.9 per 100,000 women and 7.4 per 100,000 women respectively.
4) Human Papillomavirus (HPV):
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most prominent and primary cause of cervical cancer. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) contracts most sexually active individuals, and is one of the most common sexually transmitted disease. Regular and periodic screening through Pap smear test can help to detect cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions so prompt treatment can be initiated with much better treatment outcomes.
5) Prevention:
Development of vaccine against cervical cancer like Gardasil and Cervarix is playing a crucial role in prevention against cervical cancer, and subsequently reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. Vaccination programmes is most effective in adolescent girls and young women.
6) Screening:
Regular, and periodic screening through Pap smear test, and HPV testing in women proves beneficial and facilitates in early detection and prompt treatment of cervical cancer. Early stage cervical cancer or pre-cancerous lesion is mostly asymptomatic but most often treatable. So early detection is key to successful treatment of cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer Causes
Cervical cancer is most commonly caused by the persistent infection of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV types 16 and 18 is particularly involved in the infection. There are also multiple other factors that cause the increased risk of cervical cancer:
1) High-risk sexual behavior:
2) HPV infection:
HPV infection is a sexually transmitted disease, and is a primary cause of cervical cancer. It is estimated that over 90% of cervical cancer cases can be attributed to persistent HPV Infection.
3) Weak immune system:
In certain health conditions like HIV/AIDS, and or use of immunosuppressive drugs in cases of organ transplantation or auto-immune diseases can lead to lowered or weakened immune system. An individual with lowered or weakened immune system are more susceptible persistent HPV infection, and so increased risk of cervical cancer.
4) Smoking:
Cigarette smoking is associated with increased risk of cervical cancer.
5) Long-term use of oral contraceptives:
Women, who have used oral contraceptives for longer periods like 5 years or more are at a increased risk of developing cervical cancer. The risk factor start to drop as soon as use of oral contraceptive is stopped.
6) Lack of regular screening:
It is well known facts that regular and periodic screening for cervical through Pap smear is key detecting cancerous or pre-cancerous lesions, and further ensuring prompt and early treatment, But lack of cervical screening follow ups can caused increased risk of cervical cancer.
It is most important to note that presence of a risk factors does not warrants the development of cervical cancer, and individual who are without any known risk factors can also develop cervical cancer. Periodic and regular health checkups, and cancer screening can help to mitigate the risk of developing cervical cancer, and facilitate in early detection of cancer.
Types or Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is most commonly categorized into two main types based on the cells from which the cancer has originated:
1) Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of cancer of cervix, and accounts for almost 70% to 90% of cases of cervical cancer. It develops in the squamous cells that line the outer surface of the cervix.
2) Adenocarcinoma: This type of cervical cancer originates from the glandular cells that produce mucus in the cervical canal. Adenocarcinoma of cervix accounts for almost 10 to 30% of all cases of cervical cancer.
Some less common types of cervical cancer are:
1) Adenosquamous carcinoma: This type of cervical cancer contain combination of squamous and glandular cells.
2) Small cell carcinoma: This is a rare and a more aggressive in nature type of cancer. It is composed of small cells, and is similar those of small cell carcinoma of lung.
Symptom of Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer is a type of cancer which originates in the cells of the cervix. Cervical cancer often develops slowly over time, and its symptoms may not be noticeable in earlier stages. But as the cancer progresses, following symptoms can be seen:
1) Abnormal and unusual vaginal discharge: Discharge from the vagina between the periods or after sexual intercourse, and discharge even after menopause can be a symptom of cervical cancer. The discharge can be watery, foul smelling, and bloody in nature.
2) Pain during or after sexual intercourse: Felling of pain or discomfort after sexual intercourse, which wasn’t present previously.
3) Painful and frequent urination: Feeling of pain or discomfort during urination, and increase in frequency of urination can be a symptom of cervical cancer.
4) Pelvic pain: Unrelated and persistent pain in the pelvis area.
It is most important to note that having a particular symptom does not necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer. Kindly connect with your healthcare provider for further advice.
Treatment of cervical cancer
The treatment of cervical cancer depends on multiple factors like stage at which cancer has been diagnosed, the size of the tumor, if the cancer has spread or metastasized to nearby parts or distant organs or not, overall health of the patients. Many modalities of treatment are available for cancer and are mentioned further:
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC):
1) Surgery:
Two different type of surgery is performed for cervical cancer based on the extent of the spread of the cancer.
a. Conization:
b. Hysterectomy:
If cervical cancer is at advanced stage or aggressive in nature then hysterectomy is performed. Hysterectomy involves removal of entire uterus with surrounding tissues, lymph nodes etc.
2) Radiation Therapy:
Radiation therapy involves high energy radiation beams to kill cancer cells. It is given mostly in advanced stage cervical cancer or as an adjuvant therapy.
3) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy involves using cytotoxic drugs to kills cancer cells, and stop the growth of the cancer. Depending on the stage of the cancer, chemotherapy can be combined with radiotherapy in better management of cervical cancer.
4) Targeted Therapy:
Targeted therapies contains administering drugs that targets certain molecules that is key to the survival and proliferation of the cancer. Depending on the stage of the cancer, targeted therapies can be combined with chemotherapy for better results.
5) Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy involves boosting the patient’s own immune system and helping it to fight against cancer.
Cervical Cancer in Ayurveda/ आयुर्वेद में सर्वाइकल कैंसर
In Ayurveda texts, no such specific term designating cervical cancer is mentioned or described, but its ‘Dosha Samprapti or Etiopathology’ can be compared with the topic or roga called ‘Arbuda/अर्बुद’. When the same dosha and dushya samprapti as mentioned in Arbuda/अर्बुद affects योनि (cervix), it is called योनि अर्बुद or cervical cancer.
It is most important to note that when a specific 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 योनि (cervix) it causes ‘योनि अर्बुद or cervical cancer’.
Concept of Yoni/ योनि in Ayurveda
As mentioned in Ayurveda, Yoni is a broad term that collectively used for uterus, cervix, and the vagina. Yoni plays multiple important functions, that is: 1) Discharge of menstrual blood ‘Raja/रज’. 2) It act as a pathway for ejaculated shukra/शुक्र during sexual contact. 3) It provides ideal site of union of shukra (sperm) and shonita (ovum). 4) It provides ideal site for the implantation of the garbha. 5) After the fetus, or the garbha is fully developed it provides a pathway for the expulsion of the garbha, or the fetus.
Sushruta has described the anatomy of yoni in the form of avarth, and explained it as that it resembles or can be compared as ‘Shanka Nabhi’. Avartha as mentioned in Ayurveda means ‘Concentric Circle’. Yoni is described in Ayurveda to consist of three avartha or ‘Traya-Avartha’ Yoni, and it is further described as ‘Shankha Nabhi’.
Concept of Yoni Vyapath/ योनिव्यापद in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, ‘Yoni’ means female reproductive organs and ‘vypat’ means disorders. So ‘Yonivyapt’ deals with different disorders of the female reproductive tracts, and the causative factors of those disorders are vitiation or aggravation of the doshas and dushyas: Vata, Pitta and Raktha.
A healthy and disease free female reproductive tract plays an important role in birth of healthy offspring’s. A female afflicted with different diseases will have problems in conceiving, and be susceptible to various other associated disorders.
Causative factors of Yoni Vyapath/ योनिव्यापद
मिथ्याचारेण ताः स्त्रीणां प्रदुष्टेनार्तवेन च |
जायन्ते बीजदोषाच्च दैवाच्च शृणु ताः पृथक् ||८|| Charak Chikitsasthana 30/8
Yonivyapth occurs in women due to unhealthy diet and lifestyle habits, vitiated or abnormal menstrual blood, inherent genetic or epigenetic disorders in the ovum, and different other microorganisms like viruses. This concept of ‘Yoni Vyapath/ योनिव्यापद’ can guide us further in understanding different causative factors responsible in cervical cancer, and even can guide us through different ayurvedic treatment modalities in cervical cancer.
Ayurvedic treatment of Cervical Cancer/सर्वाइकल कैंसर
Ayurveda is the oldest and Indian indigenous system of medicine system, and is well known from very early centuries for preventing or suppressing various tumors. And nowadays scientists are keener to research on Ayurveda for the management of cancer.
The main goal of Ayurveda therapy is to find the cause of a Cancer while the therapeutic approach of Ayurveda is simply divided into four major categories
- Oral Medications
- Yonivarti/योनिवर्ती
- Yonipichu/ योनिपिचु
- Yonidhavan/Yoniprakshalanam/ योनिधावन/योनिप्रक्षालन
1) Lodhra (Symplocus racemosa) in Cervical Cancer
Symplocus racemosa is also commonly known as Lodhra or Lodh Tree. It is a deciduous tree, and belongs to the family of Symplocaceae. Lodhra is a native plant of Indian Subcontinent, and is found in the region of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
As mentioned in Ayurveda, bark, leaves, and fruits of Lodhra (Symplocus racemosa) is used for various medicinal purposes. Lodhra (Symplocus racemosa) is highly regarded for his astringent properties and proves beneficial in bleeding conditions. Lodhra (Symplocus racemosa) is well known medicine in gynecological disorders. It is used to manage different gynecological conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding, leucorrhea etc.
Lodhra (Symplocus racemosa) due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties proves beneficial in multiple skin problems. It even helps to control diarrhea and other gastrointestinal tract related disturbances. Lodhra (Symplocus racemosa) proves beneficial in wound healing and prevents infection.
Lodhra (Symplocus racemosa) due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory proves beneficial in cervical cancer.
2) Cissampelos pareira (Patha) in Cervical Cancer
Cissampelos pareira is also commonly known in Ayurveda as ‘Patha’, and belongs to the family of Menispermaceae. It is a climbing vine, and native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the America. Cissampelos pareira (Patha) is used in Ayurveda as a medicinal herbs since many centuries. Its medicinal properties are as described further:
1) Medicinal Uses: Leaves, roots and barks of Cissampelos pareira (patha) is used to treat various medical conditions.
2) Gastrointestinal disorders: Cissampelos pareira (Patha) proves beneficial in treating various GI ailments like diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach ulcers.
