Bladder Cancer - Can Ayurveda Tackle It?

Bladder cancer can be caused by a variety of factors, which include genetic factors, inheritance, drugs, chemicals, environment-related factors and smoking. In fact, smoking tobacco is one of the major causes of bladder cancer around the world. The chemicals present in tobacco can irritate the bladder lining which ultimately leads to bladder cancer. Besides smoking other important environmental factors might be chemotherapy, exposure to chemicals from newspaper, dye, leather, paints industries.

Symptoms of bladder cancer are as follows:

Most often it occurs in people more than 50 years of age. It can present in different ways, but common symptoms being :

1. Painless hematuria - reddish or brownish coloured urine with or without clots Increased frequency of urination Pain while passing urine.
2. Difficulty in passing urine

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis requires a proper imaging workup including ultrasound, CT scan and urine examinations. Following the initial imaging, a biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis and stage of the disease. This is done by cystoscopy under anaesthesia.

Bladder cancer treatment by conventional medication can be complemented by Ayurveda; especially, with the Panchakarma therapy, which detoxifies the body. Detoxification can be done by: 

• Snehana therapy that is oil massage
• Swedana that is steaming therapy 
• Vamana that is by urging vomiting
• Virechana that is by purging
• Basti is the enema medication
• Nasya or through nasal medication
• Raktamokshana Therapy 

Along with the above-mentioned therapies, consuming medicated juices, which contain fruits and vegetables is good for the body. Antioxidant Ayurvedic medicines are also highly beneficial. Practising yoga, sound therapy, pranayama, acupressure and acupuncture can help in the long run.

Sometimes, traditional cancer medication can rob the body of its strength once the symptoms are cured. Rasayan Chikitsa can help the body regain its strength. Rasayan Chikitsa improves metabolism, memory, longevity, hair and complexion. It brings back the vigour that was lost.