FIG. 1.

The Ayurvedic description of the pathophysiology of cancer. Definitions of Ayurvedic terms: Nidanam are causes of a disease and include inherited, dietary, and lifestyle-related causes. Agni represents the digestive strength and metabolic rate of the body tissues. Atiyoga means chronic physical and psychological strain. Ama represents impurities and toxins in the body. Kshayam means degeneration and depletion of the body tissues. Srotorhodam means blockage(s) of body channels, both physical and energetic. Dosha imbalance means an imbalance of vata, pitta, and/or kapha. Dhatu agni is the metabolic rate of the dhatus. Dhatus are the body tissues. Balopaghata means altered immunity or impaired resistance to disease.