3) Analgesic and Pain relief: Cissampelos pareira (Patha) has good analgesic and pain relief properties.
4) Immunomodulatory Effects: Cissampelos pareira (Patha) proves beneficial in regulating or enhancing the immune system. It helps body immune system to fight against cervical cells.
5) Antioxidant Effects: Cissampelos pareira (Patha) contains anti-oxidants and proves beneficial against cervical cancer.
Pushyanug Churna/पुष्यानुग चूर्ण in cervical cancer
Pushyanug Churna/पुष्यानुग चूर्ण is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation which is a mixture of dried powder of different medicinal herbs. Pushyanug Churna/पुष्यानुग चूर्ण is used in various gynecological disorders of the female reproductive system. Ayurveda advises Pushyanug Churna/पुष्यानुग चूर्ण primarily in excessive uterine bleeding (menorrhagia) and irregular or abnormal uterine bleeding (metrorrhagia),
Pushyanug Churna/पुष्यानुग चूर्ण consist of mixture of different medicinal herbs like Ashoka (Saraca indica), Lodhra (Symplocus racemosa), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Patha (Cissampelos pareira) etc. Pushyanug Churna/पुष्यानुग चूर्ण will prove beneficial in management of cervical cancer.
3) Yonivarti/योनिवर्ती or Ayurvedic Vaginal Pessary/Suppository in cervical cancer
Varti Kalpana is a modified process of Vati Kalpana, and is considered as one of the secondary derivative of kalka. Fine powder of different herbal powder is taken, and is mixed with water or Ayurvedic herbal juice like swarasa or kwatha. When the mixtures attains appropriate consistency then an index finger thickness varti is rolled out manually to a dimension of 1.5 inch long and 0.5 inch thickness. Then it is sun dried and further kept in air tight container.
Darvyadi Yoni Varti in Cervical Cancer
Acharya Shushruta has mentioned a formulation of yonivarti in Upadansha Chikitsa, and the same can be used in Cervical Cancer. The formulation is called Darvyadi Yonivarti and it consist of Sphatika, Gairika, Tuttha, Lodhra, Rasanjana, Darvi etc. Darvyadi Yonivarti is one of the effective formulation in gynecological disorders.
4) Yonipichu/ योनिपिचु in Cervical Cancer
Pichu Kalpana come under the category of sthanik chikitsa or treatment in cervical disorders. Different type of pichu kalpana is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts like Snehan, Shaman, Shodhan and Bhedan forms of the Kalpana.
In Pichu Kalpana, sterile cotton in a tampon shape is taken and is further soaked into different Ayurvedic formulation like Taila, Ghrita, Kalka or Kwatha, and is further kept into vagina. This pichu kalpana proves beneficial in cervical cancer.
Kshar Tel Yonipichu in Cervical Cancer
For preparation of Apamarga kshara Tel, four parts Tila Oil is taken in wide opened stainless steel utensil, and the oil is heated till fumes emerges. Later one part kalka dravya (paste) and 16 parts apamarga kwatha is added in the oil safely, and the mixture is stirred safely. Utmost care should be taken the heat that is applied is moderate grade in nature. When entire watery portion has evaporated which can be evaluated by Sneha Siddhi Lakshana as mentioned in Ayurveda. After sneha siddhi lakshan, the oil is flitered with cotton cloth.
Kshar Taila proves beneficial in cervical cancer when is administered as sthanik chikitsa in form of Yonipichu.
5) Yoni Prakshalanam in Cervical Cancer
As mentioned in Ayurveda, ‘Yoni Prakshalanam’ is derived from two words ‘Yoni’ and ‘Prakshalanam’. ‘Yoni’ mean female genitalia, and ‘prakshalanam’ means to wash. In this modality of treatment for cervical cancer, the cervix and its associated parts are washed with medicated oils and decoctions. This ‘Yoni Prakshalanam’ technique prove beneficial as a sthanik chikitsa or localized treatment in Cervical Cancer.
‘Pancha valkal kwatha’ Yoni Prakshalanam in Cervical Cancer
Coarse powder of Vaṭa (Ficus bengalensis Linn), Udumbara (Ficus glomerata Roxb.), Parisha (Thespesia populenoides L.), Ashvattha (Ficus religiosa Linn.) and Plakṣa (Ficus lacor Buch-Ham.) is taken in equal quantity with 16 part water, and is boiled in medium flame till 1/8th is remaining. Then the flame is put off and the mixture is filtered and filtrate is discarded. The liquid portion is called Pancha Valkal Kwatha (decoction). Yoni Prakshalanam with pancha valkal kwatha proves beneficial in cervical cancer cases.
About Team ‘Cancer in Ayurveda’
Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ is a dedicated group of researchers and practitioners who are committed to exploring the potential of Ayurveda in managing cancer. With a holistic approach, Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ aim to combine ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific methods to develop safe and effective strategies for supporting and managing cancer patients.
The mission of Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ is to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and evidence-based medicine, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes and better quality of life for those affected by cancer. Together, they strive to create a brighter future in the fight against cancer, inspired by the age-old principles of Ayurveda.
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