November 2011
Hope is the dream of a soul awake
Cancer Support Association of WA information, wellness & healing
www.cancersupportwa.org.au
Vol. 26 No.10
editorial
Connect with the CSA community online
every moment of life is offering us the possibility of renewal, growth and upliftment.
We have created a NEW facebook page for our members and friends which we update daily with cancer news, inspirations and the latest CSA events and programs.
Facebook / Cancer Support Association
wellness news is the monthly online magazine of the Cancer Support Association of Western Australia Inc. Wellness News e-magazine is published online twelve time a year and distributed free to members of the Cancer Support Association. An annual print edition of Wellness News is produced at the end of each year and posted to all CSA members. Wellness News magazine is dedicated entirely to publishing informative, inspiring and helpful articles related to wellness and healing. The magazine is for people with cancer or serious health issues; for people who are well and want to maintain their good health naturally; and for complementary, alternative and integrative health professionals.
editorial & production... Editor & Designer Mandy BeckerKnox editor.wellness@yahoo.com.au
online at...
www.cancersupportwa.org.au Wellness News magazine is published by the Cancer Support Association of WA Inc (CSA). The contents of this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the CSA and should be not be construed as medical advice. CSA encourages readers to be discerning with information presented and make treatment, dietary and lifestyle choices in consultation with a team of health-care professionals. © Copyright of all articles and images remains with individual contributors.
Dear members and friends,
All of life is interconnected. All of us breathe the same air,
and it is this air that connects us to all other living beings. The air we breathe contains energy – a life-force energy – which sustains us and gives us life. Without this life-force energy there would be no vitality in the air, and no life. It is our duty as custodians of this earth to care for our planet, its atmosphere, and for each and every one of its inhabitants. The earth is rapidly changing, degenerating, and urgently requires healing. The very air is becoming toxic, forests and whole ecosystems are disappearing, our food is devitalised, our atmosphere is thinning, the earth is warming, glaciers melting...and the earth’s inhabitants are becoming sicker and sicker – physically and psychologically. It is unlikely that the earth can indefinitely sustain humanity in its current form. Already many of us are suffering from the adverse effects of a ‘sick’ environment and struggle to be truly ‘well’. Many of us feel quite helpless to instigate real changes, and have become quite complacent. We know that our cars and worldly goods and consumable items pollute the planet, and that in turn a polluted planet contributes to our illnesses, but what can we really do, individually, to enhance life on earth? There are no easy answers, but we can, for a start, live more ‘consciously’. When we make choices, as consumers, we can consider the future environmental implications of those choices. If we ignore the advertising campaigns, and stop buying certain products en masse, companies will stop producing them! Sure some of these products may seem essential to our lifestyle, so maybe the key is to change our lifestyles. It may sound simplistic, and unscientific, but another strategy is to pray. Prayer helps to evoke compassion and humility within our own hearts, and it is in this spirit that healing takes place. CSA is a place where you can come together with others interested in healing and wellness, where you can share, learn, find support and offer support to others. True wellness is not just about our own personal health, but about our health in relation to others, to society, to the earth itself. F Peace, Mandy
contents CSA Weekly Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 What’s on at CSA this month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Meeting the Challenge Handbook. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 7 Article: Cancer, the Lifestyle Connection . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 10 Article: Cancer and the Role of the Mind. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 12 Article: The Biology of Perception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Article: The Psychology of Change . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 21 Article: Rediscovering the Art and Science of Sound . . . . . . 24
peace
Article: Sound healing with Tibetan Singing Bowls. . .. . .. . 30 Vitamin D, the wonder vitamin that may help you prevent cancer . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 32 Recipes: Tabouleh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
I offer you peace.
Inspiration: Gandhi’s top 10 fundamentals for changing the world . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
I offer you love.
Gawler Foundation Bursary Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings. My wisdom flows from the Highest Source. I salute that Source in you. Let us work together for unity and love. Gandhi's Prayer for Peace
CSA AGM All members are very welcome to attend. 24th November at 4pm at the Cancer Support Association 80 Railway St, Cottesloe. November 2011
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this program is updated monthly. Check website for any changes before attending MONDAY Meditation Made Easy....................................................................................10.00 – 11.30am Ongoing Lessons with Bavali Hill. FREE FOR MEMBERS (non-members $5) No bookings necessary. Massage with Nat Hazelwood ($55/$65 non-members)...................... by appointment
TUESDAY Cancer Wellness Counselling with Mike Sowerby................................... by appointment Book with reception. $75 (CSA members), $100 (non-members)
meditation made easy with Bavali Hill Meditation is a safe and simple way to balance a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states. The use of Meditation for healing is not new. Meditative techniques are the product of diverse cultures and peoples around the world. The value of Meditation to alleviate suffering and promote healing has been known and practiced for thousands of years. In these weekly lessons at CSA, Bavali guides participants through various healing meditation techniques and gives notes and handouts to support home practice.
Wellness and Healing Open Support Group................................... 10.00 – 12.00noon with Dr. Angela Ebert Carer’s Wellness and Healing Support Group ........................... 10.00 – 12.00noon with Mike Sowerby (when required) Reiki Clinic.......................................................................................................12.15pm – 1.30pm
WEDNESDAY Reflexology ..................................................................10.00am – 2pm with Udo Kannapin (by appointment between 10-2) Laughter Yoga with Kimmie O’Meara ($3.00).....................................11.00am – 12.00pm Chinese Medical Healthcare Qigong ($10/$5 members).............. 1.00pm – 2.30pm with Alan Donelly
THURSDAY Cancer Wellness Counselling with Mike Sowerby................................... by appointment Book with reception. $75 (CSA members), $100 (non-members) Yoga for Healing...........................................................................................10.00am – 11.15am with Madeline Clare (members $5 / others $10) Grief and Loss Open Support Group...................................................... 1.00pm – 3.00pm with Mike Sowerby (last Thursday of each month) Writing Your Story with the Harmony Harp...............................10.30am – 12.00noon with Kate Faraday ($10 per session) No bookings necessary. 2011 Session dates: 3rd, 10th November, 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd December.
FRIDAY Meeting the Challenge 1 Day Seminar...................................................9.30am – 4.30pm 1ST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH “Arts for Healing” Art Therapy Group.................................................9.30am – 12.00pm with Glenys Gibbs (members $20 / others $25 includes art materials)
counselling Individual, Family & Group Ongoing counselling sessions with a caring, compassionate professional could help you deal more effectively with the many issues, fears and emotions which arise on the cancer journey; gain clarity to make treatment decisions; give you the insight to grow from your experiences; and the peace of mind and heart needed to heal. Sessions can be booked with our qualified counsellor Mike Sowerby, and are also available online for those unable to make it in to our Cottesloe premises.
laughter yoga with Kimmie O’Meara Laughter Yoga is a revolutionary idea developed by Dr. Madan Kataria, a Physician from Mumbai, India. It is a complete wellbeing workout combining Unconditional Laughter with Yogic Breathing (Pranayama). Anyone can Laugh for No Reason, without relying on humour, jokes or comedy. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group; with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits of laughter regardless of the source.
what’s on at CSA in December be part of the csa community by joining the groups, courses and wellness activities at our premises in Cottesloe
Meeting the Challenge 1 Day Cancer Wellness Seminar Life Changing Information for people with cancer and their carers. Led by Cathy Brown, this seminar provides wellness information, wellness strategies, new resources (such as nutrition, treatment options, meditation) and sharing with others on a healing journey. There is also a focus on accessing cancer information online. Held monthly at CSA on the first Friday of every month from 9.30am-4.30pm. Free for new CSA members, bookings are required.
cancer support groups with Angela Ebert & Mike Sowerby Support groups enable people to discover new ways of coping; share the experience with others going through something similar; exchange information and resources; develop a holistic approach to healing; be inspired by others on the journey to regaining wellness. CSA offers an open cancer support group for people with cancer and their carers. This weekly group is facilitated by Angela Ebert and Mike Sowerby. We also offer a Carers’ Support Group and a monthly Grief and Loss Support Group.
healing relaxation massage with Nat Hazelwood
For people with a serious illness like cancer, massage can be a powerful tool to help cope with treatment. Holistic Massage sessions are now available at CSA on Mondays and Thursdays. Sessions are for 60 minutes and cost $70. The first session includes a free consultation. Home visits are also available. To make a booking please contact CSA.
“If you travel alone, you can probably go faster. But the journey will never be as rewarding, and you probably won’t be able to go as far.” ~ John Maxwell
yoga for healing with Madeline Clare Yoga for Healing classes bring the joy of yoga to people with cancer and those who may need a nurturing space to practice. CSA yoga teacher, Madeline Clare, takes inspiration from both Iyengar and Vinyasa approaches to yoga with an emphasis on relaxation, breath awareness, gentle movement and meditation. A balanced yoga practice has the capacity to heal, shift energy blockages and bring the body into physical, emotional, mental and spiritual alignment.
qi gong with Alan Donelly Qigong is a traditional Chinese mind-body practice that uses meditation, breathing control, and movement to balance the flow of energy (qi) through the body to help healing to occur. CSA offers qigong to complement cancer therapies and help with the symptoms of cancer. In this setting, qigong is not used as a treatment for cancer per se, but as a method of easing cancer symptoms such as fatigue.
reiki clinic
every Tuesday CSA offers a weekly reiki clinic staffed by qualified volunteers. Gold coin donation. Reiki is a Japanese energy-based therapy that promotes healing and overall wellness. A trained reiki practitioner uses his or her hands to transmit energy to the recipient. Reiki has been proven to help with pain management, relaxation, and side effects of cancer treatment.
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NEW CSA members can attend free!
writing your story with the harmony harp as part of your healing with Kate Faraday
Meeting the Challenge! one day cancer wellness workshop
First Friday of every month between 9.30am-4.30pm at CSA, Cottesloe Life Changing Information for people with cancer: • The Wellness approach to cancer • Nutrition for optimal health • Power of the Mind • Introduction to Meditation • Natural & Complementary Therapies To book ph CSA 8384 3544 online: www.cancersupportwa.org.au 6 Cancer Support Association www.cancersupportwa.org.au
Unfold your healing journey in a supportive environment through guided imagery, reflection, colour and sound, relaxation and discovery, with the soothing harmonic vibrations of the handcarved Harmony Harp. Kate Faraday, holistic wellbeing facilitator, with over 25 years’natural health facilitation experience, leads an open group over 6 weeks of relaxed journal writing sessions in a nurturing environment to assist healing and wellbeing. Cost: $10 per session. Bookings not required. Bring: a new journal (lined or blank pages) and different coloured pens to explore your Journey with the Harmony Harp.
cancer wellness walking group starting Summer, 2012 Starting in January 2012 CSA is hosting a weekly morning walking group along North Cottesloe beach beginning and ending at the Barchetta Cafe, North Cottesloe for a refreshing juice, tea or coffee. Members of the CSA Wellness Team including volunteer counsellors will be present for the walk and can chat with participants one-to-one while getting fresh air and exercise, or particiapnts
reflexology with Udo Kannapin Reflexology is the application of pressure, stretching and movement to the feet and hands to trigger corresponding parts of the body. It complements standard medical care by relaxing the body and reducing stress.
Meeting the Challenge Handbook CSA will soon launch the Meeting the Challenge Handbook for people newly diagnosed with cancer. The Handbook presents holistic cancer wellness strategies based on the principles of lifestyle medicine and mind-body healing. There
is no doubt that cancer is a challenge for the person diagnosed, their family and community. For many years the Cancer Support Association has hosted the 1 Day Meeting the Challenge Seminar to help people meet the many challenges of cancer. The Meeting the Challenge Handbook contains information to supplement the seminar and can be used by anyone with cancer looking for a balanced perspective on their illness and strategies to recover from cancer. If you have just been diagnosed with cancer you will benefit from the immediate strategies in this handbook which may help you positively deal with cancer and improve your life. Meeting the Challenge is based on the principles of lifestyle medicine and mindbody healing. The seminar and handbook contain information to help you process your diagnosis, to learn about the options available to you, and introduce you to the key areas of lifestyle medicine. Lifestyle medicine is about what you can do within your everyday life to improve your health. Adjustments to lifestyle, nutrition and adding meditation, natural and complementary therapies into your daily routine can all improve your wellbeing. Once you’ve read through this handbook you may have a clearer idea about the kinds of changes you could make to aid your recovery from cancer. At the back of the handbook we have included a template for you to start thinking about your own personalised cancer wellness plan. With total commitment, it has been found that even after being given a ‘terminal’ cancer diagnosis, there are many people who defy the odds and recover from cancer. Ian Gawler, CSA staff members Cathy Brown and Mike Sowerby, some CSA members, and many other long-term cancer survivors are vibrant examples of the potential success of the wellness approach to cancer. F
The Meeting the Challenge Handbook will soon be available for all CSA members and for anyone newly diagnosed with cancer. Contact CSA to preorder your free copy.
