Wellness News September 2009 by Cancer Support WA

Vol. 24 No. 6.

SEPTEMBER 2009

online magazine of the Cancer Support Association

wellness news

Patron – His Excellency Dr. Ken Michael AC, Governor of Western Australia

environment, wellness and healing

SPRING JUICING TO DETOXIFY & CLEANSE

HEALING CANCER WITH JUICE

MIND-BODY INTERVENTIONS FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH & HEALING

SELF-MEDICATION

THE TREATMENT OF CANCER WITH PHENERGAN AND CALCIUM

r b a e t l e! e c THE HOLISTIC WAY: MIND-BODY INTERVENTIONS FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH & HEALING

QI GONG:

FOR BREAST CANCER TREATMENT & PREVENTION

A BRAVE FAMILY SAYS NO:

”WHY MY DAUGHTER DOESN’T NEED CHEMO”

Cancer Support Association of Western Australia Inc.

editorial wellness news monthly online magazine of the Cancer Support Association of Western Australia Inc. Wellness News e-magazine is published online and distributed free to members of the Cancer Support Association and subscribers. Wellness News magazine is dedicated entirely to environment, 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. Please enjoy your Wellness experience!

news team... Editor Mandy BeckerKnox editor.wellness@yahoo.com.au Editorial Consultant Dr. Peter Daale

Dear friends,

The ﬂowers are blooming, birds nesting, bulbs

sprouting up through damp earth and we know Spring is almost here. This is the season for renewal, growth and emergence in nature, and as we humans are part of the natural world, we follow a similar rhythm in our lives. For many of us the cycles of the seasons are reﬂected in our inner landscape – we emerge from the relative dormancy of winter with the momentum and inspiration to embrace life, reconnect with friends, revitalise with health regimes, embark on new projects and fulﬁl plans. There are some people though who’s inner season will simply not be aligned with nature’s. The person recently diagnosed with cancer may feel withdrawn and unsociable; the person undergoing a treatment regime may not even have the energy or inspiration to get up in the morning... If you don’t feel aligned to the rhythm of nature in this moment that’s okay. Whatever our inner season, there is comfort in nature for each of us. To sit amidst nature in a spring garden and quietly observe the birds and bees, and enjoy the fragrance of the new blooms inspires us gently and deeply.

And if we can allow ourselves to just let go of any inner dialogue or thoughts which may be bringing us down, for a moment at least we may experience harmony or ‘oneness’ with nature. From this experience of ‘oneness’ follows a feeling of peace and an attitude of acceptance, which ﬂows into our lives, subtly and gently transforming our thoughts and mood, maybe even altering the future course of events. People around us will continue to go about their lives, oblivious to our inner season. If our season is winter we need to keep some perspective on things...the dark months will pass, the earth will continue to turn, life will go on, nothing ever really dies, merely forms and reforms, the underlying forces and structures responsible for creation will always exist... It is important to honour where we are in any given moment, but regardless of our season we each have the innate ability to transcend it if we choose to, and transform our state of being into one of quiet joy. May the abundance of Spring ﬁll your heart with joy and love! ✦ Love and peace, Mandy

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in this edition

A prayer in the Spring

The truest greatness lies in being kind, the truest wisdom in a happy mind.” ~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox

features THE HOLISTIC WAY Mind-body interventions for optimal health, 6 healing and wellbeing 11

BREATHING TO LIVE Secrets of the Breath to help you live longer and healthier

12 14

QI GONG Exercises for Breast Cancer Treatment and Prevention

22 30

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers in the flowers today; And give us not to think so far away As the uncertain harvest; keep us here All simply in the springing of the year. Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white, Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night; And make us happy in the happy bees, The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

SELF MEDICATION: TREATMENT OF CANCER WITH PHENERGAN AND CALCIUM Dr Robert Jones provides an update on an eﬀective, selfadministered treatment protocol THE SPRING CLEANSE Tips for cleansing the body, mind and spirit THE CRACKED POT A Chinese Fable which helps us see what is cracked or broken is potentially beautiful and useful!

And make us happy in the darting bird That suddenly above the bees is heard, The meteor that thrusts with needle bill, And off a blossom in mid-air stands still.

regular 2 EDITORIAL 3 PUZZLE Wellness Word Find; Quiz & Brain Teasers (p26) 5 IN THE NEWS Why my daughter doesn’t need chemotherapy 22 FOOD & NUTRITION Healing Cancer with Juice; Why I love Juicing 24 RECIPES Spring Juicing 28 CSA COMMUNITY NOTICES Keeping our community connected

wellness wordfind

Find the hidden words. They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

ACTIVITY BICYCLE CALORIES EXERCISE FRUIT HEALTH MEASURE PARTICIPATE PEDOMETER PHYSICAL

PHYSICIAN PROGRESS ROUTINE RUN TEAMWORK VEGETABLES WALK WALKINGSHOES WELLNESS

V C H T L A E H D A J W M W H O U K I W

W E I R S T K Q C O A P H Y S C A V Z A

W S G Q R T E T C L O U N E B K Z M P L

S S K E M E I A K T D T C N Y B A T A K

For this is love and nothing else is love, The which it is reserved for God above To sanctify to what far ends He will, But which it only needs that we fulfill. Robert Frost

H E X H T V R I M N B K Z I K F G R R K

W N Y G I A N U P W A G F T Z K X Q T C

Z L Z T G G B J S B O Y U U U Z L M I X

C L Y Q S G K L W A P R G O O D L S C L

X E T H W V U G E I E Y K R L Q X A I B

U W O S Y Q E H R S J M V V O G N X P N

P E D O M E T E R E R Y Z J I R U N A K

S K I M B Q E C N H L K U D G H F V T R

E F M U U L F A V Y S J W Y X A H R E F

G S Q I C M I L J Z X G M S Y S X S Q F

R P I Y L C O O S I M O Y N E B B P R W

J E C C I E Q R F L A C I S Y H P U M I

C I A S R Y W I R N W F N P Y D I U S K

B L Y W Q E X E B I X D A H G T K S W Q

L H U A X K X S M D G T L Y T K T D B T

P K P R O G R E S S B Y Z L G B W X G M

About the Cancer Support Association of WA Inc The Cancer Support Association of Western Australia Inc is a nonproﬁt charitable organisation which was established in 1984. CSA’s key intention is to help people become informed, empowered and supported on their cancer and wellness journeys. CSA encourages an integrative, well-informed understanding of health and treatment options and strategies, and is committed to supporting all people, regardless of their treatment choices. CSA supports individuals who are living with cancer, their families, carers and the wider community through the services we provide, as well as through our widely distributed publications and unique cancer information website. CSA’s workshops, courses, groups, and complementary therapies are advertised throughout this publication and are held at CSA’s premises in Cottesloe unless otherwise stated.

