Ayurvedic Treatment

Attention Deficit Disorders: An Ayurvedic Perspective
Managing Cancer: Part I

Attention Deficit Disorders: An Ayurvedic Perspective

by John Douillard, D.C.

The diagnosis, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is classified by three symptomatic characteristics: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. In recent years much research has gone into identifying the cause of ADD. Thorough investigations have gone into lifestyle, sugar intake, excessive TV watching, and even chemical toxicity during pregnancy, an occurrence once thought to be the cause of minimal brain disorders or ADD. In all the research only a small and insignificant percentage of cases with ADD proved positive for such causative factors. To date, these factors remain neither proven nor disproved.

In Ayurveda, ADD or hyperactivity falls under the heading of Unmada, which is a general heading for Mania’s, or in this case a type of minimal brain disorder. The definition given by Caraka, Ni. Ch VII, V5, states that Unmada is a wandering of mind, intellect, consciousness, knowledge, memory, inclination, manners, activities, and conduct. It also describes five possible causes for this condition: vata, pitta, kapha, and sanni-pata (the aggravation of all three doshas) and exogenous factors (genetic or outside factors).

We must remember that many of our modern diseases did not exist as such in the past, therefore an exact differential diagnosis may not be drawn or quoted from the original texts. I do believe, however, that the texts will describe the underlying factors that would elicit the symptoms of ADD.

The Western classification of ADD is by three consistent symptoms. Each of these symptoms specifically relate to one of the three doshas when out of balance.

Inattention – when the individual is unable to focus on any one thing for a length of time, is primarily a kapha symptom. The mind seems dull and lethargic unless it is accompanied by physical or kinetic activity. Imbalances are an accumulation of the dosha: too much kapha creates depressed mental faculties, or inattention. However, when the mind is hyperactive, excessive vata can create inattention and/or hyperactivity.

Hyperactivity – this symptom is a classic depiction of a vata imbalance. The mind is restless and racing, legs and feet cannot be still. It seems impossible for the mind or body to settle down and relax and/or focus.

Compulsive Behavior – these symptoms of action without thought are typically controlled by pitta. Students will blurt out answers, jump up in class and show little ability to think through or control their actions.

Although everyone at times will seem either a bit compulsive, hyperactive, or unable to keep their mind on their work, this disorder is classically a combination of all three imbalances at the same time – known as sannipata. Because all three doshas are out of balance simultaneously, sannipata becomes a chronic condition and more difficult to treat. In extreme cases the disorder of sannipata is said to be incurable. ADD, however, is a minor disorder classified by no known neurochemical imbalances to date and can be successfully treated with a comprehensive Ayurvedic regime.

The final category of cause mentioned by Caraka are the exogenous factors. These factors translate from Ayurveda to genetic susceptibilities, and the factors that can exacerbate genetic weaknesses are many. Each individual body type may be triggered into an ADD response by a variety of the previously mentioned factors (TV, sugar, lifestyle, and toxicity). There will probably not be one cause for every case of ADD. Each individual must be treated as an individual and offered a unique and tailored package of therapies for his or her condition.
One factor that has been overlooked by researchers when looking into dietary factors is the ingestion of growth hormones. Growth hormones are stimulants injected into animals to increase growth rates, and there have not been any long-term studies on the effects and use of these hormones. However, in vegetarian societies such as India, ADD is relatively unknown. In America, on the other hand, where the diet includes large amounts of red meats, poultry, and milk, ADD has become prevalent. The consumption of hormone-free meats, eggs, and milk, or a vegetarian diet, should be examined as potential treatment and prevention.

In the case of all the above described causes of ADD, the underlying factor is a deficiency of Prana, or Energy, in the body. This may not seem the case as kids are jumping off walls and displaying hyperkinetic behavior. It appears that they have too much energy and need to be settled down. In Ayurveda this apparent excess in energy is caused by a lack of Prana (energy that controls vata) which must be sufficient to naturally calm the nervous system. Without sufficient prana, the nervous system can run out of control and lead to ADD symptoms. A similar phenomenon is seen with insomnia, a symptom of prana depletion. Insomniacs actually need more energy or prana to settle their own nervous system. A sedative could actually further deplete the patient. Ritalin, the common Western drug for ADD, is a stimulant drug that seems to work well for the symptoms of ADD, possibly for the same -reasons.