A question was posed to Dalai Lama: “What is the thing about humanity that surprises you the most?” His answer: “Man – Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices his money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he doesn’t enjoy the present, And as a result he doesn’t live in the present or the future. And he lives as if he’s never going to die, and then he dies having never really lived.”
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Be a part of CSA We’d love to hear your voice and ideas at the AGM B eing
a member of the CSA offers many opportunities to participate in the services and facilities that make up the wonderful support we do in caring for those impacted by cancer. The CSA is an association of some 400 paid members, many of whom attend the CSA support groups or utilize the other more individualised health care services we provide. What is not so well known is the side of your membership that can help shape our services, policies and direction in meeting the challenge of cancer support. An important aspect of membership in an association is that of members having a say in the services offered by their association, and the direction these services grow and develop. To have such an opportunity, to be that member, we are encouraging you to attend the upcoming CSA Annual General Meeting and participate with the Board, the staff, your fellow members in voicing the needs and wants of you, its stakeholders. In fact the Board is a Board of members, like you, and is nominated and voted in by members like you. The current focus in cancer care is one of moving towards an integrative process, recognising the importance of a wholeness or wellness approach. Providing effective, integrated services, involves communication and cooperation between allied cancer groups to better meet the overall challenge of cancer. The CSA is going through a period of organisational and structural change, with a vision of the Wanslea building housing a cancer wellness centre, joined by other cancer support services, each maintaining its integrity but with a common wellness vision. As a member of the CSA planning for this change, having a vision for change is every members opportunity and right. So we are encouraging you to attend the AGM scheduled later this year, and as members sharing your vision for the future CSA. Take this chance, we would love to hear your voice, your ideas where it counts. F
Mike Sowerby is CSA’s Cancer Counsellor and Support Group Facilitator
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Journaling
as a tool for healing & self-discovery As I walk through this recovery process of healing my soul and mind,
I remembered that, years ago, I used to journal. I would write every morning. Many times, it was written as a prayer, or perhaps reflection on scripture. The majority of my writings, however, were just unloading how I felt about things. Women, especially, are so bad to bottle up our feelings. We continue to do the things we think we are supposed to, and stuff it all inside. What happens to those stuffers? Well, lots of different things. For one, you can end up like I did, almost completely paralyzed by depression and anxiety. Or it may come out in other physical ways such as frequent colds, headaches, stomach issues. Or, you may one day not be able to hold it in anymore and literally explode at whoever is nearby at the time. None of these are healthy ways to deal with the situations that stress you and cause you pain. Writing it down doesn’t necessarily solve the problem, but it may help relieve some of the pressure you feel, it may help you get perspective on the situation, and sometimes you may find that it really wasn’t a big deal at all. Or it may help you find the courage and the strength to speak up and confront the situation. And in situations you can do nothing about, journaling is a way of releasing it to God. True journaling seems best when done by hand. There is just something about the words coming from your heart, out through your hand and flowing from the pen onto the paper. I always like the end of a year and the start of a new year when all the notebooks and journals are available, so… I think I will go buy a really cool new journal to use on this healing journey. F
From the blog of Bernice Wood “Ramblings of a Woman: thoughts of a woman as she defines her life path after 40”. bernicewood.wordpress.com
A new weekly session at CSA starting this week
Writing
Your Story with the Harmony Harp as part of your Healing Journey Thursday mornings at CSA 10.30 – 12noon
2011 Session dates: 3rd, 10th November, 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd December Unfold your healing journey in a supportive environment through guided imagery, reflection, colour and sound, relaxation and discovery, with the soothing harmonic vibrations of the hand-carved Harmony Harp. Kate Faraday, holistic wellbeing facilitator, with over 25 years’ natural health facilitation experience, leads an open group over 6 weeks of relaxed journal writing sessions in a nurturing environment to assist healing and wellbeing. See www. AlynkaWellbeing.com
Cost: $10 per session. Bookings not required. Bring: a new journal (lined or blank pages) and different coloured pens to explore your Journey with the Harmony Harp.
80 Railway St, Cottesloe. Ph 9384 3544. www.cancersupportwa.org.au November 2011
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cancer
the lifestyle connection By Andrew Weil, M.D.
It becoming clear that lifestyle is the major contributing factor in the initiation and development of cancer. Hence, lifestyle should be your primary consideration in both cancer prevention and recovery.
What is cancer? Cancer is defined as a disease that causes cells in the body to change and multiply out
of control, disrupting the normal function of a particular organ or organs. Cancer begins when the DNA molecules – the materials in our cells that dictate our genetic makeup and control the way our cells divide – are altered. These cells then begin to grow and multiply, forming tumours. Some tumours are malignant, meaning they destroy their surrounding tissue and have the potential to spread to other sites in the body. Benign tumours do not grow and spread like cancer, and they usually don’t become a serious health threat. Diet plays a multitude of roles in the development of cancer. The first is exposure to ingested substances that initiate cancer (carcinogens). The second is exposure to substances in the diet that can either enhance or inhibit the growth of the cancerous cells. These include compounds that influence our immune system as well as those that have a direct effect on cancer cells. If you are challenged by cancer, consider adopting the following suggestions:
Use mind/body techniques such as guided imagery and meditation, and energy medicine modalities like Therapeutic Touch and Reiki to enhance your treatments of choice.
Stay active. Regular exercise is an essential part of staying healthy. Engage in gentle physical activity as often as you can.
Get support. Join a support program for people with cancer. The inspiration and hope you’ll find there is priceless.
Have faith. Don’t underestimate the role of your spiritual life in the healing process.
Nutrition and Supplements Population studies – those that carefully examine the risk of health conditions in different groups of people – have clearly identified environment and lifestyle as major factors influencing the development of cancer. Diet ranks second only to smoking as a controllable aspect of lifestyle linked to cancer. The American Institute for Cancer Prevention has published these compelling statements: Eating right, plus staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight, can cut cancer risk by 30 to 40 percent. Recommended dietary choices coupled with not smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke have the potential to reduce cancer risk by 60 to 70 percent. As many as 375,000 cases of cancer, at current cancer rates, could be prevented each year in this nation through healthy dietary choices.
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Eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day could by itself reduce cancer rates more than 20 percent. Treatments for cancer, either conventional, alternative or a combination of both, can be enhanced by some simple lifestyle, diet and nutritional supplement strategies.
Get plenty of antioxidants through foods or supplements. Always discuss any changes in diet with your health care practitioner.
Have one to two servings of soy foods each day.
The simplest soy food to include may be soy milk as a beverage or ingredient in a smoothie. Also try edamame (whole green soybeans), canned soybeans, tofu, roasted soy nuts and soynut butter.
Eat generous amounts of vegetables and moderate amounts of fruit. Choose organic whenever possible to minimize exposure to pesticide residues that may put an extra detoxification load on the liver. Consider juicing to easily ingest several servings without feeling too full.
Drink green tea several times a day. Remember that decaffeinated versions are available and quite delicious.
Concentrate on omega-3 fatty acids either through foods
or supplements. The foods that are rich in this healthy type of fat are walnuts and flax seed, and cold-water fish like salmon and sardines.
Limit alcohol consumption. In virtually all studies that
have looked at alcohol consumption and risk of cancer, regular consumption is linked with increased cancer risk, especially breast cancer.
Avoid harmful radiation, UV light, and carcinogenic chemicals.
Recommended Supplements: Asian mushrooms These contain strongly cancer-protective substances.
CoQ10 A natural antioxidant which has been shown to increase survival in some forms of cancer.
Folic acid Can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. A vitamin B-complex Folic acid (with B12) can help prevent cancer of the colon.
A balanced calcium-magnesium formula Can be an effective weapon against colon cancer.
Lycopene A powerful antioxidant that is particularly good at protecting against prostate cancer.
Selenium Fosters healthy cell growth and division, and
antioxidants protect your cells from cancer Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. When our body cells use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals (by-products) which can cause damage. Antioxidants act as “free radical scavengers” and hence prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals. Health problems such as heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, cancer are all contributed by oxidative damage. Antioxidants may also enhance immune defense and therefore lower the risk of cancer and infection. Antioxidants are found abundant in beans, grain products, fruits and vegetables. Look for fruits with bright colour – lutein in some of the yellow pigments found in corn; orange in cantaloupe, butternut pumpkin and mango; red from lycopene in tomatoes and watermelon, and purple and blue in berries.
Vitamin D Reduces risk of prostate, colourectal and other forms
So enjoy eating a variety of these products. It is best to obtain these antioxidants from foods instead of supplements. F
From: drweil.com. Dr. Andrew Weil is the author of Integrative Oncology and many other books. His charitible organisation
From: healthcastle.com. By By Gloria Tsang, RD
discourages tumour formation. of cancer. F
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Cancer and the Role of the Mind By Don Benjamin
Alternative therapists claim that the causation and control of cancer has not only physical but psychological and spiritual factors as well. Orthodox medicine on the otherhand accepts only the physical factors. What is the evidence that theories relating to psychological factors are valid and that therapy based on these theories actually works? 12
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There are many factors which are claimed to be involved with the causation and control of cancer. These include: (a) physical factors such as: • diet and nutrition, including salt, artificial colouring, • flavouring, food processing and preservatives • the environment, including water and airborne contaminants • occupational exposure such as asbestos and radiation (b) psychological factors such as: • the mind, operating at both the conscious and unconscious level • personality • inherited predisposition (c) spiritual factors such as • the psyche, soul or spiritual identity Orthodox medicine accepts only physical factors such as diet and occupational exposure, and then only as causative factors. They have several theories about the process of cancer causation and reject any claims that diet can have any effect on survival once malignancy is established. They refuse to look at any theories other than the currently accepted one that the tumour is the disease. Surgery and radiotherapy are designed to kill or otherwise remove the tumour. When this fails and the “disease” has “spread” chemotherapy is then used. Not surprisingly there is no evidence that surgery or radiotherapy has any effect on survival or mortality with any form of cancer except where the tumour is obstructing a vital organ or pressing on the brain1. The only evidence that orthodox methods can improve survival significantly is in a few areas where cancer is known to be systemic in its nature such as with some types of leukemia, and chemotherapy, a systemic therapy is used. In view of the extremely toxic nature of chemotherapy and it effect on the immune system it is not surprising that it is ineffective against solid tumours2. The more honest medical scientists are at last starting to use the term “incurable” in relation to cancer3. This means incurable using orthodox methods.
What about other theories and paradigms?
Most alternative therapies are based on the theory that cancer is a systemic disease and tumours are only local expressions, symptoms or elements in this disease. Such therapies are then designed to restore the body’s metabolic functions, respiratory, digestive and endocrine systems so that the immune defences can work normally again.
Most alternative therapies are based on the theory that cancer is a systemic disease and tumours are only local expressions, symptoms or elements in this disease. Such therapies are then designed to restore the body’s metabolic functions, respiratory, digestive and endocrine systems so that the immune defences can work normally again. Some therapies assume the immune defences have simply broken down because of psychological factors. For example the Simonton Therapy4, which involves visualisation and imagery techniques, assumes that stresses with which the individual cannot cope lead to emotional disturbances in the limbic region of the brain. Here the hypothalamus transfers these disturbances to the pituitary gland which in turn controls the body’s endocrine system and thereby the body’s immune defences. Other therapies assume a breakdown of metabolic or endocrine systems which in turn lead to the “cancer milieu”5. What is the evidence that theories relating to psychological factors are valid and that therapy based on these theories actually works? We can look at both the cancer causation mechanism and the cancer control mechanism. Just as diet is claimed to contribute to cancer causation, nutritional therapies have been claimed to reverse cancer. So it is with psychological factors.