CSA weekly program

September 2009 MONDAY Meditation Made Easy .................................................................................10.00 – 11.30am Ongoing Lessons with Bavali Hill. FREE FOR MEMBERS (non-members $5) No bookings necessary.

TUESDAY Yoga with Sydel Weinstein ($10 / $5 members) ...................................... 9.30 – 10.30am Wellness and Healing Open Support Group ............................... 10.00 – 12.00noon with Dr. Angela Ebert and Christine Robbins Carer’s Wellness and Healing .............................................................. 10.00 – 12.00noon Open Support Group (1st and 3rd Tues) with Christine Robbins Reiki Clinic .....................................................................................................12.15pm – 1.30pm

WEDNESDAY Laughter Yoga with Kimmie O’Meara ($3.00) ...................................11.45am – 12.45pm Grief and Loss Open Support Group ................................................... 1.00pm – 3.00pm last Wednesday of each month with Christine Robbins Reﬂexology with Udo Kannapin .......................................................... 10.00am – 2.00pm (appointments available between10am – 2pm) Chinese Medical Healthcare Qigong ($10/$5 members) ............. 1.30pm –3.00pm with Master Andrew Tem-Foo Lim

THURSDAY Counselling with Dr. Peter Daale (by appointment) ............................. 1.00pm – 5.00pm

Join the CSA Village

FRIDAY Meeting the Challenge 1 Day Seminar ................................................9.30am – 4.30pm 1ST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH with Dr. Peter Daale (and others).

DAILY Wellness Counselling and Information Sessions with Dr. Peter Daale ........................................................................................... by appointment

www.cancersupportwa.org.au Go to our website to join the CSA Village and use your Village Card for great discounts at a number of retail and online outlets. Remember: this is a great way to support CSA as a donation is made with every purchase!

General Counselling with Dr. Angela Ebert ......................................................................................................................by appointment Phone direct on 0414 916 724 or 9450 6724 or email a.ebert@murdoch.edu.au

Please phone CSA on 9384 3544 or check our website for further information. We can help you with information packs, course prices, confirm course times and make bookings. The CSA is totally self-supporting and services are greatly subsidised in order to be affordable for all. However, if you are having difficulty making fee payments, please speak with reception.

in the news Why my daughter doesn’t need chemo A

father who is denying his 10-year-old daughter chemotherapy in favour of natural medicine believes the girl has a better chance of surviving cancer because alternative treatments cured her asthma eight years ago. Supreme Court transcripts obtained by The West Australian reveal Trevor Stitt’s faith in alternative therapy is based on his belief that it cured his daughter Tamar’s asthma when she was two years old. Mr Stitt told the court his daughter had not had an asthma attack since natural remedies were used in favour of the “chemical” treatments offered by Princess Margaret Hospital. The eczema his nine-year-old son Jacob suffered as a baby had also never returned after alternative medicine was used instead of a steroid treatment prescribed by the hospital. The revelations about the Stitt family’s views came after hospital chiefs dropped a court application on Wednesday to force Tamar to have potentially lifesaving chemotherapy. Tamar, who has had liver and stomach cancer for several months, flew to El Salvador with her mother Arely on Tuesday to continue the natural therapy her parents claimed was working. Princess Margaret Hospital officials yesterday defended their decision to take the matter to the Supreme Court, arguing doctors believed chemotherapy offered the best chance of a cure for the girl and it needed to be started as soon as possible. The Australian Medical Association in WA was critical of the family’s decision to take Tamar overseas without waiting for a legal ruling, saying it had denied the girl the right to have the courts look at the evidence and decide what was in her best interests. But the Cancer Support Association of WA said that for some cancers the success rate from chemotherapy was poor. Mr Stitt, an anaesthetic technician at St John of God Hospital in Murdoch, told the court that WA had the finest medical institutions in the world and he would “humbly” let his daughter be treated by PMH staff if natural therapy failed to cure her. The court documents reveal Tamar’s parents ensured she left Australia to avoid any potential court order that she be treated at PMH. Chief Justice Wayne Martin told the court he would have almost certainly ordered that Tamar be treated against her parent’s wishes had she not left the country and it was in the child’s best interests that she returned to Australia. “Had the child been here, notwithstanding Mr Stitt’s views, I would have been inclined to make the orders,” Justice Martin told the court. “I could enunciate that now but then going on to make the orders

Family trust: Trevor Stitt with his daughter Tamar and son jacob. He says natural remedies have worked for his children in the past. just seems to be futile and possibly counterproductive because it might discourage her return to Australia.” In arguing his case, Mr Stitt told the court that he and his wife were Christians who were open and honest with their children. He said he had been brought up on conventional medicine and had worked in the medical profession for 20 years after training at London’s famed Guy’s Hospital. He said he had seen an improvement in his daughter’s health since she started natural therapy, which was being administered by his wife and mother-in-law. The court heard Tamar was diagnosed with cancer a few weeks ago when doctors discovered a growth on the right side of her liver. The family was later told it may have also spread to her lungs. “She initially was losing weight. She has no longer lost weight, she has gained weight,” Mr Stitt said. “She is eating again. She has got colour to her cheeks and she’s no longer in pain. “She’s pinked up, she’s enthusiastic to go overseas. She is not a fool by any means. She is 10 years old. She is aware what’s going on.” Mr Stitt said Tamar’s doctor Angela Alessandri had told him there was a 30 per cent chance that chemotherapy would be successful. Tamar would have also lost her hair and suffered other side effects. It is understood Dr Alessandri later told Mr and Mrs Stitt the chance of survival with chemotherapy was closer to 50-60 per cent but she was likely to die without it. Mr Stitt told Channel 9’s A Current Affair last night that he realised when Tamar left for El Salvador that it could be the last time he saw her alive. He said: “I took her aside before we left to go to the airport and I said, ‘My darling, this may be the last time we see you’. She said, ‘I know that, Dad’.” ✦

By Ben Spencer and Cathy O’Leary. From: West Australian, 4th September 2009

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6 WELLNESS NEWS

Illness is not a punishment but a stimulant to life.

