Astrocytoma is rare type of brain tumour which is considered to be the most common glioma since it occurs in star-shaped brain cells. This tumour can occur in any part of the brain or within the spinal cord. High-grade tumour is more common in adults while low-grade tumour is often found in children or young adults. Early surgical removal of this tumour can prolong the lifespan of the affected individual by several years.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for astrocytoma is aimed at treating the tumour with medicines which have a specific anti-cancer activity as well as a specific action on the brain and spinal cord. Treatment is initiated aggressively and with high doses of the medicines, so as to help reduce the tumour at the earliest and bring about an early remission of this condition. Early control of the tumour also helps in preventing long term complications like paralysis, pain and other neurological symptoms.
Immunomodulation forms an important part of the treatment and herbal medicines which have a specific immunomodulatory action and also act on the nervous system, especially the brain cells, form an important part of treatment in the management of astrocytoma. Some herbal medicines have a specific anti-inflammatory action on the nervous system and these are also often included in the treatment of this condition, since they reduce treatment time as well as other symptoms like pain, vomiting, headache and other related sensory and motor symptoms.
Ayurvedic Panchkarma treatment like Shiro-Basti and Shirodhara may also be included in the management of astrocytoma, in order to treat symptoms at the earliest, and help bring about an early remission of the tumour. In these treatments, medicated oils are either kept on the scalp for a fixed time period or a steady drip of the oil is focused on the scalp.
Most individuals affected with astrocytoma require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for periods ranging from twelve to eighteen months in order to obtain significant benefit from treatment. Ayurvedic treatment can definitely help bring about an early remission and improve long-term survival.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