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Cancer causation Let us first look at cancer causation. And this also provides some ideas for those who wish to prevent cancer. Several workers such as Hans Selye6 and Lawrence Le Shan7 have identified personality factors that are claimed to be present in most cancer patients. In recent times these have been refined somewhat and some recent trials have described eight such characteristic factors for cancer patients:
1. Involvement
Vacillate between extreme intimacy and extreme aloofness
2. Feelings
Avoid the expression of feelings
If the personality type predisposes certain people to get cancer and certain other personal attitudes appear to affect survival, can one’s personality type and attitude be changed to enable a building up of this host resistance?
3. Rationality
Claim to be controlled by reason rather than emotions
4. Anxiety
Deny fears or anxiety related to present or coming problems
5. Harmonizing
Avoid arguments and confrontation and are rarely aggressive
6. Hopelessness
Feel pessimistic about life and expect the worst
7. Helplessness
Feel out of control and need a lot of support but have never accepted help from others
8. Self-sacrificing
Work for others’ benefits and ignore their own needs Sometimes they can be grouped into inability to become involved or express feelings, hiding behind rationality (1-5), hopelessness/helplessness (6-7) and self-sacrifice (8). These are sometimes described as starving themselves of their own spiritual and human needs which humans have for giving and receiving love. In 1980 Michael Wirshing et al8 from the Psychosomatic Clinic at Heidelberg University in Germany interviewed 56 women just prior to biopsy for breast cancer. Interviews lasted 30-50 minutes and were taped. Most subjects were from the lower social class. Using these 8 factors the interviewers correctly predicted 83% of the women who were later diagnosed with cancer and 71% of those who had benign lumps. Others not involved in the interviews listened to the tapes and made separate assessments. These ‘blind’ raters predicted 94% of the cancer diagnoses and 68% of the benign diagnoses. So there is clearly a cancer personality or profile. It is not black and white: for example between a quarter and a third of patients diagnosed with benign lumps exhibited the psychological profile of the cancer patient. The next question to ask is:
Once people get cancer what personality types have the best survival? Two trials provide some answers: Sandra Levy et al9 from the Pittsburgh Cancer Institute looked at survival figures for 36 women who had their first recurrence of breast cancer. They found that those with a positive mental attitude best described as “joy” had the longest survival. This included descriptions of glad, cheerful and joyous attitudes. On the other hand negative attitudes, where patients felt sad, hopeless, worthless, miserable or unhappy tended to have the shortest survival, typically surviving less than 2 years after recurrence. The same applied to those exhibiting hostility. Their report was in 1988.
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Keith Pettingale et al10 from King’s College on London reported in 1979 that psychological responses to cancer diagnosis taken from 57 women with early breast cancer 3 months after their operation predicted survival 5 years later. Best survivals were found among those with a “fighting spirit” and those who practised “denial”; whereas worst survival was observed among those with “stoic acceptance” and a feeling of “helplessness” or a situation of “hopelessness”. They reported again 5 years later, 10 years after original diagnosis. 70% of those with a “fighting spirit” were still alive including one with metastases as were 50% of those exhibiting “denial”, 25% of “stoic accepters”, including one with metastases, and 20% of those who felt “hopeless/helpless”. There were no initial biological differences observed, all four patient groups having similar clinical stage, approximate tumour mass, histological grade, mammographic appearance and hormonal an immunological profiles. The difference in host resistance was apparently related to psychological factors. The next question to ask is, if the personality type predisposes certain people to get cancer and certain other personal attitudes appear to affect survival, can one’s personality type and attitude be changed to enable a building up of this host resistance? For example can a person learn how to express feelings? Can he or she learn how to put their interests ahead of those of other people? Can a person change from feeling helpless to one with a strong fighting spirit? My answer to these questions is Yes!
What evidence is there that psychotherapy can improve survival or reduce mortality? There are three trials offering some evidence that psychotherapeutic intervention can affect survival: In the first trial Fawzy et al11 from the Neuropsychiatric Institute at the UCLA School of Medicine analysed immunological responses in 61 cancer patients with malignant melanoma over six months. There were 28 men and 33 women randomised into two groups, a study group of 35 and a control group of 26. The study group was given a structured psychiatric group intervention which lasted about 1-1/2 hours per week for 6 weeks. Although not many changes were observable after six weeks there were significant differences observed between the two groups after six months. The study group which had received psychotherapy showed: •
a reduction in the level of psychological distress
•
a greater use of active coping skills
•
a significant increase in the percentage of larger granular lymphocytes (LGLs)
•
a significant increase in the percentage of natural killer cells (NKs)
•
an increase in NK cytotoxic activity.
So the psychotherapy not only made the patients feel they were coping better with the disease; their immunological responses confirmed that they were. These results were reported in 1990.
of psychosocial intervention on survival with a group of 86 patients with metastatic breast cancer. These patients were randomised into two groups, a study group of 50 and a control group of 36. Both groups had routine oncological care, but the study group was offered weekly supportive group therapy and self-hypnosis for pain for 1 year. The survival figures showed a divergence beginning 8 months after the psychosocial intervention ended, ie after 20 months. Average survival for the study group was 36.6 months compared with 18.9 months for the control group. The effect of the intervention was also to reduce anxiety, depression and pain. The researchers were initially sceptical of claims that visualisation and imagery could improve survival so they did not use this technique. Rather they emphasised living as fully as possible, improving communications with family members and doctors, facing and mastering fears about death and dying, and controlling pain and other symptoms. An important factor observed was that the study group formed a bonding that countered the social alienation that often divides cancer patients from their well-meaning but anxious family and friends. An unusual phenomenon observed was that the increased survival did not become apparent until nearly a year after therapy had finished. The authors attributed this to a mild cumulative effect. The authors were not able to explain the results but speculated that neuro-endocrine and immune systems may be a major link between emotional processes and the course of cancer. Two possible shortcomings of this trial were not knowing how representative the patients were of the wider community; and the limitation of matching in small groups by relying only on randomisation. Neither of these would have affected the validity of the result because the effect was so large. A third study demonstrating the efficacy of group or behavioural therapy in the treatment of cancer is one by Hans J Eysenck and R Grossarth-Maticek from the University of London13. In the Eysenck and Grossarth-Maticek paper, published two years after Spiegel’s, there was improved randomisation. Patients suffering stress were first matched into pairs based on sex, age, smoking, cholesterol level, blood pressure and personality type. Only after both members of a matched pair had agreed to participate in the trial were they randomised into therapy and control groups. This guaranteed that the therapy and control groups were accurately matched despite their small sizes. Cancer prone (Type 1 or “Type C”) and coronary heart disease (CHD) prone (Type 2 or “Type A”) patients were treated separately in some of the studies. They carried out six studies to test various hypotheses: the effect on the prevention of cancer and coronary heart disease of: 1. individual therapy 2. group therapy 3. bibliotherapy (learning the therapy from a text); 4. effect of behaviour therapy on preventing absence through illness requiring hospitalisation;
In the second study David Spiegel et al12 from Stanford and Berkeley Universities in California reported on the effect
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...from previous page
Study 4 – Illness, Absence, hospitalisation
5. the effect of behaviour therapy on survival of terminal cancer patients; and 6. a comparison of the effects of behaviour therapy and chemotherapy on the survival of cancer patients. Results were as follows:
Study 1 – Extended Individual Therapy Patients were aged 30-69, mean age 50yrs; half were men and half were women; matching of pairs prior to randomisation was on the basis of age, sex, degree of stress, intensity of cigarette smoking, blood pressure, blood sugar level and cholesterol. Six to twelve months after completing therapy their personality types were reassessed using the same questionnaire as before to measure any short-term changes to the personality that might explain the effects of treatment.
Results: After 13 years of follow-up, none of the 50 treated in the cancer prone group had died compared with 16 of the 50 in the control group. 13 had cancer compared with 21 in the control group, 5 had died of other causes (cf 15) and 90% were still alive compare with 38% in the control group. Personality retyping showed the therapy group’s cancer proneness scores had fallen from 9.8 to 5.7. As expected there was no change in score (9.8) for the untreated control group.
Study 2 – Group Therapy This was similar to Study 1 except that 245 patients received therapy in groups of 20-25 people; the untreated control group also contained 245 people; sessions lasted several hours depending on the wishes and progress of the participants; there were 6-15 sessions altogether.
Results: After 7 years follow-up there were 18 cancer deaths
in the 239 treated group compared with 111 of the 234 in the control group (A few could not be contacted). 75 were alive with cancer compared with 129 in the control group.; 10 had died of CHD compared with 36 in the control group, CHD incidence was 29 (cf 45); 20 had died of other causes (cf 33) and 80% were still alive compare with 24% in the control group.
Study 3 – Bibliotherapy (therapy described in an article and explained in 3-5 hours of discussion) There were 600 in the study group and 600 in the control group. (The latter were given an article that did not include any treatment techniques for them to use.)
Results:
After 13 years follow-up there were 27 cancer deaths in the 600 treated group compared with 106 deaths in the 600 in the control group; 99 were alive with cancer compared with 162 in the control group; 47 had died of CHD compared with 145 in the control group, CHD incidence was 132 (cf 203); 115 had died of other causes (cf 164) and 68.4% of those treated were still alive compare with 16.3% in the control group.
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362 pairs of males suffering stress were randomised in the usual way after matching and one group was treated. During the following 13 years the number of days spent in hospital was measured for the two groups. A total of 6194 days were spent in hospital by the treated group averaging 19 days each. This compares with 10,136 days in hospital by the control group, averaging 28 days each.
Study 5 – Therapy on Terminal Cancer Patients This study involved 24 pairs of cancer patients with six different types of inoperable cancer, including scrotal (1), stomach (2), bronchiolar (7), corpus uteri (4), cervical (5) and colourectal (5). Survival times of the treated group averaged 5.07 years (ranging from 1.7 yrs for bronchiolar to 9.5 yrs for colourectal). For the control group survival averaged 3.09 years (ranging from 1.0 yrs for bronchiolar to 4.9 yrs for colourectal)
Study 6 – Behaviour therapy vs Chemotherapy 129 women with metastasised breast cancer for whom chemotherapy had been proposed were asked to participate. 17 refused psychotherapy and 56 refused chemotherapy. 50 of those who accepted chemotherapy were divided into pairs matched for age, social background, extent of cancer and medical treatment. One of each pair was then randomised to receive psychotherapy. Similarly 50 of those who refused chemotherapy were matched then one of each pair was randomised to receive psychotherapy. This study therefore involved 100 women with metastasised breast cancer, in four similar groups of 25 who received chemotherapy + psychotherapy, chemotherapy alone, psychotherapy alone and no therapy. Of the 50 who received psychotherapy 24 received creative novation behaviour therapy (as in studies 1 and 2), 12 received depth psychotherapy and 14 received orthodox behaviour therapy (relaxation training and desensitisation). 30 hrs of psychotherapy was given.
Results: Mean survival times for the 100 patients was 15.7
months, ranging from 11.28 for those who received no therapy (having refused chemotherapy), to 14.08 for chemotherapy alone, to 14.9 for psychotherapy alone to 22.4 months for chemotherapy + psychotherapy. The authors state that chemotherapy alone increased mean survival by 2.80 (14.08-11.28) and psychotherapy alone increased it by 3.64 (14.9-11.28). Theoretically by adding these two effects chemotherapy + psychotherapy should have increased survival by only 6.44 months to 17.72 months. In fact it increased it to 22.4 months exceeding the additive value by 4.68 months, suggesting a synergistic interaction between these two therapies. It was also observed that the lymphocyte count of those receiving psychotherapy continued to rise over time whereas
those not receiving psychotherapy fell, suggesting that the psychotherapeutic intervention may have had its effect through the involvement of the immune system. The authors recognise that the trial was not one to test the effect of chemotherapy versus no chemotherapy, so there was no need to randomise patients into “chemotherapy” and “no chemotherapy” groups. This was done by selfselection: those refusing chemotherapy became the source for selecting and matching 50 women who would receive no chemotherapy but would be randomised to receive or not receive psychotherapy. This is in contrast to psychotherapy where in each case there was proper randomisation into the treatment and no treatment groups.
