Cancer has plagued humanity for centuries well not just for centuries even millennia, It is been considered as an incurable disease and bringer of death. In earlier times, a cancer diagnosis is scary and was synonymous with a ticking clock because patients were expected to survive only a matter of days to months. Few illnesses have instilled as much fear and uncertainty in the world as cancer.

The treatments available during early times of humanity were noted down on the scrolls of history, even though cancer is considered as an incurable disease our forefather has developed the philosophical and material concept for the essential healing of this illness with the knowledge available in those times.

From earlier period there were independent individuals as well as group of individuals researched a lot about diseases to find the cure especially for cancer. From the accounts of earlier Ayurveda physicians in ancient India, cancer is considered as the result of sever imbalance of three entities called doshas. Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth), earlier ayurvedic physicians consider cancer is formed as a result of Kapha dosha, since it is related to uncontrolled growth and tumor generation.

Hippocrates has researched about several kind of cancer, he referred to cancer as καρκινος (Carcinos), it the Greek word for crab or cray fish, the word resembles the shape of malignant tumor which has been removed from the body. The 2^nd century AD physician Galen referred cancer as Oncos meaning swelling. But the main issue for the lack of progress studying about the disease is due to the fact that Greeks were against dissecting the body. From the accounts of Ibn sina, Cancer is the disease which is caused by the excess of black bile in the affected tissue. Ibn sina believed the imbalance of body humors including black bile, phlegm, yellow bile, and blood, can cause the disease. He suggested excessive vomiting and laxatives to remove the black bile and surgical removal of disease affected areas. He also mentioned a supplement for the treatment of cancer called Hindiba. He already have a hypothesis that cancer can spread from one breast to another breast. This result in the establishment of the concept called cancer metastasis.

In the 16^th and 17^th century it became acceptable to doctors to do surgeries in the human body (In Europe). The German professor Willhelm Fabry thought  milk clot in the mammary duct is the cause of cancer. As a supporter of Descartes, the Dutch academic Francois de la Boe Sylvius held that cancer was brought on by acidic lymph fluid and that all illnesses were the result of chemical reactions. Nicolaes Tulp, his contemporary, came to the conclusion that cancer was contagious because he thought it was a poison that spreads gradually. Cancer was obscenely referred to as “the wolf” in the 1600s.

The first cause of cancer was identified by British surgeon Percivall Pott, who discovered in 1775 that cancer of the scrotum was a common disease among chimney sweeps (A profession in 18^th and 19^th century). It was found that the “cancer poison” eventually spreads from the primary tumor through the lymph nodes to other areas (a process known as “metastasis”) when the microscope became widely used in the 18th century. The rise of microscopy in the 19^th century by german physician Rudolf Virchow for researching the diseases tissue where he found the rapidly growing cells. On the basis of rapidly dividing cells , he came to the conclusion that this abnormal division of cell is the cause of cancer.

During the mid 20^th century, there has been a development in research about DNA and the discovery of helical structure of DNA by James Watson. Which results in the revealment of the mechanism  of cancer formation and how cells replicate. Further discovery of Onco genes and tumor suppressing genes gave the perfect image of cancer formation and spreading mechanism to the modern science. In 21^st century it has been confirmed by the modern science that Cancer is a genetic disease at its core.

Almost all parts of body are susceptible to cancer but there are certain parts where cancer will not touch and there is more than 100 types of cancer growth in the body. Even though there are certain parts of body which wont be affected by cancer disease like heart, teeth, enamel, Cornea.

Types of cancer

There are various types of cancer. They can be classified according to where they originate inside the body but mainly scientists categorize cancer in to which types of cells they’ll get affected. The types of cancer are

• Carcinoma– It is the cancer which primarily affect on skin or tissue lining . Under this category there are many subtypes of Carcinoma , including adenocarcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma.

