Chronic myeloid leukaemia (Rakta Arbuda / Majja-gata-Vata)

Medically Reviewed by Ayuveda Clinical Team (Lead Medical Reviewer: Dr. Nitin Mohite, BAMS, MBA • Medical Logic Developer, UK • Clinical Profile • LinkedIn).

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a slow-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the overproduction of myeloid cells (granulocytes) and is almost always associated with the Philadelphia chromosome, an acquired genetic mutation where parts of chromosomes 9 and 22 swap places to create the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene.

Common symptoms

Persistent fatigue or weakness
Unexplained weight loss
Night sweats
Fever
Pain or a feeling of fullness below the ribs on the left side (splenomegaly)
Bone pain
Shortness of breath
Easy bruising or bleeding

Possible causes

Acquired genetic mutation (Philadelphia chromosome)
BCR-ABL1 fusion gene production
Exposure to high-dose ionizing radiation (rare risk factor)

Medical treatment

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib
Chemotherapy (e.g., hydroxyurea)
Allogeneic stem cell or bone marrow transplant
Immunotherapy (interferon-alpha)
Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) in post-transplant cases

Ayurvedic perspective

Ayurveda identifies Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) as a manifestation of 'Rakta Arbuda' (blood-borne neoplasm) and 'Majjavaha Sroto-Dushti' (disruption of the bone marrow channels). It is characterized by 'Dhatu Paka', a pathological process where the Agni (metabolic fire) at the tissue level becomes hyperactive or distorted, leading to the rapid proliferation of immature, non-functional cells (Ama) in the blood (Rakta) and marrow (Majja) tissues. This process exhausts the Ojas (vitality) and leads to tissue depletion.

Ayurvedic dietary guidelines

Consume Rakta-Prasadan (blood-soothing) foods like Pomegranate and Sweet Grapes
Strictly avoid 'Vidahi' (burning) foods such as red chilies, vinegar, and fermented items
Include 'Mudga Yusha' (green gram soup) prepared with organic turmeric and cumin
Drink water stored in copper vessels to balance Pitta-Kapha

Ayurvedic medicinal herbs

Hirak Bhasma (Diamond Calx) — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Kanchanar (Bauhinia variegata) — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Bhumi-Amla (Phyllanthus niruri) — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Suwarna Bhasma (Gold Calx) — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb

Traditional home remedies

Guduchi Satva (Starch Extract)
Haridra-Ksheera (Medicinal Turmeric Milk)

Yoga asanas

Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose)
Modified Vrkshasana (Kickstand Tree Pose)
Marjaryasana-Bitilasana (Cat-Cow Stretch)
Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle)

Dosha imbalance

Pitta (Primary - causing inflammation and heat)
Kapha (Secondary - causing abnormal cellular growth)
Vata (Tertiary - causing rapid cell division and mutation)

Lifestyle tips

Perform Shital Pranayama (Cooling Breath) for 10 minutes daily to reduce systemic heat
Practice 'Abhyanga' (Self-massage) with Pinda Taila to pacify Vata and support circulation
Ensure 8 hours of sleep during 'Kapha' time (before 10 PM) to facilitate tissue repair
Avoid strenuous physical exercise that aggravates Vata and Pitta

Classical & Scientific References

Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana & Chikitsa Sthana) — Classical Ayurvedic internal medicine compendium.
Sushruta Samhita (Sharira Sthana & Uttara Tantra) — Surgical and foundational therapeutic treatise.
Ashtanga Hridaya (Vagbhata) — Core clinical principles and therapeutic pharmacology.
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) & Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI), Ministry of AYUSH.