Introduction
When a lump develops, it is always concerning. But all lumps are not harmful. A lipoma, a soft, doughy lump under your skin, may be benign, but it can still be a cause for concern and discomfort. Lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) tumors made of adipose tissue that may need treatment for cosmetic reasons. They are correlated with Medoja Granthi in Ayurveda, with similar symptoms. While modern medicine recommends a watch-and-wait approach or surgical removal of such fatty tissue growths, ayurvedic treatment for lipoma proposes natural remedies and lifestyle modifications for managing this condition. This blog is about the Ayurveda approach in understanding and managing lipomas effectively with minimal invasive techniques.
Lipoma from Ayurveda Perspective
Characteristics:
– Soft, movable, and painless masses which grow slowly.
– They are usually subcutaneous and may be of varying size [Bhatted, 2020].
According to Ayurveda texts, these tumors are classified as Granthi Roga, nodular swellings that can be superficial or deep.
Causes of Lipoma
Genetic Predisposition
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Obesity
- Metabolic Disorders
- Poor Dietary Habits
- Lack of Exercise
- Hormonal Imbalance
As per Ayurveda -
- Poor digestion (Agnimandya)
- Vitiation of Kapha Dosha: Lipomas are thought to be due to an imbalance of Kapha, which is associated with fat and fluid retention in the body
- Influence of Vata Dosha: These tumors are movable and often asymptomatic because they are moved by Vata
- Diet and Lifestyle: Kapha dosha can be further aggravated by overindulgence in fatty foods and an inactive life which may cause development of lipomas
- Blocked channels (Srotorodha)
Lipoma - Symptoms and Signs
– Soft, doughy lumps under the skin
– Usually painless
– Mobile when touched
– Most common on arms, torso, and neck
– Slow-growing
– Generally small (less than 5cm)
They are often asymptomatic but can cause discomfort if located near nerves.
Ayurveda Treatment for Lipoma
The lipomas in Ayurveda are treated by multiple complementary methods, assisted by minimally invasive procedures like Ksharasutra therapy, thermal treatments, internal medicines, external applications, detoxification therapies, and lifestyle modifications aiming at treating the immediate condition as well as its root cause. The treatment also prevents recurrence, offering lipoma treatment without surgery in Ayurveda through natural and holistic approaches.
The treatment aims to balance the Kapha and Vata doshas estimated to get involved in their formation. Key treatments include –
- Ksharasutra Therapy: Lipoma treatment without surgery in Ayurveda is done with Ksharasutra, a minimally invasive procedure, which promotes reduction in its size.
- Internal Medicines: Guggulu and other herbs having lekhana action are used to manage lipomas. They manage the condition by reducing lipoma size and associated lipid levels.
- Agnikarma: A thermal treatment that encourages the breakdown of the lipoma. This method is effective for managing medoja granthi.
- External therapies: Symptoms are also managed by topical applications such as Lepa, abhyanga.
- Panchakarma therapies: To avoid recurrence, Vamana, Virechana, Lekahana Basti etc are also administered.
- Lifestyle modifications: The outcome could be optimized, and recurrence prevented, by regular exercise as well as a change in diet.
Ayurveda Dietary Recommendations for Prevention of Lipomas
Ayurveda emphasizes a balanced diet to prevent lipomas, focusing on the following principles:
- Avoid Heavy and Greasy Foods: Foods rich in saturated fats and oils that lead to aggravation of Kapha dosha and fat accumulating. Thus, Fried foods, dairy products, and processed snacks are best avoided.
- Incorporate Anti-inflammatory Spices: Turmeric, ginger and cinnamon are recommended for their anti-inflammatory properties and are known to aid fat metabolism thereby preventing the formation of lipoma.
- Focus on Light and Easily Digestible Foods: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes are encouraged in a diet. They all contribute to maintaining healthy weight and supporting good digestion.
Conclusion
Ayurveda treatment for lipoma focuses on addressing the root cause through a holistic approach, combining internal medicines, external treatments, and lifestyle modifications. The aim is to reduce the size, alleviate the symptoms and avoid recurrence, surgery and further complications.