General Treatment

In a situation when all three doshas seem to be out of balance and the symptoms indicate that a lack of prana vata is present, the treatment protocol should be strengthening and building.
• Remove all chemicals and preservatives from the diet.
• Eat organic meats and foods whenever possible.
• Incorporate the following formulas:

Formula for Nervous System Dysfunction and Depletion:

Soak 3 unpeeled almonds overnight in a glass of water with one whole black pepper and one teaspoon fennel seeds. In the morning, remove the skins from the almonds and crush all three ingredients into a paste. Add equal parts sweet butter and honey to taste. Take this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and do not eat for 1 1⁄2 hours afterwards. Continue every morning for 15 days.

Formula to Rejuvenate and Detoxify the Nervous System through Synergistic, Free Radical Scavenging Effects:

Equal parts Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Gudduchi. Take 1 teaspoon of the combination 2 times a day with hot water or with ghee and honey to make a paste.

Formula to Strengthen and Calm the Nervous System (Tonic)

Equal parts of Jatamansi, Shankpushpi, and Brahmi. Take 1⁄2 teaspoon of the combination after meals t.i.d. Vacha (Acorus calamus) can also be added to this combination if easily tolerated by the patient.

Meditation

Meditation is probably one of the most important self-help techniques employable in the treatment ADD. Meditation will accustom the mind to being calm. In time, the individual will begin to take this calm into all activity, and will replace stress-induced hyperactivity with -composure.

Pranayama

Specifically, chandra bhedna, or the cooling and calming breath, is indicated for ADD. All pranayama techniques will move prana or energy. Chandra bhedna will both increase the availability of prana and provide a neurological calm needed by the body. To perform pranayama, inhale deeply, to your capacity, through the left nostril with the right nostril closed, then exhale as slow as possible through the right nostril with the left nostril closed. Repeat this for a minimum of 10 breaths and gradually increase to a maximum of 5 minutes.

Panchakarma

Panchakarma is a very powerful seasonal detoxification and rejuvenating
process that can be extremely useful in the treatment of ADD. It provides not only a cleansing on a cellular level but also deep calm and subsequent access to one’s own being or consciousness. Once this experience of being is accessed and infused into every cell in the body, the body can heal. The vedic concept of Pragya Praradh, “the mistake of the intellect”, wherein the intellect forgets its true reality as a field of consciousness and love, is credited as the cause of all disease. Ayurveda is dedicated to the restoration of this reality.

Abhyanga

Abhyanga, Ayurvedic massage, begins this treatment for the first 40 minutes. This is followed by swedna, an herbal steam (using dashamula, or “ten roots decoction”), which one performs for 20 minutes. Shirodara, in which body-temperature oil is poured over the forehead for 20 minutes concludes the session. This is repeated for seven days

Basti

Basti is an herbal enema, made with bala, vacha, and haritaki boiled down from four cups of water to 1 cup. Add 1 cup of sesame oil and administer each night for seven nights.

Nasya with Brahmi Ghee (adapted for home use)

Massage the head and neck, then take a hot shower. Following this, steam the face and neck by using the following method: fill a large bowl with freshly boiled water. Add 1-2 drops eucalyptus oil or Vicks Vaporub. Take a clean, large towel and drape it over the head to make a tent. Lean over the bowl so that the steam is trapped inside the towel tent. Inhale the steam for two to three minutes. Gently apply hot towels to the neck and face. After steam inhalation follow instructions below to sniff Brahmi ghee.

Using an eye dropper, place two or three drops of brahmi ghee (see recipe below) directly into both nostrils. Sniff the oil into the sinus cavity. Hold both nostrils closed, then breathe in through the nose while rapidly closing and opening the nostrils. Repeat the sniffing procedure three times.