• sarcoma  – When cells and tissues in the connective or supportive tissues such as  bone , cartilage ,fat muscle or blood vessels got affected by abnormal rapid cell growth. It is categorized under sarcoma
• leukaemia: It is the type of cancer which affects on white blood cells. It happens in the tissues of bone marrow.
• lymphoma and myeloma -these cancers begin in the cells of the immune system
• brain and spinal cord cancers -these are known as central nervous system cancers 

 

The most common type of cancer which occur among humans are categorized as follows:

1.Carcinomas (Cancers that originate in epithelial cells)

• Breast Cancer: It comes under the subsection of adenocarcinoma. Causation of these cancer is due to the abnormal cell division in the breasts which will result in tumor formation.
• Lung Cancer: It is a type of cancer which forms over the tissues which build up the lungs causing coughs, chest pain and shortness of breath
• Colorectal Cancer:  The Colorectal cancer is the cancer that forms in the Colon or rectum. It is one of the  leading causes of death.

Symptoms

• Presence of blood in stool
• Bowel routine might change
• Severe abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Iron level in the blood will be low

• Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer originate in the prostate gland’s glandural cells, when glandural cells grows uncontrollably.

Symptoms

• Weak urine flow
• Frequent urine flow
• Feels like burning while urinating.
• Difficulties in starting and stopping urinating
• Presence of blood in the urine

• Skin Cancer:
  • Melanoma: It is the type of cancer which occurs in melanocytes, which are the cells that produces melanin, a hormone that causes pigmentation on cell.
  • Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: It is the cancer that forms in the upper layer of the skin. The most common type of non- melanoma cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: It is the type of cancer which happens on the cell lining of the stomach

Symptoms

• Stomach pain
• Swallowing feels difficult
• Extreme fatigue
• Sometimes can vomit blood
• Vomiting blood
• Dark colored stool.

• Liver Cancer: Liver cancer is the type of cancer which occurs due to abnormal cell growth inside liver . It can be of two type

1. Primary: It is when cancer disease originates inside the liver
2. Secondary: It is when the disease spreads to liver from another part of the body.

The one of the most common leading death causes among people is one of the liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

• Esophageal Cancer: It is a rare form of cancer that occurs when abnormal cell growth in esophagus(Food tube).

Symptoms:

• Swallowing difficulty
• Loss in weight
• Chest pain
• Chronic cough

• Pancreatic Cancer: Pancreatic cancer is the type of cancer which occurs in pancreas which is an organ which creates hormones and digestive fluids. It is one of the leading cause of fatality.

Symptoms

• Jaundice- Diesease which cause yellowing of eyes and skin
• Pain
• Weight loss
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting

• Bladder Cancer: It is one of the most common type of cancer happens for men whose age over 60. It occurs as a result of the abnormal growth of cells in tissues of bladder lining.
• Kidney Cancer: It is also called renal cancer. It is a group of cancer which originates in kidney, a bean shaped organ to filter the toxins from the body.

Symptoms

• Blood in the urine
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the back
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

2.  Sarcomas (Cancers that originate in connective tissues)

• Osteosarcoma: It is a type of bone cancer that originates in the long bones mostly affecting adolescents and young adults. It happens when bone cells called osteoblasts grows abnormally causing lump , swelling and bone pain.
• Chondrosarcoma: It is a type of bone cancer which originates as a result of abnormal growth of cartilage tissues causing enormous pain in joints especially in pelvis, hips and shoulders.
• Ewing Sarcoma: Ewing sarcoma is due to the growth cells in bones and soft tissues around it will be grown uncontrollably. It is a rare type of bone cancer primarily affecting children and young adults.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: It is a different group of cancers that will develop in muscles, fat blood vessels, nerves and other connective tissue. Examples include liposarcoma (fat tissue) and leiomyosarcoma (smooth muscle tissue).

 

3. Leukemias (Cancers that originate in the blood and bone marrow)

Leukemia is a type of cancer which occurs in bone marrow where it produces an abnormal amount of white blood cells.

Symptoms

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Bone pain

 

Types of Leukemia

• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL):

It is the type of cancer which occurs as a result of bone marrow producing a lot of white blood cells known as lymphoblasts

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML):

It is the type of cancer when bone marrow produces a lot of abnormal blood cells myeloblasts.

