So, there can be situations where some individuals get cancer more than other families in comparison. Then, it remains an unsolved riddle. Today’s Science talks to us only about genes and DNA; whether Ayurvedic intelligence holds out some message is all we expect at once. So, come and see which helps it may deliver when a traditional Indian remedy offers medical help to make out our ability to fight back cancer at its early inheritance, from our hereditability.
So far, So Deep With Inheritance In Mind:
Before scientists discovered DNA, Ayurvedic practitioners had already observed that certain traits and health conditions ran in families. They called this concept “Beeja dosha” or “defect in the seed.” Surprisingly, this old understanding is consistent with what we have now understood about genetic inheritance.
Ayurveda claims the fundamental constitution of a human being, or “prakriti,” is generated at conception. It depends on factors like parents’ health condition, diet, and ways of life. Today’s scientific research shows that it doesn’t just bring the characteristics from parents to the descendants through genes; even choices made in their lifestyle while living may change how it functions in the descendants based on something called epigenetics.
How does “prakriti” define and connect to genetic predisposition?
The word prakriti translates to genetic blueprint in the Ayurvedic sense of speaking. It comprises three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dosha. Everybody has a unique dosha combination, just like everyone has a unique genetic makeup.
The Ayurvedic literature says some types of prakritis are susceptible to certain diseases. For example, Pitta prakritis has an increased incidence of certain types of cancers. This is similar to the modern understanding of genetics, which tells us certain gene variations that increase one’s risk of cancer.
What does modern science say about familial cancer?
We need to know a lot of information about family cancers before we can understand how Ayurveda can help us. Scientists have found many genes that raise the chance of getting cancer when they are changed or mutated. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are two well-known examples.
When they become mutated, they may raise the chance of getting breast and ovarian cancer. These genetic differences, such as eye color and height, are passed down from parent to child. Being aware of these gene changes does not, however, mean that you will get cancer. Lifestyle, the surroundings, and other things play a role as well.
When you think about Ayurvedic knowledge, this is interesting!
How does Ayurveda see genes about the world around them?
Ayurveda has always believed that health is not something people are born with but something that can be gained or made by living. Again, this fits perfectly with what we know now about how genes and the world affect each other. The old word “vikriti,” which means “current imbalance,” and its opposite, “prakriti,” which means “natural constitution,” show how our surroundings change the way we are naturally.
Changes in genes don’t happen in the DNA code itself. This is called “epigenetics” in modern Science. The food you eat, stress, pollution, and the decisions you make about your lifestyle may all play a role in this. Over many thousands of years, Ayurveda has taught similar ideas by focusing on personalized diet and lifestyle tips that work for each person based on their constitution.
What unique ideas does Ayurveda have to give for preventing cancer in a person?
The way that Ayurveda prevents diseases like cancer is particular to each person. It offers different ways to avoid problems for each type of prakriti. As an example:
Ayurveda might suggest cooling foods and stress-reduction methods for people with a Pitta constitution, who may be more likely to get cancers linked to inflammation. This fits with a new study that shows long-term inflammation can raise the risk of getting cancer.
People with a Vata constitution may be more likely to experience stress and cells that don’t usually work. To help them, grounding techniques and creating routines may be suggested. Scientists have recently found that long-term worry and changes in biological cycles do raise the risk of getting cancer.
According to Ayurveda, people who are mostly Kapha should follow specific diets and exercises. Modern Science has shown that these practices may help explain why obesity and metabolic problems are linked to a higher risk of cancer.
How might the ideas of Ayurveda fit in with current genetic testing?
Genetic testing can tell us if we have a family history of cancer, and Ayurveda may tell us what to do with this knowledge. Ayurvedic principles could help someone make a specific plan to avoid getting certain cancers; for example, if they find out, they are more likely to get them because of their genes.
- Dietary modifications based on their prakriti and current imbalances
- Lifestyle adjustments to help maintain balance
- Stress management techniques suited to their constitution
- Herbal supplements that might help protect against cancer development
What is the contribution of Ayurvedic herbs in managing genetic risk of cancer?
Ayurveda has recognized a number of herbs which it believed to have some anti-cancer properties. Modern studies are now being done to confirm the validity of some of the traditional uses of these herbs. Among them are:
- Turmeric: The curcumin of turmeric has been observed to modulate expressions of specific genes and could well inhibit the further development of particular cancers.
- Ashwagandha: It has been documented to alter cellular pathways and is relevant to some cancers.
- Holy Basil, or Tulsi, compounds could protect DNA and influence the expression of genes.
How does Ayurveda approach early detection in high-risk families?
Ayurveda emphasizes close observation of subtle body changes. For families with inherited cancer risk, this traditional wisdom can complement modern screening methods. Ayurvedic practitioners might notice early signs of imbalance that, while not diagnostic, could prompt timely medical check-ups.
It is a treatment that involves the patient focusing more keenly on the body, even the minute changes—especially on those genetic predisposition carriers. This will lead to the patient paying attention more regularly and indeed paying notice to slight changes that can easily be swept under the rug.
Does Ayurveda have an intervention for genetic predisposition psychology?
Learning about inherited cancer risk can cause significant anxiety. Ayurveda’s holistic mental and physical health approach might help people cope better with this knowledge. The system offers various practices for mental balance:
- Meditation techniques suited to your constitution
- Breathing exercises (pranayama) for stress reduction
- Yoga poses that help balance emotions
- Dietary recommendations for mental clarity and emotional stability
What about future research directions?
The intersection of Ayurveda and genetic Science offers exciting research possibilities. Scientists could study:
- How does traditional prakriti assessment correlate with genetic profiles?
- Whether Ayurvedic herbs might help prevent cancer in people with genetic mutations?
- How might Ayurvedic lifestyle recommendations influence gene expression?
- The potential of personalized medicine based on both genetic testing and prakriti assessment
- What should people know before combining Ayurvedic and modern approaches?
While Ayurveda offers valuable insights, it’s essential to approach genetic cancer risk comprehensively. This means:
- Working with both conventional healthcare providers and qualified Ayurvedic practitioners
- Following recommended genetic testing and screening protocols
- Using Ayurvedic practices as complementary approaches, not replacements for modern medical care
- Being cautious with herbal supplements, as they can interact with medications
The combination of ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern genetic Science offers exciting possibilities for understanding and managing familial cancer risk. While Ayurveda can’t prevent all cancers or change our genes, its personalized approach to health maintenance might help people make better lifestyle choices based on their inherited tendencies.
The Takeaway:
This partnership between traditional wisdom and modern science might be precious for families affected by inherited cancer risk. Knowing a genetic predisposition and constitutional tendencies can help maintain health or avoid the onset of a disease.
The trick would be to do it carefully and scientifically without compromising the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda or the stringent evidence requirements of modern medicine. Further research may uncover even greater ways that both systems can be woven together to benefit all people inheriting cancer risk.
REFERENCE LINKS:
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.866827/full
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/297756585_Genomic_insights_into_ayurvedic_and_western_approaches_to_personalized_medicine
- https://backend.orbit.dtu.dk/ws/portalfiles/portal/267488561/NY_SLG2021_phdthesis.pdf
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/ayurvedic-medicine