Comment: The process of self-selection introduces an unknown factor into the trial. Earlier trials of mammogram screening have shown that those who refuse various therapies have such different personality profiles from those who accept them that that their mortality rates are quite different. This means that while comparison of survivals between psychotherapy and no psychotherapy groups remain valid, similar comparison between chemotherapy and no chemotherapy are less reliable statistically. In all of the above evidence the number of participants in the trials has been small. However, providing: •
the results are based on comparing two groups that have been randomised;
•
the groups after randomisation are found to be very similar in their makeup in relation to the age and socioeconomic level of patients and the stage of disease;
REFERENCES Benjamin, D. Efficacy of surgical treatment of cancer. Medical Hypotheses 1993; 40:129-138,. Langlands, A. Battling breast cancer with dollars and sense, MJA 18 July 1994:161. Ulrich Abel Abel, U. Chemotherapy of advanced epithelial cancer: a critical review. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 1992; 46: 439-452. Simonton, S. & C. Getting Well Again, Bantam, New York 1978.
•
the difference in survival or mortality between the study and control groups is quite large; and
Issels, J. Cancer A Second Opinion, Hodder & Stoughton, London 1975.
•
the only factor varied was the addition of the particular therapy;
Selye, H. The Stress of Life, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1956.
the results of such comparative trials are quite valid.
Summary It is therefore clear from the available evidence that: •
psychological factors play an important part in determining a person’s susceptibility to getting cancer;
•
survival once cancer has been diagnosed with cancer.
•
therapies based on changing these psychological factors can have a significant impact on the course of the disease.
It is therefore important that all cancer control programs incorporate some form of psychotherapy as an integral part. F
Don Benjamin is the Convenor of the Cancer Information & Support Society NSW (CISS). He is editor of ‘New Beginnings’ the CISS newsletter, and is also a valued contributor to ‘Wellness’ magazine. For more information about CISS see: www.ciss.org.au.
Le Shan, L. Psychological states as factors in the development of malignant disease: a critical review, J. Nat. Cancer Inst 1959; 22: 1-18. Wirshing, M. et al. Psychological identification of breast cancer patients before biopsy. J. of Psychosomatic Research 1982; 26: 1-10. Levy, S. et al. Survival hazards analysis in first recurrent breast cancer patients: Seven-year follow-up, Psychosomatic Medicine 1988; 50: 520-528. Pettingale, K. et al. Mental attitudes to cancer: an additional prognostic factor. The Lancet, March 30, 1985. Fawzy, Fawzy I. et al. A structured psychiatric intervention for cancer patients. Arch Gen Psychiatry August 1990; 47: 729-735. Spiegel, D. et al. Effect of psychosocial treatment on survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer, The Lancet, October 14, 1989. Eysenck, H and Gross-Maticek, R. Behaviour Research and Therapy 1991; 29(1): 17-31. November 2011
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The Biology of perception The following is a summary of a DVD presentation by Bruce Lipton, followed by that of Rob Williams.
There are two schools of thought about the controlling factors
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organism adapting to the surrounding environment, with genetic factors playing only a minor role in this development.
in life forms: • The genetic theory – this holds that most human growth and development is essentially driven by inherited factors through genes. As a result the predisposition to get certain diseases such as cancer is inherited, eg cancer and coronary heart disease run in families. There is little an individual can do to change this because the predisposition is inherent in the genes. This is referred to as genetic determinacy.
The current consensus of medical scientists is that the first theory is correct. The DNA and its genes are the driving force in life. Genes control or regulate most of the bodily functions, the growth and replication of cells, personal characteristics such as eye and hair colour, and that these functions are essentially hereditary.
• The environment theory – this holds that most human growth and development is essentially a result of the human
Most of these assumptions are completely wrong. What is the evidence?
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Based on the genetic theory medical scientists have calculated that the human would need one gene to code for each of the 70,000 to 90,000 proteins that make up our bodies and a further 30,000 regulatory genes to control the activities of other genes, a total of about 100,000 – 120,000 genes. The recently completed Human Genome project has identified a maximum of 34,000 genes in human DNA, to control the more than 50 trillion cells in the human body. This number of genes is little more than some of the most primitive life forms such as the fruit fly (13,000 genes) or primitive roundworm (18,000 genes). The eye of the fruit fly has more cells than the entire roundworm, yet it has 5,000 fewer genes. This is hardly evidence for the theory that the genes are a dominant factor in life processes. Recent news items have suggested the figure for the human genome might be closer to 28,000. Clearly the role of genes has been greatly overstated. What is their role? If we look at a typical cell that makes up the human it consists of many small organelles, duplicating many of the body’s organs, together with a nucleus containing the DNA with its genetic blueprint, with the whole enclosed in a membrane through which the cell communicates with the outside environment. According to current consensus the nucleus containing the DNA is the cell’s brain that controls the cell. If the nucleus were removed the cell would die immediately. This does not happen. The cell continues to carry out all of its normal functions and only later does it start to degenerate. So clearly the role of the nucleus and its DNA has been grossly exaggerated. In fact it turns out that the cell operates quite effectively in carrying out nearly all of its functions without the nucleus. It receives signals from outside, responds to these signals using receptors on the surface of its membrane, and accepts or rejects the signals. If it accepts the signal as relevant it allows it to initiate a process necessary for the cell such as accept and digest a nutrient, respond to a stress signal, eliminate waste products, etc. When one of the cell’s components breaks down there a need for a replacement part in the form of a protein. This is where the nucleus comes in. A signal within the cell enters the nucleus with information about the needed protein component. This activates the set of blueprints in the cell’s DNA and produces an RNA (copy) of the required component protein. This is then used by the nucleus to produce a full version of the required component protein, which is then made available to the cell to enable it to resume its efficient functioning. So the nucleus is the cell’s gonad, used only for reproductive purposes. The nucleus then closes down until needed again to reproduce another needed component. Thus the cell membrane is the cell’s brain. Cells have the capability to rewrite their own DNA based on conditions prompted by the environment. This means that ALL of the cell’s functions, including growth and development, are controlled by the outside signals, not by the DNA in its nucleus. The same applies to the whole human organism. Thus the second, environment theory is the correct one. It is the environment, or more accurately, the cell’s perception of the environment, that determines the cell’s growth, development or function. The human organism, like its cells, do not adapt according to the Darwinian evolutionary theory, which states that adaptation is a random function. Rather they adapt directly according to their needs as determined by the environment. Cooperation rather than competition is the norm.
asdfafas It is the environment, or more accurately, the cell’s perception of the environment, that determines the cell’s growth, development or function. The human organism, like its cells, do not adapt according to the Darwinian evolutionary theory, which states that adaptation is a random function. Rather they adapt directly according to their needs as determined by the environment. Cooperation rather than competition is the norm.
He described the two options available to cells when confronted with an outside signal. The cell must choose either growth or protection. If it senses that the signal is positive, such as with a nutrient, it is accepted as part of growth. If it senses that the signal is negative or implies a threat, such as a poison, it tries to reject it – the so-called fight or flight response at the cellular level. At the human organism level when confronted with a stressor, the visceral central organs respond in one of two ways: they either accept the challenge
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...from previous page as a growth opportunity and concentrate the blood and information signals in the central organs; or they perceive the stressor as a threat and constrict the blood supply to the periphery of the body to increase the blood supply to the muscles of the arms and legs as part of the fight or flight response. In this latter response the blood supply is also reduced to those bodily functions that are not essential to immediate survival. These include digestion, immune defences and rational thought. In the brain the blood supply is reduced to the part of the brain that processes logical thought patterns and increased to the part that reacts instinctively (based on past survival experiences).
sdfasdf All disease is a function of environmental factors, not genetic ones. Cancer’s formation and therefore how it should be treated or reversed, are functions of environmental signals, or a lack of required environmental signals. Cells receive information by “perception” of the environment outside the cell. Similarly the whole organism creates a reality for itself based on its perception of its environment.
This means that chronic stress holds the human in a constant state where the blood supply is continually reduced to organs that are necessary for identifying foreign bacteria and viruses and developing an immune response to protect the human organism. As the immune defences also identify faulty cells, such as potentially malignant cells, this allows these cells to develop unchecked into cancer. A child’s personality is essentially developed through a process beginning at conception where the embryo picks up signals from the mother, such as stress hormones, via the placenta. These early perceptions continue after birth until by about 2 years of age the child’s personality and perception of the environment has been strongly conditioned by the sensations perceived as love, rejection, fear, stress, etc. He then described the fallacy of the action of the oncogene, or the cancer-causing gene. Genes don’t self activate; so oncogenes can’t self activate. If genes can’t control themselves, it is hardly likely that they can control anything else. When a gene product is needed, as in the cell, a signal from the environment activates the property of the gene. So oncogenes, cells and the human organism itself are all controlled by external signals from outside the oncogene, outside the cell or outside the human. The implications of this are world-shattering. One of its implications is that all disease is a function of environmental factors, not genetic ones. For example cancer formation is sometimes described as resulting from an oncogene, ie a cancer-causing gene. We now know that this theory is invalid. Cancer’s formation and therefore how it should be treated or reversed, are functions of environmental signals, or a lack of required environmental signals. Cells receive information by “perception” of the environment outside the cell. Similarly the whole organism creates a reality for itself based on its perception of its environment. F
Bruce Lipton, PhD is a cellular biologist, former associate professor of Anatomy at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and more recently a research scientist (Pathology Fellow) at Stanford University School of Medicine. He is author of the book The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter, and Miracles .
Weekly Art Therapy at CSA Arts for Healing is a gently empowering form of self-expression which actively and creatively engages you in exploring and developing your unique inner resources to make personal meaning of your life experiences, symbolically and spontaneously.
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The Psychology of Change By Rob Williams
Following on from Bruce Lipton’s conclusion that most
disease is caused by signals entering the cell from the outside environment, it follows that we can treat disease or conditions by identifying the wrong signals that influenced the organism and replacing them with the preferred ones. In other words by changing the perception of reality. Rob Williams first listed some myths including one that says that because beliefs, and a disease like cancer that results, take a long time to develop, it must take a long time for the belief system to change, or the disease to reverse. This is not true, as he would demonstrate in a short while. He said that in his experience many people who get cancer have for a long time repressed emotions such as anger or resentment. He referred to the so-called fight or flight response described by Bruce Lipton and its effect on the immune system. Experience with Psych-neuro-immunoloy (PNI) has shown that chronic
stress form the body being held in the protective weakens the immune response cells. This allows these cells to develop unchecked into cancer. He then described the difference between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind. The latter gains its perception through the senses of sight, taste, smell and touch (which through the skin sensors also perceives heat and pain). In contrast the conscious mind develops its perception of reality through thoughts. These functions take place and are processed in different parts of the brain. He described the importance of the two parts of the brain: the left hemisphere, that uses and processes words, logic and abstract thought; and the right brain that uses and deals with emotions, pictures and instinct. Most people operate by using
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...from previous page one part of the brain more than the other. The trick is to enable the subconscious to integrate the two hemispheres so that the best of both parts is being used all the time. This is an essential part of therapy. He referred to Bruce Lipton’s comment that a child’s personality is essentially developed through a process beginning at conception where the embryo picks up signals from the mother, such as stress hormones, via the placenta. These early perceptions continue after birth until by about 2 years of age the child’s personality and perception of the environment has been strongly conditioned by the sensations perceived as love, rejection, fear, stress, etc. A person’s view of itself as loved/unloved, worthy/unworthy, competent/incompetent is well developed by this age as a result of environmental perceptions. For example one description of the cause of cancer is the individual’s suppression of emotions such as anger. This learnt behaviour is stored in the subconscious mind. As a result psychotherapy that uses only cognitive and conscious thoughts will have no impact on the perceived reality in the subconscious mind. What is necessary is a therapy that communicates with the subconscious mind. The most common negative belief statements that make up a person’s reality include the following I CAN’T messages: • You will never amount to anything • You are worthless • You are not smart enough • No matter how hard you try, it’s never good enough • Money is hard to come by and hard to keep • You don’t deserve to succeed • No one will ever love you • You’re going to get [cancer] because it’s genetic They need to be changed into positive belief statements or I CAN messages such as: • I can accomplish anything I choose • I am a worthy and valuable person • I am intelligent and capable • I do my best and my best is good enough • I easily attract money into my life and use it wisely • I deserve happiness and success in my life • I love myself and am loved by others • My beliefs control my genes and I control my beliefs Contrary to myth as already mentioned, these can be changed within a few minutes. This involves the 6 steps of Psyche-K balance: 1. Establish communication with the subconscious 2. Pre-test the selected belief statement to be programmed in place of the I can’t message 3. Get permission and commitment to change the belief using a Psyche-K balance 4. Do the balance 5. Post-test the belief system 6. Celebrate the change
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The standard muscle test is used for these steps. The person holds an arm out horizontally to the side with the palm downwards and holds the arm up. The therapist holds the person’s arm above the wrist and pushes down lightly. The person is asked to face straight ahead (with chin horizontal) but with eyes focussed down to the floor in front. The therapist asks the person to make a statement and then says “Be strong” to tell the person to push upwards just before testing their strength. There are several ways of using muscle testing: Like/dislike – stress detection, eg used for testing if a food is beneficial or harmful Yes/No – communication system, eg is the statement factual True/false – conflict detection, eg is a statement consistent with my belief The steps are carried out as follows with the person sitting in a chair, facing ahead with eyes down:
1. To establish communication with the subconscious: The person uses a simple yes/no statement such as “My name is “………….” using their own name. This should produce a strong muscle with locked shoulder. Then the person says “My name is ……….” using instead a false name, perhaps using a name of the opposite gender. This will show the effect of a weakened arm muscle unlocked at the shoulder. If communication with the subconscious is established there is a distinct difference between the true statement (strong) and the false statement (weak).