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL):

It is the type of cancer where the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells called lymphocytes

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML):

It is a type of cancer which grows slow affecting bone marrow and white blood cells, it cause anaemia, fatigue, fever, bone pain.

4. Lymphomas

It is a type of cancer which affects lymphatic systems and immune systems. It’s a broader term for cancers which affect system’s cell and it is also known as lymphatic cancer.

Symptoms of lymphoma

• Fever
• Itching
• Swollen lymph nodes in neck, armpits and groin
• Sweating
• Difficulty in breathing

Types of lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): A group of cancers that affects the lymph system and is characterized by formation of abnormal cells in lymph

Hodgkin Lymphoma: A rare type of cancer affecting lymphatic system

5. Brain and Nervous System Cancers

It is any time of cancer which occurs in

A glioma is a type of tumor that starts in the brain or spine, forming from cells called glial cells that support nerve cells. There are different types of gliomas:

Astrocytomas: These tumors come from astrocytes, a kind of support cell in the brain. Some astrocytomas grow slowly, while others, like glioblastoma, grow very quickly and are dangerous.

Oligodendrogliomas: These start from cells that make a protective covering for nerves. They usually grow slowly but can become more aggressive over time.

Meningioma

A meningioma is a tumor that forms in the meninges, which are the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas grow slowly and are often not cancerous, but they can still press on the brain or spine, causing problems.

Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastomas are tumors that usually happen in children and start in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls movement and balance. These tumors can grow quickly and may spread to other parts of the brain or spine.

Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)

An acoustic neuroma is a non-cancerous tumor that grows on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. This tumor can affect hearing and balance because it presses on the nerve.

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that mainly affects young children. It starts from immature nerve cells and usually develops in the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys, or in other parts of the nervous system. Neuroblastoma can spread to other parts of the body if not treated.

 

Concept of Vital force and treatment of cancer in Homeopathy

The concept of vital force in Homeopathy is the fundamental philosophical core. In homeopathy, vital force is considered as the invisible energy whose balance and harmony is the one which determines the body’s health and over-all wellbeing. Cancer, viewed as an imbalance in this vital force, can be addressed through remedies aimed at both the disease’s symptoms and its underlying causes.

Through the lens of scientific inquiry, the vital force is more than an abstract theory. It aligns with bioenergetics, molecular dynamics, and the principles of energy-matter interdependence that underpin modern science. Though Hahnemann’s language may seem mystical, his insights on life’s dynamic nature prefigure modern scientific discoveries that validate the interconnectedness of energy, matter, and health. Far from being outdated, the concept of vital force offers a unique perspective on health and disease, emphasizing the importance of restoring balance within the body’s bioenergetic systems. The vital force, then, is not merely a relic of homeopathic philosophy. It is a testament to the intricate and delicate energies that sustain life.

A key assertion in The Vital Force is that diseases arise from disruptions in the vital force, rather than being caused solely by physical agents like bacteria or viruses. This perspective finds an unexpected parallel in psychosomatic and stress-related illnesses. Today, research shows that stress and emotional factors can cause measurable physiological changes, including immune suppression, hormonal imbalance, and inflammation. Selfridge argues that these disturbances in bodily processes reflect an imbalance in the vital force. In other words, the vital force might represent the delicate equilibrium that keeps our body’s systems operating harmoniously. When this balance is disrupted, disease emerges as an expression of that internal disharmony

 Mechanism of Action in Treating Cancer

In cancer, the body’s defense systems are compromised, allowing abnormal cells to multiply freely. Now, with the understanding that homeopathic remedies have the trace amounts of its original tincture in nano dose, there’s strong evidence that these may play a critical role in restoring cellular balance. Research in nanomedicine confirms that nanoparticles can enter cells and interact directly with proteins and genetic material, actively aiding in apoptosis (programmed cell death)—a process that is often disruptive to cancer cells.

Modulation of Oxidative Stress: Oxidative stress, a condition marked by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, is a known contributor to cancer progression. Certain homeopathic remedies, such as Arsenicum album and Phytolacca, contain nanoparticles that can reduce oxidative stress by modulating antioxidant levels in cells, thereby helping to restore the vital force and slow cancer progression.