September 2009

Illness can be a teacher, companion, or challenge – but not a punishment. Still, sometimes its message isn’t clear. Ignore the illness. Look for stimulation in the knowledge that you can heal in an instant. ~ Caroline Myss.

The Holistic Way... by Dr. Jacob Mathew

Mind-body medicine focuses on the communication between mind and body and the powerful ways in which emotional, mental, social, and spiritual factors can directly affect health. Western, or allopathic, medicine tends to consider the scientific, or medical, model of medicine superior to mindbody therapies. It often has negated the fact that one’s mind has any affect on the body. But in the last generation, with the meeting of Eastern and Western healing practices, we have come to accept and understand that mind and body are powerfully related.

Most traditional medical systems make use of the interconnectedness of mind and body

and the power of each to affect the other. During the past 30 years there has been a growing scientiﬁc movement to explore the mind’s capacity to affect the body. The clinical aspect of this enterprise is called mind-body medicine. Mind and body are so integrally related that it makes little sense to refer to therapies as having impact just on the mind or the body.

Mind-body interventions often help patients experience and express their illness in new, clearer ways. Distinctions between curing and healing have little place in contemporary medical practice but are important to patients. Perceived meaning has direct consequences to health. The placebo response is one of the most widely known examples of mind-body interactions in contemporary, scientiﬁc medicine, yet it is also one of the most undervalued, neglected assets in medical practice. That the placebo response relies heavily on the relationship between doctor and patient says a great deal about the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and the need to provide further medical training on understanding and using this relationship. The therapeutic potential of spirituality as well as religion also has been neglected in the teaching and practice of medicine. Interest in the mind’s role in the cause and course of cancer has been substantially stimulated by the discovery of the complex interactions between the mind and the neurological and immune systems, the subject of the rapidly expanding discipline of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). The profound differences in the psychological stances taken by people who survive cancer suggest that there is extreme variation both among cultures and within cultures. Speciﬁc mind-body interventions include psychotherapy, support groups, meditation, imagery, hypnosis, biofeedback, yoga, dance therapy, music therapy, art therapy, and prayer and mental healing.

Psychotherapy Psychotherapy directly addresses a person’s emotional and mental health, which is, in turn, closely interwoven with his or her physical health. It encompasses a wide range of speciﬁc treatments from combining medication with discussion, to simply listening to the concerns of a patient, to using more active behavioral and emotive approaches. It also should be understood more generally as the matrix of interaction in which all the helping professions

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September 2009

WELLNESS NEWS 7

operate. Conventional psychotherapy is conducted primarily by means of psychological methods such as suggestion, persuasion, psychoanalysis, and reeducation. It can be divided into general categories. All of the therapies can be undertaken either individually or in groups. Research indicates that psychotherapeutic treatment can hasten a recovery from a medical crisis and is in some cases the best treatment for it. Psychotherapy also appears to be valuable in the treatment of somatic illnesses, in which physical symptoms appear to have no medical cause, are often improved markedly with psychotherapy. In addition, psychotherapy has been shown to speed patients’ recovery time from illness. This, in turn, leads to smaller medical bills and fewer return visits to medical practitioners.

Support Groups Support groups, as the research literature demonstrates, can have a powerful positive effect in a wide variety of physical illnesses, from heart disease to cancer, from asthma to strokes. Indeed, one study found that women with breast cancer who took part in a support group lived an average of 18 months longer (a doubling of the survival time following diagnosis) than those who did not participate. In addition, all the long-term survivors belonged to the therapy group. Support groups have two other major beneﬁts: • they help members form bonds with each other, an experience that may empower the rest of their lives; • they are low cost or even “no cost” (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous).

Meditation Mediation is a self-directed practice for relaxing the body and calming the mind. Most meditative techniques have come to the West from Eastern religious practices, particularly India, China, and Japan, but can be found in all cultures of the world. Until recently, the primary purpose of meditation has been religious, although its health beneﬁts have long been recognized. During the past 15 years, it has been explored as a way of reducing stress on both mind and body. It is often recommend it as a way of reducing high blood pressure. Some studies have found that regular meditation can reduce health care use; increases longevity and quality of life; reduces chronic pain; reduces anxiety; reduces high blood pressure; reduces serum cholesterol level; reduces substance abuse; increases intelligence-related measures; reduces post-traumatic stress syndrome in Vietnam veterans; reduces blood pressure; and lowers blood cortisol levels initially brought on by stress.

in mind body medicine... • Your deﬁnition of health includes all aspects of your life as well as your body: • Cultivating mental health is the key to physical health. • You focus on developing trust in your ability to heal instead of expecting someone or something to “ﬁx” you. • Prescription of mind-body therapies no longer suggests that you are “not really sick.” • Doctors and patients cultivate a consulting relationship between peers, rather than the unequal relationship of parent and child.

Continued on next page...

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Shop 9 Subiaco Square Shopping Centre, Subiaco. Phone 9381 3999 of the Cancer Support Association of WA September 2008 Cancer SupportMagazine Association www.cancersupportwa.org.au

8 WELLNESS NEWS

September 2009

Imagery Imagery is both a mental process (as in imagining) and a wide variety of procedures used in therapy to encourage changes in attitudes, behavior, or physiological reactions. As a mental process, it is often deﬁned as “any thought representing a sensory quality.” It includes, as well as the visual, all the senses –- aural, tactile, olfactory, proprioceptive, and kinesthetic. Imagery has been successfully tested as a strategy for alleviating nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy in cancer patients, to relieve stress, and to facilitate weight gain in cancer patients. It has been successfully used and tested for pain control in a variety of settings; as adjunctive therapy for several diseases, including diabetes; and with geriatric patients to enhance immunity. Imagery is usually combined with other behavioral approaches. It is best known in the treatment of cancer as a means to help patients mobilize their immune systems, but it also is used as part of a multidisciplinary approach to cardiac rehabilitation and in many settings that specialize in treating chronic pain.