2. To pre-test the selected belief statement: The person states the desired belief statement. Response should be weak showing that it is in conflict with the person’s present belief system.
3. To get permission and commitment to change the belief: The therapist makes a statement to the subconscious on behalf of the person such as “Are you safe and appropriate to carry out the balance to this now?” This should result in a strong response. Otherwise don’t proceed with the next steps. This is followed by a check on the body’s orientation: “All parts of the system are ready and willing to balance for the goal using my new direction”. Response should again be strong.
4. To do the balance: The therapist asks the person to cross their ankles and tests for strength; then asks them to cross their ankles the opposite way with the other foot on top. The orientation producing the stronger response is the correct one for the balance. This crossing of limbs interrupts the normal energy flow in the body. The therapist then asks the person to hold their arms out in front with the wrists crossed and tests for muscle strength by pushing down lightly over the crossed wrists. (The therapist always says “be strong” before testing.) The person is then asked to cross their wrists the opposite way with the other arm on top and tests again. The orientation producing the stronger response is again the correct one for the balance. This has identified what the subconscious knows is the correct body crossing orientations for the balance to proceed. The therapist asks the person to keep the wrists
crossed, bring the palms together, interleave the fingers of their hands and lower them into their lap for the balance. The therapist then asks the person to keep looking ahead with eyes lowered but close the eyes. The person is asked to think the new belief statement to themselves over an over such as: “I deserve happiness and success in my life” (or “I am a worthy and valuable person”.). They are told that conflicting thoughts from the old programming will start occurring that disagree with the statement. The person is asked not to ignore them but to in fact invite these thoughts into a dialogue and react to them as felt necessary. After each dialogue the person restates the new belief. After between 2 and 5 minutes the conflicting thoughts stop occurring. The person then often experiences a feeling of relief, signifying completion of the balance. They then open their eyes to signify completion. This signals that the old belief system has been replace it with the new preferred one. (With the chosen posture the person cannot think of the down-side of the belief system the way they used to. It interrupts the previous over-identifying with the left or right brain and starts the process of integrating the left and right hemispheres of the brain.)
To save this new belief statement: The therapist asks the person to uncross their hands and bring them together, with palms facing inwards, fingers spread out, fingertip to fingertip. This position is kept for about half a minute completing the balance. The person is asked to put their arm out to the side and the therapist asks the subconscious “Is this process complete?” and does a muscle test. A strong response confirms completion and the person is asked to stand up.
5. To post-test the new belief system: The therapist confirms that the balance has been successful by asking the person to state the new belief statement again and muscle tests. A strong response confirms that the new belief has replaced the old permanently as the new reality at the subconscious level.
6. To celebrate the change: The therapist congratulates the person and the person acknowledges their own value and strength. Other value statements can then be changed using the same technique. The actual wording used by a trained therapist during the balance is not critical as there is an information exchange taking place the whole time between the therapist and the person at the subconscious level. This means that when the therapist and person are thinking on the same wavelength the person’s subconscious is sensing the therapist’s thoughts. The subconscious does not sense words but their equivalent in the form of energy. Rob Williams explained that the reason belief systems can be changed so easily using this technique is that the mind is similar to a computer. The belief system is no more than a computer file saved on the hard disk (the brain). At any time the file can be opened, modified and saved. The information on a hard disk is not embedded deep down many layers but is on the disk surface, with all stored data immediately retrievable as long a we know where it is – as long as we know the pathway. In the brain we are dealing with energy photons moving in a magnetic field. Recall or retrieval can be instantaneous. Once communication is established with subconscious, we don’t even have to know the pathway. The subconscious does it all for us, as long as we ask the right questions or make the right statements. F
Rob Williams, originator of Psyche – K, has been a professional psychotherapist for almost 20 years. He received his MA in Counseling & Personnel Services from the University of Colourado. He is author of the book PSYCH-K: The Missing Piece Peace in your Life.
Artwork on pages 12-23 is by the Russian artist Victor Bregeda who paints in the styles of surrealism and metarealism. Viewing his paintings is like walking into someone’s beautiful dream and is a profound expression of the subconscious mind. His works can be viewed online and purchased at: www.bregeda.com
These two presentations appear on the DVD “The Biology of Perception, The Psychology of Change – Putting it all together” available from Spirit 2000 Inc., PO Box 41126, Memphis TN 38174, USA.
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sound John Stuart Reid and Shandra Kohinoor (Reid) illustrate how sound is fast regaining its place as the pre-eminent healing modality. Having been first used by the ancients, sound therapy has undergone a period of re-discovery and is now poised to reveal the intricacies of healing both the cellular and psychological levels.
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Most ancient cultures used the seemingly magical power of sound to heal. Sound healing had almost disappeared in the West until the 1930s when acoustic researchers discovered ultrasound and its medical properties. With this discovery, research burgeoned and today the ancient art of sound healing is rapidly developing into a new science.
There is now a mass of research into the healing benefits of ultrasound, including its use in breaking up kidney stones and even shrinking tumours. 1-3 In addition, infrasound and audible sound arenow recognized as having immense healing properties.
Sound: Primordial Organiser of the Universe
Many spiritual traditions speak of sound as being the formative force of creation. Before focusing on current research into sound healing, let us consider the vital role sound may have played in structuring our universe. Recent studies point to sound as having reigned supreme as the prime organising force of all matter, especially during the first million years of creation.4 Of course, sound cannot travel in the vacuum of space but sound can travel wherever matter is dense enough to allow atoms or molecules to collide with each other. In fact, it is this process of collision that provides a clear definition of sound: The passing on of vibrational data at the moment of collision between any two atoms or molecules. Sound not only structured our universe, it may also have been at work in Earth’s primordial oceans. The structuring and organising force that triggered life has always eluded theorists. Yet, science has no yet thoroughly explored the most obvious and potent force of all: sound. (For an expanded treatise on sound as a life-creating force, see Sound, the Trigger for Life at: www. soundhealingresource.com) Although invisible, sound is actually highly structured. In water it acts to form ‘micro-sonic scaffolding’, a structuring process that causes matter to coalesce in an orderly manner. We believe it was this dynamic, sonic mechanism that sparked life. Sound and life, it seems, are inextricably linked. One of the greatest mysteries in understanding how life evolved concerns the helical nature of DNA and how this complex structure originated. Recent research has demonstrated that vortices in both the macro and micro realms can be created in water. The dynamics necessary to create micro-vortices in the ancient seas may have derived from the bubbling sounds of hydrothermal vents or massive surface storms. Water acts as an acoustic filter, so the sound of the waves would become increasingly pure as the depth increased. This pure form of sound would, theoretically, power the vortex-forming mechanism. In the 1940s and ‘50s, Viktor Schauberger, the brilliant Austrian scientist, was probably the first to study micro-vortices in water.5 These spiral-like forms may be the missing key to the origins of life since the fundamental shape of a micro-vortex is similar to the spiral helix of DNA. Perhaps the DNA’s doublehelix pattern was a consequence of sound, something we expect further research to clarify. The German photographer, Alexander Lauterwasser, has produced stunning images of the effects of sound on water.6 He has shown that sound creates vortices in the macro realm under certain controlled conditions. If the dynamic force that created life is ultimately proven to be sound, then it
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Sound will be the medicine of the future. Edgar Cayce
sound
In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God, and the Word was God. St. John’s Gospel, Ch1, v 1.
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Sound has the almost magical power of restoring order to organisms that are malfunctioning.
The Vortex of Life
is interesting to note that a group of Hon Kong scientist have demonstrated that DNA molecules can be manipulated through a micro-vortex.7 The group may have inadvertently tapped into the very secret of life itself. Their work may inspire others to develop a better model of how life evolved and lead to a fuller understanding of sound healing.
The Structure of Sound
The CymaScope® is the world’s first commercial instrument that allows us to enjoy and study the visual geometry of sound (‘cyma’, derived from the Greek, ‘kyma’, means wave). The device creates images called ‘CymaGlyphs®’ that are the imprint of sound’s inherent structures. Harmonic sounds have been found to be the richest source of the mathematical constants of the universe. Given that many of these constants are imbedded within the human voice, it is inspiring to think that simply the function of speaking is an act of creation. (For further information on the CymaScope see: www.soundhealingresource.com .) Phi, often referred to as the Golden Mean, is the ratio of 1 to approximately 1.618. It is perhaps the most important constant seen in CymaGlyphs as it is prevalent in all living things. Gyorgy Doczi’s wonderful book, The Power of Limits, illustrates this point with great flair. He analyses sea creatures, shells, butterflies, flowers and many other life forms to vilaidate th phi ratio as one of the defining characteristics of life. One group of researchers has proposed that the earliest life forms were viruses, which are typically angular in structure, unlike the globular nature of bacterial life.8 Angular sound structures are commonly observed on the CymaScope, providing us with a hypothetical model for the way in which the earliest life forms were shaped in the ancient seas. The surfaces of microscopic bubbles, created near hydrothermal vents, could have been host to angular patterns of sonic vibration. Simple creatures that exhibit angular geometry, such as radiolaria and starfish, provide additional evidence that sound may have been responsible for triggering and/or structuring life.
Sound Healing Overview
If sound was responsible for triggering life and ordering organisms, we should not be surprised that sound is such a powerful healing modality. Put simply, sound has the almost magical power of restoring order to organisms that are malfunctioning – magical in the sense that we don’t yet fully understand how this is accomplished.
