Ayurveda and Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer affects the thyroid glands, which are located at the base of the throat. These glands produce thyroid hormones, which help in controlling the blood pressure, heart rate, weight and the body temperature.

Thyroid cancer is primarily of four types:

1. Anaplastic carcinoma: This is the most severe type of thyroid cancer which is rare, but spreads extremely fast once the person is affected: 
2. Follicular carcinoma: This type of thyroid cancer can be cured, but it might relapse. Follicular cancer spreads quickly as well.
3. Papillary carcinoma: This type of cancer is more common. It generally affects women who are still of reproductive age. The spread of papillary cancer is gradual and it is less dangerous than the types.
4. Medullary carcinoma: This type occurs in the non thyroid cells in the thyroid gland. Medullary cancer is hereditary in nature. 

Thyroid cancer has the following signs and symptoms:

1. Lumps in the anterior neck, close to the Adam's apple.
2. Hoarseness
3. Enlarged glands in the neck
4. Swallowing difficulties
5. Complications in breathing
6. Neck or throat pain
7. Persistent cough without any signs of a cold.

In Ayurveda, cancer is seen as a hindrance to the life force. The cancer cells lack prana (oxygen) and produce a growth beyond the life force. It is the result of the dominance of any of the three: 'vata', 'kapha' or 'pitta' in the body. Ayurveda is all about balancing the energies in the body. Polluted environment, processed food loaded with preservatives and salts, and certain other factors can greatly affect the 'vata', 'kapha' and 'pitta'. Thyroid is the result of an aberration in the "kapha" dosha in the body.

The endocrine system produces hormones, which help in the overall functioning of the body. The 'kapha' dosha holds the endocrine system together. The thyroid glands are an important part of the body; they are a major endocrine system. Herbs that can help with thyroid cancer:

1. Echinacea
2. cleavers
3. black pepper
4. ginger
5. Trikatu
6. Cayenne
7. cardamom

If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a specilized ayurveda and ask a free question.