Hypnosis Hypnosis and hypnotic suggestion have been a part of healing from ancient times. The induction of trance states and the use of therapeutic suggestion were a central feature of the early Greek healing temples and variations of these techniques were practiced throughout the ancient world. Modern hypnosis began in the 18th century with Franz Anton Mesmer, who used what he called “magnetic healing” to treat a variety of psychological and psychophysiological disorders, such as hysterical blindness, paralysis, headaches, and joint pains. Since then, the fortunes of hypnosis have ebbed and flowed. Freud, at first, found it extremely effective in treating hysteria and then, troubled by the sudden emergence of powerful emotions in his patients and his own difficulty with its use, abandoned it. In the past 50 years, however, hypnosis has experienced a resurgence, first with physicians and dentists and more recently with psychologists and other mental health professionals. Today, it is widely used for addictions, such as smoking and drug use, for pain controls, and for phobias, such as the fear of flying. One of the most dramatic uses of hypnosis is the treatment of congenital ichthyosis (fish skin disease), a genetic skin disorder that covers the surface of the skin with grotesque hard, wart-like, layered crust. Hypnosis is, however, most frequently used in more common ailments, either independently or in concert with other treatment, including the management of pain in a variety of settings, reduction of bleeding in hemophiliacs, stabilization of blood sugar in diabetics, reduction in severity of attacks of hay fever and asthma, increased breast size, the cure of warts, the production of skin blister and bruises, and control of reaction to allergies such as poison ivy and certain foods.

Biofeedback Biofeedback is a treatment method that uses monitoring instruments to feed back to patients physiological information of which they are normally unaware. By watching the monitoring device, patients can learn by trial and error to adjust their thinking and other mental processes in order to control bodily processes heretofore thought to be involuntary–such as blood pressure, temperature, gastrointestinal functioning, and brain wave activity.

Biofeedback is used to treat a very wide variety of conditions and diseases, ranging from stress, alcohol and other addictions, sleep disorders, epilepsy, respiratory problems, and fecal and urinary incontinence to muscle spasms, partial paralysis, or muscle dysfunction caused by injury, migraine headaches, hypertension, and a variety of vascular disorders. More applications are being developed yearly.

Yoga Yoga is a way of life that includes ethical precepts, dietary prescriptions, and physical exercise. Its practitioners have long known that their discipline has the capacity to alter mental and bodily responses normally thought to be far beyond a person’s ability to modulate them. During the past 80 years, health professionals in India and the West have begun to investigate the therapeutic potential of yoga. To date, thousands of research studies have been undertaken and have shown that with the practice of yoga a person can, indeed, learn to control such physiologic parameters as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory function, metabolic rate, skin resistance, brain waves, body temperature, and many other bodily functions. Regular yogic meditation also has been shown to reduce anxiety levels; cause the heart to work more efficiently and decrease respiratory rate; lower blood pressure and alter brain waves; increase communication between the right and left brain; reduce cholesterol levels (when used with diet and exercise); help people stop smoking; and successfully treat arthritis.

Dance Therapy Dance therapy began formally in the United States in 1942, and in 1956 dance therapists from across the country founded the American Dance Therapy Association, which has now grown to over 1,100 members. It publishes a journal, the American Journal of Dance Therapy, fosters research, monitors standards for professional practice, and develops guidelines for graduate education. Dance/movement therapy has been demonstrated to be clinically effective in the following: developing body image, improving self-concept and increasing self-esteem; facilitating attention; ameliorating depression, decreasing fears and anxieties, and expressing anger; decreasing isolation, increasing communication skills and fostering solidarity; decreasing bodily tension, reducing chronic pain, and enhancing circulatory and respiratory functions; reducing suicidal ideas, increasing feelings of well-being, and promoting healing; and increasing verbalization.

Music Therapy Music therapy is used in psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, general hospitals, outpatient clinics, day-care treatment centers, residences for people with developmental disabilities, community mental health centers, drug and alcohol programs, senior centers, nursing homes, hospice programs, correctional facilities, halfway houses, schools, and private practice. Studies have found music therapy effective as an analgesic, as a relaxant and anxiety reducer for infants and children, and as an adjunctive treatment with burn patients, cancer patients, cerebral palsy patients, and stroke, brain injury, or Parkinson’s disease patients.

Art Therapy Art therapy is a means for the patient to reconcile emotional conﬂicts, foster self-awareness, and express unspoken and frequently unconscious concerns about his/her disease. In addition to its use in

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September 2009

WELLNESS NEWS 9

treatment, it can be used to assess individuals, couples, families, and groups. It is particularly valuable with children who often cannot talk about their real concerns. Research on art therapy has been conducted in clinical, educational, physiological, forensic, and sociological arenas. Studies on art therapy have been conducted in many areas including with burn recovery in adolescent and young patients, with eating disorders; with emotional impairment in young children, with reading performance, with chemical addiction, and with sexual abuse in adolescents.