A weekly group held every Tuesday at CSA 10am – 12noon. Anyone who’s life has been affected by cancer or other life threatening illnesses is welcome to attend. A Carer’s Support Group is held at the same time when required. 26
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One way to illustrate how sound may heal is to imagine an orchestra that represents a living organism, such as the human body. If one or more of the musicians are playing off key and the situation is not corrected, it will negatively impact the entire orchestra so that it becomes discordant. It then becomes necessary for a conductor (healing frequencies) to restore order and harmony. The healing frequencies may originate from a modern sound healing instrument or from a traditional method such as the human voice, a gong, a didgeridoo or tuning forks, to name a few. Ina a sense, the body’s absorption of harmonic sounds is similar to the life-giving energy absorbed from foods. Harmonic sounds act as nourishment for the body. Sound healing practitioners find that by applying specific sound frequencies to the effected region, normal function returns in most cases. The cells of the organ or system are effectively re-harmonized and re-energized so that cellular re-programming takes place. Modern audible sound therapy instruments are noninvasive and are essentially like playing music to the body. However, the frequencies they employ are carefully targeted, unlike the broad range of frequencies playing music to the body. However, the frequencies they employ are carefully targeted, unlike the broad range of frequencies heard in music and traditional sound healing instruments. Cymatherapy International, for example, is pioneering a new era in therapeutic sound technologies.9 Audible sound therapy has no known side-effects and has been proven to be powerfully efficacious. Thus, we can envisage a future where sound technology is as commonplace in the home as in clinical settings.
Resonance – The Essential Principle of Sound Healing
Resonance is the fundamental principle of sound healing and has various definitions. In the context of sound healing it can be described as the frequency of vibration that is most natural to a specific organ or system, such as the heart, liver or lungs. This innate frequency is known as the prime resonance. The resonance principle does not necessarily require the living system to emit a sound. However, another aspect of resonance refers to cells that are emitting a range of sounds. Here, the resonance principle relates to the cellular absorption of those same sounds and/or their harmonics. In this situation resonance principles are applied to reharmonized cells that have been imprinted with disruptive frequencies. Such troublesome imprints may have been a result of toxic substances, emotional traumas, pathogens, or long-term exposure to noise pollution.
The Scientific View of Sound Healing
Scientists are faced with the challenge of gaining insight into the biochemistry of cells immersed in sound. One of the many difficulties they face is that the light microscope is somewhat limited in magnification to observe the subtle and complex processes that occur within living cells. Electron microscopes are far more powerful; however, samples must first be desiccated and typically, sliced,
making the dynamics of living processes impossible to study with this instrument. Another possible explanation of how sound is able to trigger the healing response relates to cellular ion channels.10 Situated within a cell’s membrane, ion channels are the means by which the cell receives nourishment and communicates with neighboring cells. In dysfunctional cells it is proposed that some of these vital channels are shut down. In this hypothesis, sound opens the closed channels, supporting the cell to resume normal functioning and replication. Dr. James Gimzewski, of UCLA, California, has taken a revolutionary approach to studying cellular function.11 He uses an atomic force microscope, a kind of super-sensitive microphone, to listen to the sounds emitted by cells. The focus of this new science, called ‘sonocytology,’ is mapping the pulsations of the cell’s outer membrane, thus identifying the ‘song’ of the cell. Gimzewski’s work has revealed that every cell in our bodies has a unique sonic signature and ‘sings’ to its neighbors. Sonocytology is a potentially powerful, diagnostic tool for identifying the sounds of healthy cells versus those of injurious ones. But it introduces an even more exciting prospect: the ability to play the destructive sounds of rogue cells back to them greatly amplified, so that they implode and are destroyed. In this scenario there would be no collateral damage to surrounding cells since healthy cells would not resonate with these frequencies. Dr. Gimzewski, himself a Nobel Prize winner, is one of a large number of innovative minds at work in our world that share the vision of creating modalities to assist the body to heal. Audible sound therapy may offer the greatest potential in non-invasive healing. In the years to come we may well see diagnostic and therapeutic beds that resemble a scene from the futuristic, Star Trek sick bay. We will certainly see proliferation in modalities in which sound is the governing principle. Sound heals life naturally.
The Role of Intention in Sound Healing
Sound is a highly effective tool for healing and, fortunately, an individual does not need to believe in it for it to work. However, there is another factor that can greatly amplify the effectiveness of healing: creative intention. It may be a long time before mainstream medicine recognises the importance of intention. In contrast, most vibrational energy practitioners, including sound healing therapists, use a holistic approach that addresses both mind and body. When the power of intention is held, the chances of a successful outcome are intensified. Intention consists of using your focused thoughts, feelings and visualizations to attract whatever is desired, such as enhancing one’s health. It seems possible that the energy of intention is carried on the wavelengths of sound. American sound healer, Dr. Steven Halpern, believes that, ‘Sound is a carrier wave of consciousness.’ One’s intention is the spiritual counterpart of the sound and the combination of sound and intention create the outcome of healing.
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Another American sound healer, Jonathan Goldman, created this simple formula:
Sound + Intention = Healing The power of intention involves consciously drawing on the universal field of energy. Utilizing this potent, universal force along with healing sounds has been found to dramatically accelerate the healing process.
Ancient Aboriginal Sound Healing Most ancient cultures used the seemingly magical power of sound to heal. Sound healing had almost disappeared in the west until the 1930s when acoustic researchers discovered ultrasound and its medical properties. With this discovery, research burgeoned and today the ancient art of sound healing is rapidly developing into a new science. The Aboriginal people of Australia are the first known culture to heal with sound. Their ‘yidaki' (modern name, didgeridoo) has been used as a healing tool for at least 40,000 years. The Aborigines healed broken bones, muscle tears and illnesses of every kind using their enigmatic musical instrument. Interestingly, the sounds emitted by the yidaki are in alignment with modern sound healing technology. It is becoming apparent that the wisdom of the ancients was based on ‘sound' principles.
Many people fall into the trap of fear, or negative intention, particularly in regard to health issues. It is all too easy to fixate upon the possible consequences of a health challenge rather than on the positive expectation of enjoying a healthy, vital life. The universe, it seems, is neutral and will return in kind whatever we focus upon. Whether we are aware of it or not, we use the force of intention either positively or negatively every moment of every day. Our thoughts, feelings and imaginings are the templates for the results and experiences of our lives. In this context, like attracts like. When using creative intention, there is a sense of being deeply inspired. (The word inspiration means in-spirit.) We are motivated to respond to a deeper calling with a firm belief, an absolute knowing that our desire has already been fulfilled. When we merge the mind’s energizing force with the universal field of energy for the purpose of healing and creation our health and the quality of our lives can be transformed. One may ask how it is possible to have absolute certainty about a desired outcome before there is any apparent proof. People tend to believe things only when they see them. However, the art of creative intention calls for a new way of thinking: when you believe it, you will see it! It is highly beneficial to the creative process when you act as if you already have what you want. See, feel, and think as if your body is currently vital and whole. When you act as if your desired outcome has already happened, the subconscious mind cannot differentiate between what is factual and what is imagined and believes your intention is actual reality. The mind holds immense healing and creative powers and will continue to work on your behalf as long as you maintain your conscious focus of intention. Perhaps the most important element in ‘acting as if’ is to feel the experience of having already manifested your desire. Some people have used these and similar tools of intention but have not experienced the successful outcome for which they had hoped. Generally, it is not because they have applied it incorrectly or missed an important element in the process. Their lack of success usually stems from unresolved issues and detrimental beliefs that are harbored as internal fears in the subconscious mind; issues so old and ingrained that the person may not even be aware of them. Buried fear-based issues and limiting beliefs tend to set up an internal conflict. The conscious mind may want to create a desired outcome, but the overpowering, conflicting influence of unresolved issues and beliefs block success. Nothing can become a part of your reality unless your feelings and your conscious mind are in alignment with the more powerful subconscious mind. Many effective vibrational healing modalities are available to resolve these blocks to wellbeing and success.12 The magnificent power of intention fully
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engages when all systems are in alliance, when the thinkingfeeling self aligns with the underlying belief system. Intention powered by the healing energy of sound is the key to improved health and other improvements in one’s life.
Development of Sound Healing in Modern Times
Technological sound healing devices first appeared in 1928 when German scientist Erwin Schliephake discovered that sound accelerated healing. He created an acoustic device known as the Novasonic that is still available today. In 1938 another German scientist, Raimar Pholman, demonstrated ultrasound’s therapeutic properties in a Berlin physiotherapy clinic. By the 1950’s ultrasound had become a widely used sound healing modality. To this day it remains a mystery as to precisely how it helps the body heal. British osteopath, Peter Guy Manners, developed an audible sound healing modality during the 1950s that today is called Cymatherarpy® Cymatherapy International bought the rights for the technology from Manners (said to be 103, a good advertisement for his device!) and now manufactures the Cymatherapy machine in the USA. Their version uses advanced computers to create ultrapure tones, mostly in sets of five. It has 700 ‘codes’ that address a huge range of injuries and ailments. There are many other sound healing modalities currently entering he market place, including personal therapeutic ultrasound units manufactured in the Far East, many of which find their way into people’s homes. F
Article courtesy of John Stuart and Analiese Shandra Reid. Website: www.cymascope.com
John Stuart Reid is an English acoustics engineer, scientist and inventor. He has studied the world of sound for over 30 years and speaks extensively on his research findings to audiences throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. Co-inventor of the CymaScope, John’s work is inspired by acoustic pioneers, Ernst Chladni, Mary D. Waller and Hans Jenny and has taken their findings to a new level. His primary interests lie in investigating sound as a formative force and discovering why sound heals.
Annaliese Reid has been a teacher of energetic healing and sound
healing techniques for over 20 years and has taught at seminars in the United States and Great Britain. Annaliese is committed to supporting others in their personal growth and is co-author of the book, “Journey Into Wholeness.” She met John in 2005 at a workshop he gave in Atlanta and they married soon after. Annaliese is particularly interested in the effects of sound on cellular matter. She is currently writing a series of children’s books with a sound theme and is co-authoring a mainstream book on cymatics.
Rediscovering the Art and Science of Sound References 1. Using ultrasound to break up kidney stones. http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/ lighotripsy 2. Paliwal S et al. Induction of cancer-specific cytotoxicity towards human prostate ads kin cells using quercetin and ultrasound. Br J Can 2005; 92:499-502. 3. A safe, simple, novel medical device technology for the treatment of solid cancer tumours in the absence of any drug. Gendel Ltd. CEFUS Therapy (Combined Electric Field and Ultrasound), http:// www.gendel.co.uk . 4. Ellis R. Big bang sound waves explain galaxy clustering. New Scientist, Jan. 12, 2005. http:// www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn6871 5. Alexandersson, O. Living water: Victor schauberger and the Secrets of Natural Energy, Gateway Books, 1996. 6. Micro vortex generation in micro channel liquid flow, YK Lee et al. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. American Physical Society. Session JE.004 – Micro-Fluid Dynamics, Nov, 2002. http://flux.aps.org/meetings/YR02/DFD02/ bapslabs/S1240.html 7. Lauterwasser A. Water Sound Images, Macromedia Publishing, Newmarket, NH, USA, 2006. 8. Young, M. Viruses have plagued the Earth for 3 billion years. New Scientist, no 2446, 8 May, 2004. 9. Cymatherapy International. www.cymatherapy. com . 10. Corey, D. Mechanically Activated Ion Channels. Howear Hughes Medical Institute; www.hhmi. org/research/investigators/coreydp.html 11. Pelling A, Sehati S, Gralla E, valentine J, and Gimzewski J. Local nanomechanical motion of the cell Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Science, 20 Aug 2004; 305; 5687:1147 – 50., http://www.chem. ucla.edu/dept/faculty/gimezewski/index2.htm 12. The DNA of Healing, www.possibilitiesdna. com; Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), www. emofree.com; Gould C. Hypnotherapy within the UK. info@christinegould.com.