An alternate lubrication method: Place a few drops of the oil in the palm of the left hand. Dip the little finger of the right hand into the oil. Insert the oiled finger into both nostrils until they are well lubricated. If you use this method, make sure that your hands are clean and that the nail of your little finger is clipped short. Continue with the sniffing procedure described above. Repeat as needed. Do not perform within two hours of bedtime.

Brahmi Ghee Recipe

Boil 3 teaspoons of Brahmi (powder, leaves, or crushed tablets) in one cup of water for 5 minutes. Strain the liquid through a cotton cloth. Add a cup of ghee to the remaining liquid and boil this mixture until the water is evaporated (approximately 15 minutes). Take care that the brahmi-ghee doesn’t burn once the water is evaporated.

Reprinted from Volume I, Issue One, Fall 2002.

John Douillard, D.C. is a former professional athlete and author of The 3-Season Diet, and Body, Mind, and Sport. Currently he co-hosts a top rated radio talk show in Colorado called "Health Time." John received a Ph.D. from the Open International University, which was established by the World Health Organization and the United Nations University. He has been the Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Nets and consultant to many of the world’s top Olympic and championship athletes. John practices Ayurvedic and Chiropractic Sports Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, where he lives with his wife and five children.
Email: info@lifespa.com  Web site: http://www.lifespa.com

This is the first of a three part series exploring cancer. Part one focuses on the basics of cancer from a Western perspective while part two will focus on Ayurvedic knowledge of Cancer and part three its herbal, nutritional and holistic management.

Introduction
By far, cancer is the most feared of all disease. Taunting humanity with the threat of a slow, painful death, it is often first disease people think they have when they experience pain or feel a lump in their bodies, and the last they want to talk about. Going to the doctor, patients wait with bated breath for the phone call that tells them, “yes or no”. That one phone call either brings tremendous relief, exhilaration and an appreciation for life or it brings shock and despair. While cancer is a devastating disease, the likelihood of dying of cancer is much less than dying from cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes). Cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer and is responsible for three times as many deaths as all cancers combined. Still, approximately one in five people will develop some form of malignant cancer at some time in their life.

What is Cancer?
Cancer is a proliferation of cells in the body which undergo unregulated growth. These cells often spread by seeding themselves throughout the body. Typically growing in the form of tumors, new tumors emerge as cells take root and grow in different parts of the body. Death occurs when the body’s life support functions are compromised due to the cellular damage.

When cancer is talked about, what is meant is a malignant tumor. A malignant tumor is one with the tendency to grow and invade surrounding tissues. Benign tumors, while still cancerous, pose a lesser threat; they are encapsulated and thus less likely to spread. Often, they can be removed surgically with no additional treatment required. Metastatic tumors are malignancies which have already spread and are generally the most dangerous.

Determining the Prognosis
The prognosis for a cancer patient decreases significantly with metastasis. This is the main reason the medical profession encourages routine tests for early detection. A patient’s prognosis also decreases with the extent of metastasis: the more sites, the less likely is recovery. Another factor in the prognosis is the exact location of the tumor. A tumor located in a vital organ or near a vital function of the body is more difficult to treat. Finally, the type of cell involved in the cancer can indicate how aggressive the cancer will tend to be.

Causes of Cancer
While most people will never develop cancer, every body produces cancerous cells. Every day, even in healthy people, malignant cells are formed and circulate. In a normal, healthy body, these cells are destroyed by the body’s immune system. In patients who develop cancer, something has compromised the body’s ability to effectively deal with these cells.

Genetics: The cause of cancer is complex with many contributing factors. One factor is genetic. The body has certain genes called “Oncogenes.” Oncogenes are mutated genes which regulate cell growth. Proteins in these genes signal the cell to divide when it is not suppose to. Exposure to environmental carcinogens and viruses are responsible for converting regular genes to “Oncogenes.” Our bodies are designed to deal with this threat. Genes called “Tumor repressor genes” normally suppress or regulate growth. Mutations, however, can cause these genes to fail and unrestricted growth occurs. Chromosomal abnormalities have been linked to a large number of cancers including leukemia and lymphoma.

