Mental Health In Cancer - Ayurveda Perspectives

Dr Subhash P. M. (India)
Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. Malignant tumours and neoplasms are synonymous with cancer. It involves the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs known as metastasis. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, a subsidiary of World Health Organization, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 19 million new cases and 10 million deaths in 2020 .If we see the statistics on a continent basis, Asian countries scores top in incidence (49.3%) ,mortality rate (58.3%) and 5 year prevalence rate(40.8%).As many of the diseases are having both psychological as well as physiological factors in etiopathogenesis in current scenario, oncogenesis is also said to have the same.This paper explores the tiological,symptomatological and therapeutic persepectives of mental health in cancer care.
Arbuda (tumour) is the terminology used in classical textbooks such as Charaka samhita,Sushruta samhita,Ashtanga hrudaya,Madhava nidana,Sharngadhara samhita and Bhavaprakasha to describe Cancer in terms of its etiology,symptoms and treatments. Charaka describes each disease in terms of Trisutra viz. Hetu (Etiological factors), Linga (Signs and symptoms) and Oushadha (Intervention) while describing each disease.The sthaana (location) of mind and its implications mentioned by various acharyas; the relation between mind and body as described by Vagbhata; the general and specific causes for mental as well as physical health comprises the Hetu skandha or etiopathogenesis of Arbuda.The psychological as well as physiological manifestations of Arbuda comprise the Linga skandha.The yuktivyapashraya (Proper diet and medicines) as well as satvavachaya (Counselling for better mental control) has been mentioned in the Oushadha skandha for the management of Arbuda.
So abiding by the Ayurveda way for Swasthavritta (preventive care) as well as Atura vritta(Curative care) through proper Ahara (food), Vihara (Daily as well as seasonal regimens), Achara(Proper social code of conduct) and Oushadha (Medication and counseling), we can keep the sprouts of new onset neoplasms away and slow down the progression of already manifested ones.