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sound healing with tibetan singing bowls By Silke
Sound healing with the Tibetan Singing bowls is a very effective and proven healing Commencing modality. The Bowls are either placed on the body or around it. Your body is made to 70% of water and sound travels faster and better in water than in air. It is like when you throw early 2012 a pebble in the water which creates ripples. That is exactly what happens in your body, the sound and vibrations create these ripples which help to unlock blockages, relief pain, CSA will host harmonize the cells and organs, shift brainwaves balancing and harmonizing the body on all regular sound levels. It leads the person into a deep Alpha and Theta state which is the state where healing healing sessions can happen. In Europe and USA some Oncologists and other Medical staff are using the Tibetans Singing in groups and Bowls in combination with other cancer treatments. It aids in the relief of the side effects of Chemo and Radiation therapy. People have been reported to be in remission and even also sessions healed. Sound healing is very effective in combination with chanting and guided imagery. for individuals. Crystal Singing Bowls harmonize so well with our body because our body composure is made of many crystalline structures and crystal-colloidal substances like our DNA, blood, We will give bones etc. Our cells contain the mineral sillica which balances the electromagnetic energies in the body. This silica is the same that is used in natural Quartz Crystal Singing bowls. We you more respond profoundly on emotional, mental. physical and mental level therefore. The benefit of the Singing Bowls and Gong is achieved on a cellular level, and ‘nasty’ cells like cancer details in the cells can’t handle the sound and vibrations and therefore disintegrate. new year. Sound and vibrations work in different parts of the brain. Neurochemicals and hormones are released and work as natural opiates and endorphines. This aids with pain relief, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, migraines/headaches, insomnia, boosts the immune system, cleansing of the auric field, stress and tension related problems, chronic fatigue and many more. The Bowls and Gongs help also to shift/heal old traumas that are stored in our bodies. Old traumas that are not released often crystalise in our body causing pain and tension. The Bowls and Gong unlock these blockages and therefore energy can flow again easing the pain and tensions. Sound healing sessions at CSA will be done with the individual or group clothed comfortably, sitting or lying down. Before and after a session it is important to drink plenty of water as it is very detoxifying for your body and the sound and vibrations work better in a well hydrated body. The effect of sessions can usually be felt a couple of days later still and you might feel some release of tension in your body in the form of aches, pins and needles, twitching etc. This is very normal and ultimately you will feel fantastic! F
Silke is a nurse and sound healer. Sike and Julian Silburn will be offering Sound healing sessions at CSA in 2012.
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The Gawler Foundation 12 Week Cancer SelfHelp Program – Cancer, Healing and Wellbeing will be facilitated by Cathy Brown who is a CSA staff member and endorsed leader of the program. Consistent with the principles of integrated medicine, the program applies a self-help approach designed to improve both quantity and quality of life for people with cancer. This enables participants to make informed, effective choices and better manage their own healing journeys. Each 2.5 hour session is interactive, supported by handouts and focuses on a specific theme from Ian Gawler’s book’ You Can Conquer Cancer’. There is plenty of time to practice techniques as well as opportunity for discussion and questions. The program will be held at the Cancer Support Association building in Cottesloe. There are limited places on the program so be sure to book your place early.
On the program you will learn to: • Activate your potential for healing • Relax effortlessly and meditate deeply • Develop and sustain a positive state of mind • Understand the role of nutrition and healthy diet for healing • Develop strategies to manage pain and fear • Find meaning and purpose in life Weekly Topics include: Week 1: Introduction and Meditation 1 Week 2: Meditation 2 Week 3: Mind Training 1 Week 4: Food 1 Week 5: Food 2 Week 6: Pain Management Week 7: Healing Week 8: Causes and solutions for cancer Week 9: Mind Training 2 Week 10: Living and Dying Week 11: Healthy Emotions Week 12: Health and Wellbeing
Three times a year. First 2012 programs starts 1st February 2012 Venue: Cancer Support Association, 80 Railway Street, Cottesloe Register and pay online: www.cancersupportwa.org.au or phone CSA 9384 3544. $350 per person. November 2011
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Vitamin D
The Wonder Vitamin That May Help You Prevent 16 Types of Cancer By Dr. Mercola
Carole Baggerly is the director and founder of an organisation called GrassrootsHealth, which is Theories linking primarily focused on creating awareness about the profound importance of vitamin D for optimal health. vitamin D to certain They’re also developing and substantiating research to support the use of vitamin D as a prevention strategy against diseases like cancer. cancers have Carole’s interest in this field began with a breast cancer diagnosis in 2005. She underwent the been tested and conventional cancer treatment which included a mastectomy, radiation and chemo. conclusion at that time was that it was barbaric,” she says. “All of a sudden I realised the violence confirmed. It is now “My that was being done to my body. …[A]t one point during the chemo I was taking a particular drug that so painful. It was Paclitaxel and it caused extreme peripheral neuropathy; pain in the hands and recommended that was the feet. I couldn’t walk… you get ALL your I talked to the doctor about it and he says, “You only have two more treatments of that left.” I did one and said, “I’m not going to do the next one,” and he walked out of the room! That was my first indication required Vitamin D about the mental investment of a doctor in the treatment, as opposed to the patient. I was appalled.” from sun exposure if Vitamin D and Cancer Two years later, Carole was diagnosed with osteoporosis, likely caused by a vitamin D deficiency. This possible. diagnosis quickly led her to also research vitamin D deficiency in relation to cancer, and as the saying goes, the rest is history.
“Dr. Cedric Garland of UC San Diego School of Medicine and Moores Cancer Center had just published a paper saying that the risk of breast cancer could be cut by 50 percent if people had vitamin D serum levels – this is a blood level of how much vitamin D you’ve got – somewhere about 40 to 50 nanograms per milliliter. I just sat there and looked at that, and I started crying, [thinking] this can’t be true… I’m a very skeptical scientist,” she says. She made some calls to verify the veracity of the study, and discovered that the author, Dr. Garland, was not only well-respected, but had researched vitamin D and cancer for 30 years. In May of that year, she attended a conference focused specifically on vitamin D and cancer, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.
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“For two solid days, I listened to reports by scientists from all over the world talking about vitamin D and cancer,” she says. “Not all of them were things to jump up and down about, but there was so much there that was so positive… [but] the only action item they had was – “We need to do more research.” Carole and her husband Leo (a physicist and a researcher who currently works with the kinetics of vitamin D) set off to meet with scientists across the country and Canada to devise a plan of action. She was determined to get the message out about vitamin D’s connection to cancer and other diseases, and Grassroots Health was subsequently created for that purpose.
Can Vitamin D Reduce Breast Cancer by 77 Percent? While more research is always welcome, Carole is convinced that vitamin D can have a very real impact on cancer rates. “[A] randomized trial… published in 2007 by Joan Lappe out of Creighton University… had a group of about 1,100 post-menopausal women who started out with no cancer (plus control group)… One group got [oral] vitamin D [and calcium] and the other got a placebo. At the end of four years, there was a 77 percent difference in cancer incidence between those that had the vitamin D and calcium versus the placebo. So something is working,” she says. Her conviction is not surprising when you consider that theories linking vitamin D to certain cancers have been tested and confirmed in more than 200 epidemiological studies, and understanding of its physiological basis stems from more than 2,500 laboratory studies, according to epidemiologist Cedric Garland, DrPH, professor of family and preventive medicine at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. Here are just a few highlights into some of the most noteworthy findings: • Some 600,000 cases of breast and colourectal cancers could be prevented each year if vitamin D levels among populations worldwide were increased, according to previous research by Dr. Garland and colleagues. And that’s just counting the death toll for two types of cancer. • Optimizing your vitamin D levels could help you to prevent at least 16 different types of cancer including pancreatic, lung, ovarian, prostate, and skin cancers. • A large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled study on vitamin D and cancer showed that vitamin D can cut overall cancer risk by as much as 60 percent. This was such groundbreaking news that the Canadian Cancer Society has actually begun endorsing the vitamin as a cancer-prevention therapy. • Light-skinned women who had high amounts of long-term sun exposure had half the risk of developing advanced breast cancer (cancer that spreads beyond your breast) as women with lower amounts of regular sun exposure, according to a study in theAmerican Journal of Epidemiology. • A study by Dr. William Grant, Ph.D., internationally recognized research scientist and vitamin D expert, found that about 30 percent of cancer deaths – which amounts to 2 million worldwide and 200,000 in the United States – could be prevented each year with higher levels of vitamin D.
vitamin D at a glance Theories linking vitamin D deficiency to cancer have been tested and confirmed in more than 200 epidemiological studies, and understanding of its physiological basis stems from more than 2,500 laboratory studies. Optimizing your vitamin D levels could help you to prevent at least 16 different types of cancer including pancreatic, lung, ovarian, prostate, and skin cancers. Overall, optimal vitamin D levels can cut cancer risk by as much as 60 percent, according to one largescale, randomized, placebo-controlled study. The most important factor is your vitamin D serum level. In order to help prevent a wide variety of diseases and health ailments, your vitamin D level needs to be between 50 and 70 ng/ml year-round. The ideal way to optimize your vitamin D level is through sun exposure or a safe tanning bed. As a very general guide, you need to expose about 40 percent of your entire body for approximately 20 minutes to the sun, between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun is at its zenith. According to recent findings from the D* Action study, adults need about 8,000 IU’s of oral vitamin D3 per day in order to get serum levels above 40 ng/ml.
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It’s Not the Dosage that Matters – It’s the Serum Level There are currently 40 leading vitamin D experts from around the world on the GrassrootsHealth panel, and everyone agrees that the most important factor is the vitamin D serum level. There’s no specific dosage level at which “magic” happens. So while I will convey the recommended dosages in a moment, the most important message is that you need to take whatever dosage required to obtain a therapeutic level of vitamin D in your blood. At the time (in 2007) the recommended level was between 40 to 60 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). Since then, the optimal vitamin D level has been raised to 50-70 ng/ml, and when treating cancer or heart disease, as high as 70-100 ng/ml.
Sun Exposure is the BEST Way to Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels In a recent interview, Dr. Stephanie Seneff brought the importance of getting your vitamin D from sun exposure to a whole new level. I’ve consistently recommended getting your vitamin D from regular sun exposure whenever possible, and Dr. Seneff’s review of how vitamin D – specifically from sun exposure – is intricately tied to healthy cholesterol and sulfur levels, makes this recommendation all the more important. To review the details, please refer to that interview. However, as a quick summary, when you expose your skin to sunshine, your skin synthesizes vitamin D3 sulfate. This form of vitamin D is water soluble, unlike oral vitamin D3 supplements, which is unsulfated. The water soluble form can travel freely in your blood stream, whereas the unsulfated form needs LDL (the so-called “bad” cholesterol) as a vehicle of transport. Her suspicion is that the oral non-sulfated form of vitamin D may not provide all of the same benefits as the vitamin D created in your skin from sun exposure, because itcannot be converted to vitamin D sulfate. I believe this is a very compelling reason to really make a concerted effort to get ALL your vitamin D requirements from exposure to sunshine, or by using a safe tanning bed (one with electronic ballasts rather than magnetic ballasts,
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to avoid unnecessary exposure to EMF fields). Safe tanning beds also have less of the dangerous UVA than sunlight, while unsafe ones have more UVA than sunlight. If neither of these are feasible options, then you should take an oral vitamin D3 supplement. Carole agrees that sun exposure is ideal as it may also provide other health benefits that we simply don’t fully understand yet. Lack of sun exposure is also the very root of the problem. Vitamin D deficiency is, after all, a fairly recent health concern, historically speaking. “I think it is obvious that the reason we have this deficiency is because we have become an industrialized nation,” she says. “… What we’ve done is we’ve come inside. We cover up. Even in San Diego where I live, when they measured my level it was 18 ng/ml. When we did a scientific test of what it’s going to take to get enough sun in San Diego… at my age – age is a factor in how much you absorb – we came to a test conclusion that it was going take 15 to 20 minutes a day in the prime time of UV, between 10 am and 2 pm, each and every day… with 40 percent of my body exposed. … I encourage people to take advantage of the sun. The only message I have about the sun is: don’t burn. That’s it.” If You’re Taking an Oral Vitamin D Supplement, How Much Do You Need? GrassrootsHealth has greatly contributed to the current knowledge on vitamin D through what’s called the D* Action Study. “We just published our very first paper,” Carole says. “We have about 10 people in this study now that are taking 50,000 IU a day and they’re not reaching a potential toxicity level of 200 ng/ml. It should be noted, however, that this is not a recommended intake level. The study reported data on about over 3,500 people. … One very significant thing shown by this research was that even with taking the supplement, the curve for the increase in the vitamin D level is not linear. It is curvilinear and it flattens, which is why it’s even hard to get toxic with a supplement.” Based on this research, it now appears as though most adults need about 8,000 IU’s of vitamin D a day in order to get
their serum levels above 40 ng/ml. Not only is this significantly higher than previously recommended, but this also means that even if you do notregularly monitor your vitamin D levels, your risk of overdosing is going to be fairly slim, even if you take as much as 8,000 IU’s a day. This is the type of vital information that is so sorely needed, and GrassrootsHealth is really serving an unprecedented service to all of mankind for facilitating this much needed research.