Viruses: Viruses appear to play an important role in the onset of cancer. A virus is a strand of genetic material that is able to insert itself into the DNA of its host, replicate, and thereby alter the functions of the host. While often the body’s defenses can rid itself of the aggressive intruder, at other times the intruder imbeds itself deep inside the DNA and the body appears defenseless against it. By altering the body’s DNA, these mutations can be passed down from generation to generation. Viruses are the closest physical evidence to support something akin to the idea of possession. Common viruses known to cause cancer include HPV (Human Pappilloma Virus) , CMV (Cytomegalo Virus), EBV (Epstein Barr Virus) and Hepatitis B. In addition, any pathogen that causes chronic inflammation increases the risk of cancer.

Environment: Environmental contamination is often blamed for causing cancer. Indeed, environmental contaminants have been proven to increase cancer risk. Chemical carcinogens cause cells to mutate through a series of stages. These stages of mutations are often dependent upon contact with ordinary chemicals which by themselves are not a threat but when combined with a carcinogen triggers mutation. These chemicals are called “co- carcinogens.” The list of common chemicals known to cause cancer is very long and include many pesticides, diesel exhaust, lead based paint fumes, formaldehyde and a variety of hair dyes.

Other Factors: In addition, ultraviolet light, radiation, nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons testing and the use of immunosuppressive drugs all are important cancer risk factors. A history of autoimmune disease also places one at higher risk.

Signs and Symptoms
Early signs and symptoms of cancer are not often present as it develops in the body for quite some time before the body’s functions are compromised and symptoms are noticeable. This is one more reason why early detection through non-invasive testing is so important. Patients who experience unexplained weight loss, night sweats, unexplained pain (especially at night) and abnormal bleeding from any orifice should seek a complete examination as soon as possible.

The Major Cancers
Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer and is the leading cause of all cancer deaths. Bronchogenic carcinoma responsible for 90% of all lung cancers and is very aggressive. Eighty-seven percent of these cancers are attributed to cigarette smoking.

Colorectal Cancer is the second most common cancer. It tends to affect adults over the age of 40. Scientists accept that a diet low in fiber and high in animal protein contributes to this condition. A vegetarian diet that includes whole grains should significantly reduce the risk. A simple blood test, called CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen), is available for screening .

Breast Cancer affects 13% of women by age 95. This is the most common form of cancer in woman. While many middle-aged women develop breast cancer, risk increases dramatically after age 75. Eighty percent are first discovered by the patient as a lump. By the time they are discovered, many have metastasized into the surrounding lymphatic tissue. Early detection through daily breast examinations and mammograms offers the possibility of finding the cancer prior to metastasis and greatly improves prognosis. Studies show that annual mammograms reduce the mortality rate of breast cancer by 25 – 30%. While there are risks of radiation exposure from mammograms, most medical professionals believe that the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Breast cancer is responsible for 3.5% of all deaths in woman. A woman who is free of cancer in her lymph nodes following therapy has a 10-year survival rate of 80%. Women with a family history of breast cancer and those who have taken birth control pills are at higher risk. Other factors that increase risk include becoming pregnant after age 30, early start of menses, late occurrence of menopause, radiation exposure, and hormone replacement therapy.

Prostate Cancer is the most common malignancy in men over age 50. Some studies have shown that a majority of men will develop prostate cancer if they live long enough. While generally a slow-growing, mildly aggressive cancer, it does have the ability to metastasize and kill. Blood tests (Prostatic Specific Antigen test) can reveal the presence of prostate cancer. While a positive test indicates cancer, a negative test can not rule it out. The value of all blood screening tests for cancer is controversial.

Endometrial Cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in woman. Risk increases dramatically after age 40 and peaks between ages 50 – 60. The greatest correlated risk factor is obesity. Other important risk factors include: estrogen replacement therapy, the choice not to have or the inability to have children (nulliparity) , ovulatory disorders and late menopause. The condition has also been correlated with high estrogen levels in the body in comparison to progesterone. Most cases present with abnormal vaginal bleeding as the first sign.