Prayer and Mental Healing Prayer and spiritual healing techniques fall into two main types. In Type I healing, the healer enters a prayerful, altered state of consciousness in which he views himself and the patient as a single entity. There need be no physical contact and there is no attempt to “do anything” or “give something” to the person in need, only the desire to unite and “become one” with him or her and with the Universe, God, or Cosmos. Type II healers, on the other hand, do touch the healee and describe some “flow of energy” through their hands to the patient’s areas of pathology. Feelings of heat are common in both healer and healee. These healing techniques are offered only as generalities. Some healers use both methodologies, even in the same healing session, and other healing methods could be described. There exist many published reports of experiments in which persons apparently were able to influence a variety of cellular and other biological systems through mental means. The target systems for these investigations have included bacteria, yeast, fungi, mobile algae, plants, protozoa, larvae, insects, chicks, mice, rats, gerbils, cats, and dogs, as well as cellular preparations (blood cells, neurons, cancer cells) and enzyme activities. In human “target persons,” eye movements, muscular movements, electrodermal activity, plethysmographic activity, respiration, and brain rhythms have been apparently affected through direct mental influence. These studies assess the ability of humans to affect physiological functions of a variety of living systems at a distance, including studies where the “receiver” or “target” is unaware that such an effort is being made. The fact that these studies commonly involve nonhuman targets is important; lower organisms are presumably not subject to suggestion and placebo effects, a frequent criticism when human subjects are involved. Many of these studies do not describe the psychological strategy of the influencer as actual “prayer,” in which one directs entreaties to a Supreme Being, a Universal Power, or God. But almost all of them involve a state of prayerful-ness–-a feeling of genuine caring, compassion, love, or empathy with the target system, or a feeling that the influencer is “one” with the target.

Conclusion In addition to preventing or curing illnesses, these therapies by and large provide people the chance to be involved in their own care, to make vital decisions about their own health, to be touched emotionally, and to be changed psychologically in the process. Many patients today believe their doctor or medical system is too technical, impersonal, remote, and uncaring. The mindbody approach is potentially a corrective to this tendency, a reminder of the importance of human connection that opens up the power of patients acting on their own behalf.

how to be healthy There is an intimate connection between the mind and the body. Any ill-feeling or bitterness towards another person will at once aﬀect the body and produce some kind of imbalance or disease. All diseases have their origin in the thoughts and mind. If bad thoughts are destroyed, bodily diseases will vanish. Always treat the mind ﬁrst. Mental health is more important than physical health. Remove hatred through love, service, friendship, sympathy and compassion. Remove greed through generous acts and charity. Remove pride through humility. This will help you to achieve good mental health. Laughter and cheerfulness are wonderful tonics for the body and mind. Be courageous. Be kind. Be tolerant. Pray. Sing. Do yoga, breathe deeply and meditate. You will have wonderful physical and mental health. You will always have a calm and poised mind. When you have controlled the mind, you have perfect control over the body. The body is only a shadow of the mind. ~ Swami Sivananda

More work needs to be done, but there is already a growing amount of evidence that many of the mind-body therapies discussed in this report, if appropriately selected and wisely applied, can be clinically as well as economically costeffective, that they work, and that they are safe. ✦ From: www.holistic-online.com. Dr. Jacob Matthew is the chief editor, webmaster and cofounder of this website which is now ranked as one of the top 5 websites for health.

of the Cancer Support Association of WA September 2008 Cancer SupportMagazine Association www.cancersupportwa.org.au

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September 2009

WELLNESS NEWS 11

Breathing

to live! by Susan Hudson

n a recent television interview a 112-year old woman was pressed to give up her secret of longevity. “Well,” she replied blithely, “I just keep breathing.” While her response seemed amusing, especially as it rebuked the reporter for asking such a mundane and obvious question, the subject of breathing and its association with health is now discussed more often than ever before. In fact acclaimed American natural health guru, Dr Andrew Weil, believes breathing is the bridge between mind and body and a ‘master key to health and wellness’ and that improper breathing is a common cause of ill health. “If I had to limit my advice on healthier living to just one tip, it would be simply to learn how to breathe correctly,” Dr Weil says. So does breathing, this automatic physiological process that we all take for granted, bear closer inspection, especially as research is now showing viruses, and microbes, and even cancer cells tend to thrive in low oxygen environments? Michael Gearin-Tosh tells an intriguing story of surviving cancer in his book ‘Living Proof – A Medical Mutiny’. Gearin-Tosh used an ancient Chinese breathing technique as one approach to controlling his disease. Diagnosed with a virulent and deadly bone cancer in 1994, the Oxford University professor of Literature was given three months to live – six if he agreed to an onslaught of chemotherapy. But after consulting many doctors, he ultimately rejected mainstream medicine for a regime of his own devising. Breathing was just one part of his program. But it was critical to his success, even though there were times when he resented the time-consuming process. “If you have a cancer that is attacking your skeleton, is there escapism in the Chinese breathing exercise? You really get to know each bone: you breathe up and down it seven times – 28 times per bone per session – two or three sessions each day.” With around 206 different bones in the human skeleton, Gearin-Tosh’s discipline was exemplary. But he lived for another 11 years and when he died, it wasn’t from cancer, but a blood infection. Perhaps Gearinn-Tosh was subconsciously following the advice of the ancient Chinese physician Chuang Tzu who wrote of ‘the men of old breathing clear down to their heels’ and claimed that breathing gives human beings strength, vitality, inspiration – and magical powers. Australian Buteyko exponent Mark Elliot says that improved breathing methods can help people deal more effectively with disease, not just cancer. Trials undertaken in Brisbane using Buteyko method of breathing showed that asthma sufferers were able to signiﬁcantly reduce their reliance of inhalers, and experienced improved quality of life. Buteyko is directed at achieving a balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in body, but also appears to work on the mind. Those with threatening illness know well the unbridled fears and extraordinary loneliness that goes with the territory. Breathing has a calming effect and gives back some power and control over a seemingly disconnected life, as well as more energy for the daily ﬁght. In fact, it is now recognised during episodes of depression, stress or life crises, human beings breathe so shallowly, they often hardly breathe at all.

An ancient Chinese inscription written on jade around 770 BC gives one recipe for breathing: Draw a deep breath, direct it downward and let it stay there. Then exhale and direct the breath upward like a growing sprout, in a direction just opposite to the inhaling route and up to its dead end. The heavenly essence thus goes up, and the earthly essence comes down. One who follows this law will live...’ (Ancient Daoyin: Mother of Qigong)

Eastern cultures have long advocated the physiological and psychological benefits of proper breathing techniques. Quite possibly they invented them, as reflected in the disciplines of Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong and the martial arts. Dr Weil recommends we pay more attention to how we are breathing throughout the day. This simple activity can tell us a lot about the state of our nervous systems, he says. “By learning to control your breathing, you can influence the regulation of your heart rate, blood pressure, circulation and digestion.” There are many breathing methods that lead to health and we need to search for a technique that suits us best. An easy way is to begin Yoga, Tai Chi or Qigong classes [CSA offers weekly yoga and qi gong classes – Ed]. Advanced breathing techniques could be one of the cheapest, most effective approaches to healthcare, in a medical system which increasingly costs the earth – and sometimes our lives. ✦ From Options magazine, Issue 11. Website: myoptions.com.au.

