LIPOMA AND ITS AYURVEDIC TREATMENT PROTOCOL

MODERN DISEASE EXPLANATION

A lipoma is a growth of fat cells in a thin, fibrous capsule usually found just below the skin. Lipomas aren't cancer and don't turn into cancer. They are found most often on the torso, neck, upper thighs, upper arms, and armpits, but they can occur almost anywhere in the body. One or more lipomas may be present at the same time. Lipomas are single or multiple, benign subcutaneous tumours that are easily recognized because they are soft, rounded, or lobulated and movable against the overlying skin. Many lipomas are small but may also enlarge to 6 cm. They occur especially on the neck, trunk, and on the extremities but can occur anywhere on the body. Lipomas are composed of fat cells that have the same morphology as normal fat cells, and there is a connective tissue framework. 

Lipomas are single or multiple, benign subcutaneous tumors that are easily recognized because they are soft, rounded, or lobulated and movable against the overlying skin. Many lipomas are small but may also enlarge to 6 cm. They occur especially on the neck, trunk, and on the extremities but can occur anywhere on the body. Lipomas are composed of fat cells that have the same morphology as normal fat cells, and there is a connective tissue framework. 

A lipoma isn't cancer and usually is harmless. Treatment generally isn't necessary, but if the lipoma bothers you, is painful or is growing, you may want to have it removed.

What are the symptoms of a lipoma?

There are many types of skin tumors, but a lipoma usually has distinct characteristics. If you suspect that you have a lipoma it will generally:

• Be soft to the touch

• Move easily if prodded with your finger

• Be just under the skin

• Be pale

• Be colorless

• Grow slowly

Lipomas are most commonly located in the neck, back, and shoulders, but they can also occur on the stomach, thighs, and arms. The lipoma is only painful if it grows into nerves underneath the skin.

You should call your doctor if you notice any changes in your skin. Lipomas can look very similar to a cancerous condition called liposarcoma.

CAUSES

The tendency to develop a lipoma is not necessarily hereditary although hereditary conditions, such as familial multiple lipomatosis, may include lipoma development. Genetic studies in mice have shown a correlation between the HMG I-C gene (previously identified as a gene related to obesity) and lipoma development. These studies support prior epidemiologic data in humans showing a correlation between HMG I-C and mesenchymal tumors.

Cases have been reported where minor injuries are alleged to have triggered the growth of a lipoma, called "post-traumatic lipomas." However, the link between trauma and the development of lipomas is controversial.

DISEASE- AYURVEDA CONCEPT

Since the bulging or the mass is formed due to Fat deposition, there is significant Kapha derangement in the body.Since there is faulty fat metabolism, correction of metabolism with Ayurvedic treatment is required. Lipoma is a fat mass collection in soft body tissues, such as underneath the skin. They are non cancerous in nature. Usually harmless, in few cases, it may cause pain due to pressure over the structure below the lipoma. There are no known medicines to cure it as of now. Surgery is opted for cosmetic purposes, or if the pain and discomfort is severe.

TREATMENT PROTOCOL

Ayurvedic Medicines to cure Lipoma

There is still no known ayurvedic medicine to treat lipoma. Here are some of the ayurvedic treatments that can be tried for this condition.

Udwartana: This ayurvedic remedy controls the size of lipoma. Udwartana is a deep penetrating herbal lymphatic massage that helps to prevent further accumulation of fat. Udwartana eliminates the lymphatic toxins from body, improves blood circulation and digestion by balancing kapha dosha.

Vamana Therapy: Vamana therapy is given to people with high imbalance of kapha.Since lipoma is caused due to deposition of fat, kapha derangements of person needs to be worked upon. The person with lipoma must undergo Vamana, one of the five purification therapies of panchkarma. Here vitiated dosha or waste products are eliminated through upper gastrointestinal track i.e. by vomiting.

According to ayurveda copper is helpful to cure extra growth. Take water in copper container, leave it overnight and drink it the next morning. In case you experience vomiting sensation after drinking this water then just keep it for two hours.

Surgery

Even though lipoma is mostly painless but in some cases constant pain is reported. When there is severe pain that can’t be treated by medicines then ayurvedic surgery is opted for. Ayurvedic surgery for lipoma is done after local fomentation. Lipoma is surgically removed and the wound is sutured immediately after the bleeding stops. After this the wound is cleaned with fine powder made from turmeric, red sandalwood, manasshila, lodhra and hartal in honey. Later on karnja oil must be applied for quick healing.

CLASSICAL MEDICINES

KANCHANARA GUGGULU

TRIPHALA CHOOENAM

VARANADI KASHAYAM

SHADHARANAM CHORNAM

AROGHYAVARDHINI VADI

GUGGULUTIKTHKAM KASHAYAM AND GRITHAM

SAPTHAVIMSADHI GUGGULU

VATHARI GUGGULU

AHARA VIHARAM

1. Flesh foods like chicken, mutton, pork, beef, turkey etc should be strictly avoided. (whatever may be the case, not even once in a month)

2. Avoid eggs and milk products such as paneer, curd, cheese etc.

3. Exercise regularly (Jogging, running or brisk walking) such that high amount of sweat is produced. Toxins get eliminated in sweat.

4. Wake up in the morning early and drink two glasses of luke warm water after brushing. This helps in cleansing of system toxins by allowing for better bowel movement and urination.