Study Participants Needed You too can be of great help to further this cause. D*Action is a worldwide public health campaign, aiming to solve the vitamin D deficiency epidemic through focus on testing, education, and grassroots word of mouth. And while one paper has already been published, this GrassrootsHealth study is still ongoing, and accepting participants. When you join D*action, you agree to test your vitamin D levels twice a year during a five year program, and share your health status to demonstrate the public health impact of this nutrient. There is a $60 fee each 6 months ($120/year) for your sponsorship of the project, which includes a complete new test kit to be used at home, and electronic reports on your ongoing progress. You will get a follow up email every six months reminding you “it’s time for your next test and health survey.” To join now, please follow this link to the sign up form: https://www.grassrootshealth.net/projwelcome?pr=45284
World’s First Breast Cancer Prevention Study Underway! In addition to the ongoing D* Action study, Carole is now in the process of initiating the world’s first breast cancer prevention project and study. I have tried to work with almost every breast cancer group around the country,” she says. But interestingly enough, only ONE group called www.KnowBreastCancer.net, is paying any attention to prevention. Most health practitioners mistakenly think of mammography as prevention, but getting a yearly mammogram will do absolutely nothing to help you prevent breast cancer. If anything, research shows it may actually be a compounding risk factor in and of itself, as repeated radiation contributes to the development of cancer. So Carole is currently developing a project to really investigate and evaluate vitamin D as a preventive strategy for breast cancer. The project is already underway and Carole herself is funding the first 1,000 women that sign up in October, ‘Breast Cancer Prevention Month’. Women 60 and over with no current cancer or current treatment are eligible for the study. “We are looking now for some really serious funding to support that as a major research project,” she says. “… I still care about all of the other vitamin D issues. But I really felt like the breast cancer patients had been deserted, and I just couldn’t desert them. I’m one of them… There is a way! So I’ve got to look for help to get the message out to people dealing with breast cancer. That’s what we’re doing.” The trial is essentially identical to the D* Action study, but focused on breast cancer, opposed to overall health status. Needless to say, I will keep you updated on the progress and ultimate findings of that project! F
From Dr. Mercola’s website: www.mercola.com. To find out more about Vitamin D research and to participate in the Vitamin D study: www.grassrootshealth.net
Dr. Jospeh Mercola on mercola.com I have always been interested in health and went to medical school to further my knowledge base and started professional life as a family doctor in 1985. After refining my understanding of health truths, I created the website www.mercola.com which is now the most visited natural health site on the Internet. I remain convinced that through coordinated efforts it will be possible to help educate and inform people so they can choose healthier options and radically reduce the amount of unnecessary premature deaths and needless pain and suffering. My passion, and one of the primary reasons I started www.mercola.com, is to take leading edge research from scientists who have limited means with which to share their message, and provide an audience for them to get these vital messages out to the public. Oftentimes the remedy we so desperately seek is staggeringly simple, such as raising your vitamin D levels! It’s very inexpensive (or free if you just use sun exposure) and can provide tremendous health benefits.
www.mercola.com November 2011
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tabouleh
chopped parsley salad Tabouleh is parsley salad worth its weight in gold. Each individual ingredient needs personal, painstaking preparation. Cutting the vegetables is an art form. This is another dish I learned during my time in Haifa, from my roommate Naifeh. We would have tabouleh days, and the girls would sit around together, methodologically chopping ingredient after ingredient. You can’t cheat by using a blender – it simply won’t work. I had an ex-boyfriend who didn’t believe me, and he wound up with parsley pesto. Working alone in my kitchen, it took me about an hour to prepare a one-liter bowl’s worth. Needless to say, this is not an everyday dish, but it’s nice for a treat. A good tabouleh is also quite an impressive dish to bring to a party or a picnic. Obviously, you can save time by not being quite as pedantic about finely chopping the vegetables. A note about the parsley – when I say one big bunch, I don’t mean a little plastic case from the herb section, but one of the loose bunches whose stems you barely can fit your hand around. Also, the two cucumbers are Israeli cucumbers meaning they’re approximately the length of your hand and a little thicker than your thumb. Read more: http://food.lizsteinberg. com/2009/04/04/tabouleh-chopped-parsleysalad/#ixzz1bfRXiaPG
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Ingredients (for 1 litre of tabouleh): 1 big bunch parsley 2 green onions 6-8 stalks of mint 2 cucumbers 2 tomatoes 4 tablespoons olive oil 6 tablespoons wheat bulgur
1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon cardamom 1/8 teaspoon cloves 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 large lemon salt
Directions: First, set aside the bulgur to soak, covered in warm water. Chop the ingredients one by one: Start with the parsley (see photos). Holding by the stems, rinse well, and remove any yellowing leaves. Now, grip the stems tightly against a cutting board, as close to the base as possible. Remove and discard the dried out tips (but preserving as much of the stems as you can – this is the base of the dish). I usually hold the bunch of parsley between my thumb and forefinger, knuckles against the cutting board and fingertips bent back toward the leafy tops. The idea is that you want to hold the parsley as firmly as possible, and as close to the cut end as you can. With a very sharp knife, start shaving off minuscule layers from the parsley stems (as in photo). The closer your hand is to the end of the bunch, and the tighter you’re holding the parsley, the more control you’ll have, and the smaller your parsley bits will be. Continue all the way up to the leaves, until the entire bunch has been turned into a mound of green sprinkles. Press the knife into the bunch, especially the leaves, to make the parsley bits even smaller. When everything is as finely chopped as you have patience for, toss into the bowl. The green onions and mint are relatively easy to chop. Chop the green onion into thin rings, and go over it a few times with the knife. Likewise, chop the mint into thin slivers and go over it a few times until well minced. Toss into the bowl. Now for the cucumbers and tomatoes, which are a bit more involved (see bottom photos). Remove the tip of the first cucumber and slice into the top, making parallel cuts, but no deeper than the knife blade goes without losing control (you don’t want to detach the cucumber slivers from the cucumber quite yet). Now, make cuts in the other direction, to make a fine grid. The cucumber should resemble a bristled paintbrush.
www.cancersupportwa.org.au
cancer healing benefits of
parsley Put the julienned cucumber top against the cutting board, and as with the parsley, shave off thin layers of cucumber. You should be getting very fine cubes. When you make it through the cucumber strings, repeat the “gridding” step. Chop all the cucumber this way, and toss into the bowl. You want to try the same thing with the tomato, but it never works quite as well – I always find that my tomatoes wind up too mushy to chop this finely. The sharper your knife, the less mushy your tomatoes will become. This is what I generally wind up doing: Slice the tomatoes in half, then slice each tomato half into thin strips. Gather the strips, and chop them into small pieces. Toss into the bowl. Now that all the vegetables are chopped and in one place, it’s time for the seasoning. Drain out the extra water from the bulgur, and then mix the bulgur with the dry spices. Add the bulgur to the vegetables, and toss with the olive oil. At the last minute before serving, add the lemon juice and salt to taste (or let every person add his or her own salt). To squeeze the lemon without a juicer: Squeeze it into the palm of your hand, catching the seeds while letting the juice drip between your fingers.
Parsley, which is often regarded as only a decorative garnish, is packed with anti-cancer flavones, including: quercetin, genistein, luteolin, and apigenin. Apigenin has been shown to have several anti-cancer effects, by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) and by inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels that feed a tumour in cancer cells of the colon, cervical, and prostate, skin, thyroid, gastric, and liver, and to inhibit migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Apigenin can have estrogen like activity and should be avoided for those with estrogen dependent cancer, however. However, apigenin does strongly inhibit growth of HER2/ neu overexpressing breast cancer cells. The flavone luteolin increases the effects of the chemo drug Taxol, and quercetin has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of estrogen-independent (ER) breast cancer cells. There are several types of Parsley, including Italian, flat leaf, and Cilantro (Chinese parsley). Antioxidant content reduces if grilled or fried, but increases if boiled. Parsely seed oil has oleic acid and has been shown to inhibit breast cancer, but is very concentrated. It needs to be avoided by pregnant women as it can lead to miscarriage, and also by those with kidney, heart, and liver disorders or if on certain medications. Parsley, which is also often called “rock-celery” is also a good source of vitamin A, C, folic acid, and vitamin K. It is native to the Mediterranean area (Italy, Algeria, and Tunisia), and is eaten as an herb, spice, and vegetable, and has been cultivated for over 2,000 years. The ancient Greeks considered parsley to be sacred, decorating tombs and also athletic stars. Cilantro (Chinese parsley, or Coriander) is popular in Mexican, Caribbean, and Asian cooking. When purchased, it should be rinsed and left moist and can be stored for up to a week.
Tabouleh Recipe from: food.lizsteinberg.com November 2011
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Gandhi’s Top 10 Fundamentals for Changing the World 1. Change “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” “As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world – that is the myth of the atomic age – as in being able to remake ourselves.”
2. Control
one voice
“Nobody can hurt me without my permission.”
We cannot have peace on Earth until we learn to speak with one voice. That voice must be the voice of reason, the voice of compassion, the
3. Forgiveness “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” “An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”
4. Action “An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching.”
voice of love. It is the voice
5. The present moment
of divinity within us.
“I do not want to foresee the future. I am concerned with taking care of the present. God has given me no control over the moment following.”
Neale Donald Walsch
6. Everyone is human “I claim to be a simple individual liable to err like any other fellow mortal. I own, however, that I have humility enough to confess my errors and to retrace my steps.” “It is unwise to be too sure of one’s own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.”
7. Persist “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”
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8. Goodness “I look only to the good qualities of men. Not being faultless myself, I won’t presume to probe into the faults of others.” “I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.”
9. Truth “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” “Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well.”
10. Development “Constant development is the law of life, and a man who always tries to maintain his dogmas in order to appear consistent drives himself into a false position.”
Meeting the Challenge Appeal Support CSA’s Meeting the Challenge appeal to help us take our services to rural and Make your donation online at the CSA website www.cancersupportwa.org.au (select Meeting the Challenge Appeal)
Attend the Gawler Foundation Bursary Program for West Australians to attend the Life and Living Cancer Self Help Program in Victoria The Gawler Foundation, through the generosity of the the Foster and Dorothy Brady Trust are able to offer substantial bursaries to people from West Australia who would like to attend the Foundation’s world renowed Life and Living cancer self help program in Victoria. If you or a family member have a diagnosis of cancer and you would like to attend the program please contact The Gawler Foundation on (03) 5967 1730 or email info@gawler.org The bursary can be used to assist you with fees, flights or having a carer come along with you to attend the program.
November 2011
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about Wellness News Wellness News is unique in that it is an extremely positive, uplifting, intelligent and beautiful publication focusing on wellness, healing and the environment. Wellness News is designed to offer hope and life-enhancing wellness strategies for people who may be seriously ill, and a broad spectrum of information for people interested in maintaining good health.
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Wellness News articles are commissioned or sourced from highly regarded international journals, publications and websites and are divided into seven key areas for complete cancer wellness and healing: mind-body healing; integrative therapies; nutrition and recipes; inspiring personal stories; lifestyle and environment; current news & information; inspirations. Topics covered are spirituality, healing modalities, complementary therapies, integrative medicine – balanced with inspirational stories, recipes and the latest nutrition and wellness trends, and also information on how the environment can impact on health and wellbeing. We place great value on personal cancer stories for their insight into how people manage in challenging circumstances. Also important to our balance of content is poetry and art for the healing potential of words and images. Visually, our magazine is harmonious and pleasing – designed to inspire the healing spirit. And because we care about the environment all print editions of Wellness News are printed with vegetable based ink on 100% recycled, oxygen-bleached paper.
In fond memory of those who have shared part of their journey with us... Margaret Way Nicole Pontre
Leigh Henderson
Do not stand at my grave and we ep. I am not there. I do not sle ep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. theSupport sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain... 40I am Cancer Association www.cancersupportwa.org.au
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