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Qigong Exercises for Breast Cancer Treatment and Prevention by Dr Nan Lu, LAc.

The most powerful tool traditional Chinese medicine has to offer

for breast cancer treatment and prevention is qigong (pronounced chee-kung), an ancient system of exercises that increases Qi (vital energy), bolsters the immune system, and unlocks the body’s innate healing ability.

In the following sequence, we’ll teach you a series of seven qigong exercises from a tradition known as Wu Ming. Each movement unblocks stagnant energy in the meridians, or energy pathways, that run through the breast area.

Practicing Qigong Practice the entire series of movements in the order listed at least once a day. If you have breast cancer or are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, practice twice daily. Wu Ming Meridian Therapy can lessen the side effects of these treatments by helping your body expel toxins. Do not practice for at least half an hour after eating a meal or engaging in sexual intercourse. Do not practice when you are menstruating. Try to practice at the same time each day. The hours of 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. are the best times to build Qi. In addition to practicing the movements as a set, do each movement individually whenever you can, especially if you are in the later stages of breast cancer. Almost all of the movements can be done rather inconspicuously, so take advantage of every moment you can: waiting for the train, watching television, or even talking on the phone. Adapt the exercises to your own ability. If it is difﬁcult for you to stand, for example, do the movements while seated. Similarly,

movements that use both arms can be done with only one arm if the other is immobilised. Skip any movement that is impossible for you to do.

Preparing for Practice Before you begin practicing, take a few deep breaths. Close your eyes and clear your mind – let go of everything that is bothering you; just leave it all behind. As you practice the movements, breathe naturally. These exercises require no special breathing and no visualizations. (The principle of Wu Ming Meridian Therapy is that no technique is the best technique.) Concentrate on each movement as you do it. If your mind starts to wander, imagine that you are drawing energy from the sun, the moon, and the stars. Imagine that this energy from the universe is ﬁlling your body and destroying all cancer and illness. Do not focus on a particular organ or body part; see your whole body becoming healthier. Most importantly, take great joy in the knowledge that you have the ability to heal yourself. The Qi you are building should be gentle, joyful, peaceful, and calm. After you learn the mechanics of each exercise, slow each movement down. Remember that Wu Ming Meridian Therapy is not aerobic, nor is it designed to build muscle (although you will have more physical strength with regular practice). These are slow, gentle movements that stimulate the smooth ﬂow of Qi through your body. ✦ From: www.breastcancer.com, a website for traditional Chinese medicine for treatment and prevention of breast cancer. The information in this article is adapted from the book, Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Woman’s Guide to Healing from Breast Cancer, by Dr. Nan Lu, LAc., founding director of the TCM World Foundation.

at CSA with Master Andrew Lim Every Wednesday from 1:30pm to 3pm in the Sun Room at CSA Cost $5.00 (CSA members) or $10.00 per class

Phone CSA reception for more details on 9384 3544. Bookings not necessary. www.cancersupportwa.org.au environment • wellness • healing

September 2009

1. The Dragon Opens the Curtains 1. Raise your hands to your chest with your palms facing forward. Bend your knees slightly. 2. Slide your hands out to the side as far out as is comfortable without locking your arms. Keep your ﬁngers pointing upward. 3. Slide your hands back to their previous position.

2. The Dragon Touches the Moon

WELLNESS NEWS 13

4. The Dragon Kicks Forward 1. Rest your hands on your lower back with your fingers pointing toward your spine. Lift your left knee. 2. Kick forward with your heel while keeping your toes pulled back. Your heel should be a few inches from the floor when your leg is fully extended. 3. Lift your knee back to its previous position. Repeat for five minutes, then switch to the other side.

5. The Dragon Kicks Backward 1. Rest your hands on your lower back with your fingers pointing toward your spine. Lift your left knee. 2. Kick directly behind you, keeping your toes pulled back. Your toes should be a few inches from the floor when your leg is fully extended. 3. Lift your knee back to its previous position. Repeat for five minutes, then switch to the other side.

1. Raise your hands to your chest with your palms facing forward. Bend your knees slightly. 2. Push your hands out directly in front of you. Go out as far as is comfortable without locking your arms. Keep your ﬁngers pointing up. 3. Slide your hands back to their previous position.

3. The Dragon’s Toe Dance 1. Rest your hands on your lower back with your fingers pointing toward your spine. Shift your weight to your right leg. 2. Lift your left leg so your toes touch the floor. 3. Make a circle with your knee. Start by swinging your left leg outward so your knee points to the side. Keep your toes on the floor. 4. Continue the circle so your knee is directly behind you, keeping your toes on the floor. At this point, your leg will be stretched straight behind you, your heel almost touching the floor. 5. Continue the circle so your knee crosses in front of you. 6. Repeat for one minute, then switch to the other leg.

6. The Dragon Scoops the Moon from the Ocean 1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. 2. Bend down at the knee and pretend you are scooping something up with your left hand. 3. Make a scooping motion in front of your left foot. 4. Rise slowly while looking at your palm. 5. Continue looking at your palm as you rise. 6. When your hand is at chest level, turn your palm face down and look forward. 7. Slowly lower your hand back to your side. 8. Return to the original standing position. 9. Repeat with the other side. Continue alternating sides for ﬁve minutes.

7. The Dragon Stands Between Heaven and Earth This last qigong exercise is an ancient meditation posture. Of all the qigong exercises, this is the most powerful. If you only have time to practice one movement, practice this one. Begin by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Raise your arms to chest level, and make two fists. Point your thumbs toward each other about six inches in front of you. You can relax your arms, but keep your hands at this height. Now relax. Take a few deep breathes. Close your eyes, and imagine you are a dragon standing between heaven and earth. Hold this posture as long as you can. That’s all there is to it. On one hand, it is easy, because there is no movement to learn. On the other hand, it is difficult to do “nothing,” to let your mind be peaceful. When you first begin practicing, you may find it difficult to hold this posture, even for only a few minutes. In general, you should stand in this position for at least three minutes. You only begin building energy after the posture becomes difficult to hold, so push through any initial discomfort. The longer you maintain this posture, the more energy you are building. Really challenge yourself. No other exercise will do more to help you heal.

