1. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Perspective: TCM refers to cancer as liu (tumor) or ai (cancer), defining it as an imbalance of Yin and Yang and a deficiency in Zhengqi (vital qi).
- Fuzheng Quxie: Strengthening body resistance while eliminating pathogens.
- Ruanjian Sanjie: Softening hard masses and resolving stagnation.
- Patterns: Diagnoses focus on patterns like Spleen/Kidney Yang Deficiency or Liver Qi Stagnation.
2. Ayurvedic Medicine
Perspective: Classified under Arbuda (major neoplasm), cancer is viewed as a Tridoshic disorder—an imbalance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
- Agni & Ama: Focuses on enhancing metabolic fire (Agni) and eliminating toxins (Ama).
- Rasayana: Utilizes immunomodulation and rejuvenation therapy.
- Common Diseases: Mamsarbuda (melanoma) and Raktarbuda (leukaemia).
3. Middle Eastern/Traditional Arab-Islamic (TAI)
Perspective: Cancer (Sartān) is considered a "Saudawi warm" (melanotic swelling) resulting from the combustion of bodily fluids.
- Avicenna’s Principle: Emphasis on early detection to make a cancer "static."
- Dietary Prevention: Use of cumin, turmeric, and frankincense to prevent fluid accumulation.
4. African Traditional Medicine
Perspective: Treats cancer as a result of spiritual imbalances or severe environmental toxicities, often termed "internal swellings."
- Ethnobotanical Focus: High reliance on plants like Catharanthus roseus for cytotoxic properties.
- Systemic Cleansing: Use of bitter herbs and purgatives to expel "evil" factors.
Summary Comparison
| System | Primary Cause | Key Focus | Therapeutic Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCM | Qi/Yin-Yang Imbalance | Eliminating Stasis & Heat | Rebalance Body (Fuzheng) |
| Ayurveda | Tridoshic Disorder | Boosting Agni & Ama | Restore Dhatu (Tissue) |
| Middle East | Melanotic Swelling | Preventing Metastasis | Normalize Fluids |
| African | Environmental/Toxicity | Cytotoxic Plants | Expelling "Evil" Factors |