Gene Expression and Epigenetics: Emerging research suggests that nanoparticles can influence gene expression. In homeopathy, remedies with nanoparticles might impact the expression of specific genes involved in cancer suppression. This influence could potentially support the body’s efforts to recognize and control abnormal cell growth, which is crucial in the homeopathic approach to treating cancer at its root.

Potential for Targeted Drug Delivery: The Energy particles found in homeopathic remedies are especially small, allowing them to penetrate tumors more effectively than larger particles. This penetration ability makes them suitable for selectively targeting malignant cells in dense tumor environments like those found in liver and pancreatic cancers, which are typically resistant to conventional drugs. By utilizing nanoparticles as carriers, homeopathic remedies could deliver therapeutic agents directly to cancer cells, reducing systemic toxicity and preserving healthy cells.

Interaction with Cancer Cell Pathways

Nanoparticles in remedies like Arsenicum album can interfere with cancer cell signaling pathways, such as those involved in cell growth and survival. This interference can lead to apoptosis in cells with disrupted pathways, such as those seen in cancers with mutated genes (e.g., the p53 gene in breast cancer). The nanoparticles can alter or inhibit these pathways, resulting in the cancer cells’ inability to grow and divide​

Applications in Common Types of Cancer

Breast Cancer

In breast cancer models, Homeopathic medicines  have shown its potential by targeting breast cancer cells while sparing normal mammary cells. This selective activity suggests that homeopathic remedies could support breast cancer treatment by enhancing the specificity of targeting cancer cells, potentially as an adjunct to therapies that risk damaging healthy tissue​.

Lung Cancer

The adaptability of homeopathic nanoparticles to various cellular environments may also aid in treating lung cancer. Lung cancer cells often have altered cellular environments and oxidative stress profiles, which make them particularly vulnerable to treatments that induce additional oxidative stress. Homeopathic medicines like Arsenicum album have been noted for their potential to increase cellular stress specifically in these environments, thereby encouraging apoptosis in lung cancer cells​

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is often challenging to treat due to the liver’s regenerative nature and the dense tissue surrounding the tumors. However, research suggests that nanoparticle-based homeopathic remedies may help target hepatic cancer cells selectively by exploiting the metabolic differences between cancerous and healthy liver cells. By enhancing the oxidative burden within cancer cells, these remedies could encourage selective cell death, helping to shrink tumors while minimizing damage to healthy liver tissue​

 Scientific Studies and Evidence

Studies using spectroscopy and electron microscopy have detected nanoparticles in homeopathic preparations, particularly those diluted to a level previously thought to contain no active ingredients. These findings, published in journals like Homeopathy and Scientific Reports, support the idea that potentization creates a stable, nanoscale suspension, allowing these remedies to interact with biological systems despite extreme dilution.

Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopy Studies: Research has shown that nanoparticles of the original substance are indeed present in highly diluted solutions used in homeopathy. Using techniques like Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), scientists have confirmed that homeopathic dilutions contain nanostructures that persist even in ultra-high dilutions. These nanoparticles have specific electromagnetic properties that may facilitate interaction with the human body on an energetic level, as hypothesized in homeopathy.

In Vitro and In Vivo Studies: In cancer research, studies on the effects of homeopathic remedies have shown promising results in lab models. For example, Arsenicum album have demonstrated toxicity toward certain cancer cells, suggesting that homeopathic remedies could selectively target diseased cells without harming healthy ones.

In conclusion, the concept of the vital force in homeopathy offers a unique and insightful approach to understanding health and disease. Rather than focusing solely on physical causes of illness, homeopathy views disease as a disruption of the body’s internal energy balance. Recent scientific research supports this view, showing that nanoparticles in homeopathic remedies may play a crucial role in restoring cellular balance and addressing conditions like cancer. The ability of these remedies to influence oxidative stress, gene expression, and even cancer cell pathways highlights their potential as complementary treatments in modern medicine. As research continues to uncover the mechanisms behind homeopathic healing, it becomes increasingly clear that the vital force is not just a philosophical idea, but a concept that may bridge the gap between traditional and modern science, offering a new way to understand and treat diseases.