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September 2009

A Personal Cancer Story by Ibby Caputo

Self-Medication The Treatment of Cancer with Phenergan and Calcium By Robert Jones MA PhD, August 2009

The Cancer Support Association of Western Australia conducts and facilitates research from time to time in cooperation with various institutions such as universities, research centres and medical clinics. Whilst most of the research is qualitative in nature, the Association also supports quantitative research. The research currently published by the CSA on the research pages of our website focuses on the unique work conducted by Dr. Robert Jones (a London based Bio-Chemist) on the Treatment of Cancer with LowDose Phenothiazines. The candidate drug is promethazine with a striking selectivity of action and with a safety which contrasts vividly with the disappointing success rates and serious iatrogenic eﬀects of almost all current forms of mainstream cancer treatments. This is the latest research paper by Dr. Jones which is part of a series published on our website. Cancer patients interested in following the promethazine protocol are encouraged to read the papers online and consult with the CSA if necessary. It is also essential to have the help and support of your medical practitioner. Keeping your oncologist fully informed is absolutely essential when undertaking any supplementary or alternative treatment pathways. Accurate reports of progress need to be kept and are necessary to determine a successful outcome.

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General Introduction The two outstanding problems in cancer treatment are first, the achievement of selectivity, and second, the total eradication of secondary tumour spread (metastasis). With many malignancies therapy with the phenothiazine Phenergan (promethazine) solves both at a stroke. Provided sensitivity is initially present, some measure of success in terms of improved quality of life, prolonged survival, or perhaps even remission, can be expected. Phenergan therapy offers an attractive alternative in countries where medical services are difficult to access or expensive. The basic therapy is the result of a long investigation standing fully in the tradition of academic research. It has been known for centuries that on rare occasions Nature herself can destroy malignant growths; for example, during an attack of erysipelas. Precisely the same principle of destruction, namely, the selective disruption of energy metabolism, is exploited here. On the other hand most conventional treatments seek to impose an artificial form of death upon tumours. Because cancerous cells obstinately refuse to die in the preconceived manner laid down for them, the failure rate is unacceptably high. There may also be horrendous side effects and sharply increased risks. Unlike many standard treatments the procedures are highly selective. The active principle triggers a cytotoxic mechanism (necrosis) within the malignant cell; energy metabolism provides the chemotherapeutic target. The schedules set out here aim to destroy both primary and secondary growths in two stages; first, by bringing about extensive tumour destruction over a period of a few hours, and then by a process of attrition. These are early pioneering days; not all cancers have been found to be sensitive. Very reasonably, patients want to know if their particular form of disease is likely to respond to the procedures described here. Forms of the disease which have displayed sensitivity to Procedure I include non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, lung cancer and a chordoma; instances of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and cancer of the oesophagus, all with secondary spread, also responded. Less experience has been gained with Procedure II, but no differences are anticipated. Malignancies found to be insensitive are listed in [7] below. Individuals struck down with the disease understandably respond with resentment, sometimes anger, at the injustice of their dreadful predicaments. As if the initial diagnosis is not bad enough, to be told, perhaps abruptly, that a treatment has been unsuccessful is a worse experience that may be lurking in store. Cancer patients deserve respect and dignity; the intentions are to spare further anguish, to extend survival, to improve quality of life, and to provide a chance of physical healing. There may be a positive response; there may not. No guarantee of a successful outcome can be given. Sincere apology is made to patients whose conditions fail to respond. On several occasions relapse has followed tumour regression. Patients should be alert to this scenario and be prepared for the worst. In these instances only a single cancer cell needs to have undergone transformation (genetic mutation) into a drug resistant state. Such an event can happen at any time (see [6] below). The tumour will then consist of both sensitive and insensitive cells; after the therapy has killed the sensitive cells off, the insensitive cells gain the upper hand. The best hope then is surgery, but if resistant cells have already spread the outlook is poor. Although certain drugs not classified as anti-cancer agents can cause limited injury to tumours by interfering with energy

WELLNESS NEWS 15

production, only very few are suitable for cancer treatment. Some belong to the group known as phenothiazines, a number of which have been in use for over sixty years. Their diverse uses include the treatment of psychoses, nausea, allergy, the enhancement of analgesia and as muscle relaxants. Phenergan, the active principle in this form of cancer therapy, is currently used as a paediatric sedative, as an anti-histaminic, and to quell travel sickness. The agent has also been used as an anti-emetic in patients undergoing conventional chemotherapy, but, unlike chlorpromazine (Largactil) whose effectiveness in cancer patients has been described, it is not used for chronic administration. The fact that its anti-cancer potential has managed to escape detection in hospitals and clinics is attributed to two factors. First, any tumour injury caused by brief adventitious medication with the phenothiazine will naturally be ascribed to the drugs given simultaneously with the intention of combatting the disease. Second, resistance develops when Phenergan is given on an intermittent basis (see also Duration of Treatment and Outcome, below). The effects on the central nervous system are less marked than those of most other phenothiazines, which is considered an advantage. The first doctor to administer Phenergan to cancer patients was an Egyptian diabetologist, the late Dr Riad Mahmud. He gave Phenergan, calcium and papaverine in sequence by intravenous injection with the intention of relieving pain. The procedures described here rely heavily on his experience. Cancer is a serious disease, and its treatment needs to be considered in earnest. The apparently innocuous nature of the agents used should not encourage a flippant attitude to the therapy. Rigid adherence to the advice is essential. The selectivity of the procedure allows a patient to go about his or her business almost entirely as normal while sustaining the full force of the therapy. Almost; patients need to adapt to the new situation. Mental strain and over-exertion should be avoided. The original self-medication protocol (Procedure I) was posted on the web in February 1996. It is included in the book How We Controlled our Cancers (Wesprint Holdings. Subiaco, 2001) which the author, Jill Royce, made available in every lending library in Australasia. Details are also to be found in Conventional Cancer Cures: What’s the Alternative? (ed. Chris Woollams. Health Issues Ltd, Bath Press, Bath, 2005). Over the years several organisations interested in providing patients with sensible non-orthodox help began to include the methodology on their websites. Few patients trouble to report back with their experiences. It follows that no estimate of the number of beneficiaries can be made. Procedure I has been modified (Procedure II) with a view to increasing cell kill and shortening the period of treatment. The latter is recommended as the option of choice. The advice should be read through several times before commencing, and read again frequently so as to avoid mistakes. Both protocols may be regarded as simple prototypes in the same light as the earliest primitive cameras, motor cars or aeroplanes. There is a need to be realistic and not to allow hopes to rise too high. Patients are expected to meet the modest costs (currently about £4 a week in the UK) of their treatment. There are no hidden expenses. Caution: To date the question of safety has not been an issue, but Phenergan treatment with calcium can cause slight tumour enlargement which may initially cause problems, especially if the disease has reached an advanced stage. For example, in a patient with obstructive carcinoma of the oesophagus swallowing became more difficult on the next day, but gradually returned to normal over the next few weeks. Patients need to decide which procedure continued on next page...