Cervical Uterine Cancer is the result of sexually transmitted pathogens and is less common than endometrial cancer. Risk increases with the number of sexual partners a woman has had and with the early loss of one’s virginity. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) clearly plays a role. HPV is the cause of genital warts. Cigarette smoking also increases the risk.

Ovarian Cancer affects one in 70 women, and one of every one hundred women dies of it. Its incidence increases around menopause and in post-menopausal women. Surprisingly, the risk of developing ovarian cancer decreases with oral contraceptive use. Known risk factors include obesity, nulliparity, infertility, late childbearing and late menopause. A blood test is available for screening. The test is called CA – 125, however, the accuracy of all blood screening tests is controversial.

Malignant Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. While the condition is very aggressive and very often fatal when diagnosed in its late stages, early diagnosis leads to a nearly 100% cure rate. Other skin cancers such as Basal cell and Squamous cell carcinomas are less aggressive with lower rates of metastasis. Medical treatment of these cancers is quite effective.

Traditional Cancer Therapy
Traditional cancer therapies are based on two simple principles. Remove the cancerous cells when possible and destroy any cells that remain. To accomplish these goals, surgery is utilized when a malignant cancer is found that has not metastasized. Surgery may also be performed if there is metastasis if the removal of a tumor will increase the quality of life or if all surrounding lymph nodes are easily accessible.

Either in addition to, or as an alternative to surgery, radiation therapies are employed. These therapies utilize gamma, neutron, proton, and electron radiation to destroy localized tumors. For some cancers, such as Prostatic cancer and certain brain cancers, a radioactive seed may be implanted into the tumor to destroy the tumor from the inside out. Radiation may also be employed as an isotope injected into the blood if the cancer has a tendency to pick up the isotopes from the blood stream. This is common to thyroid cancers. While radiation damages or kills malignant cells it also causes damage to nearby healthy cells.

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. Drugs are non specific and are spread throughout the entire body. These drugs are highly toxic and destroy both healthy and cancerous cells. As crude as it sounds, the success is dependant upon the ability of the drug to kill the cancerous cells before it kills the patient. Common side effects of chemotherapy include vomiting, mouth sores, hair loss and loss of appetite.

For some cancers, endocrine therapies that involve altering levels of hormones in the body are somewhat effective. In the management of prostate cancer, an orchietomy (removal of the testes) may be performed to decrease testosterone levels. In addition, estrogen may be administered. By decreasing testosterone and increasing estrogen, the growth of prostatic cancer cells is slowed. Other cancers such as breast cancer respond positively to lower estrogen levels. A drug called Tamoxofin lowers estrogen levels and is sometimes used as a part of the treatment for breast cancer. In addition, the ovaries are often removed to further reduce estrogen levels.

Biological Therapies are employed in the treatment of certain blood and lymph cancers. Interferon and Interleukins are anti-viral drugs. These slow down the progression of leukemia and lymphomas and in some cases leads to cure.

The Western approach to managing Cancer brings both opportunities for cure as well as great challenges. With early detection, prior to metastasis, Western Medicine can often offer patients excellent results. However, the long term prognosis for cancers which have metastasized is much less optimistic. In part two of this series, the Ayurvedic knowledge and approach to cancer will be explored as well as important nutritional and herbal therapies.

To order parts II: Ayurvedically & Holistically (from Winter 2003) and III: Holistic Therapies (from Spring 2004), at $3.00 per reprint, click here.

Dr. Marc Halpern is the founder and President of the California College of Ayurveda. He is also a founding director of the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine and the National Ayurvedic Medical Association. Dr. Halpern sits on several advisory boards include this publication, Light on Ayurveda. Contact Dr. Halpern or the California College of Ayurveda at
Tel: 886-541-6699 www.ayurvedacollege.com drh@ayurvedacollege.com