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Contra-Indications

[8] Patients with certain brain tumours (astrocytomas) have enjoyed longer survival as a result of Phenergan treatment, but the chances of full recovery would appear to be remote. Anafranil (clomipramine) may be a more suitable drug in such instances, but is available only on prescription. Patients are advised to search the web for advice (Google; enter the words: brain cancer clomipramine).

The list below is as comprehensive as possible. Cancer patients are unlikely to beneﬁt if:

Toxicological Considerations

to adopt. In instances where growths obstruct natural functions difﬁculty may be encountered. In these circumstances Procedure I would be preferable.

[1] Steroids are being administered in high doses. This form of interference with anti-cancer activity is unstable. Therapy with Phenergan can be commenced three days after cessation of steroid medication. [2] Analgesics classified as non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc) are being taken. Here the advice is to wait for a week before commencing. Serious pain calls for professional attention. Paracetamol, temporarily and in moderation, is suitable; so are opiates (for example, morphine given on prescription). A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) device can provide limited measures of relief. [3] The patient is deficient in essential fatty acids. This is an uncommon condition of which scaly skin, especially on the backs of the hands, can be an indicator. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are micro-nutrients; they are required for normal health and participate in the process of tumour destruction. [4] There is dietary supplementation with vitamin E. The question of vitamin E calls for special mention. Most diets already contain amounts adequate for a healthy life style. For individuals free from cancer dietary supplementation (50-100iu daily) is beneficial, offering protection against coronary heart disease. Unfortunately the same beneficial properties are exploited by cancerous growths, which accumulate vitamin E as protection against pharmacological attack. Some dietary schedules drawn up for cancer patients include substantial amounts of vitamin E. The wisdom of these recommendations is questioned. While it is known that vitamin E protects against the development of cancer, there is nothing to suggest benefit is to be gained once malignant disease is established. Indeed, several patients receiving supplements (400-1200iu daily) failed to respond to Phenergan. Current advice is therefore to stop supplementation immediately and to wait for ten days. Likewise, selenium supplementation above the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is not recommended. [5] There has been brief or intermittent exposure after the onset of disease to phenothiazines or to certain chemically-related drugs possessing similar anti-cancer properties. In contrast with the situations in [1]-[4], this form of resistance is relatively stable. [6] Multi-drug resistance can arise either spontaneously, or from treatment with certain cytotoxic drugs, or from radiotherapy. It is not generally recognised that a mutation in a cancerous cell may result in partial or complete disablement of the cytotoxic mechanism. Clones of these mutant cells are generally insensitive to therapy. Preliminary data suggest that patients who have not been exposed to radiotherapy have a better chance both of responding positively and also of avoiding relapse. [7] The disease is prostatic cancer, melanoma or mesothelioma. At the present time it is not known if these early findings reflect the presence of an intrinsic resistance mechanism. The question is discussed below (Scientific Basis).

The safety record of Phenergan is phenomenal. Introduced in 1947, the phenothiazine has found worldwide application. An assiduous search of the literature has failed to find a single report of a fatality caused by its use. The situation in orthodox cancer treatment is dramatically different. For example, the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (November 2008) on the role of permitted drugs in the causation of death revealed that in 25% of patients who received anti-cancer medication during the last 30 days of life, mortality was ascribed not to the course of disease but to the toxicity of the drug regime. The importance of these findings is not to be underestimated.

Self-Medication Procedures Pre-Treatment These supportive recommendations are intended to optimise the outcome. If the disease is already at an advanced stage, failure to obtain any supplement should not stand in the way of implementing the advice at the earliest opportunity. 1. Before commencing, patients should preferably consume at least 3g of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids daily together with the recommended supplements for at least three days. Flax oil may also be taken. The intake can be cut back if bowel looseness is experienced. Should it be noticed during the course of treatment that bleeding from a cut or other injury lasts for longer than usual, the supplement may need to be stopped for a few days and the amount reduced on resumption. Medical assistance should be sought. 2. Patients are advised to take 250mg each of inositol and choline daily. These naturally-occurring substances are available from health stores. Inositol hexaphosphate (also known as IP6), which contains only 23% inositol and has the disadvantage of forming insoluble precipitates with calcium within the bowel, is not recommended. 3. Certain trace elements are recommended with the intention of protecting the white cells of the blood against rare side-effects (dyscrasias). A multi-vitamin/mineral preparation containing the RDAs of copper (2.5mg), manganese (4mg), zinc (15mg) and selenium (50mcg, or 0.05mg) is advised. Minor deviations from these amounts, which should be taken daily, are unimportant. Vitamin supplements in excess of RDA values, especially vitamin C (RDA 60mg) and vitamin E (RDA 10-15 international units), must be avoided as far as possible. Because the intention is selectively to induce peroxidation within cancerous cells, anti-oxidant preparations, especially those of Chinese origin, should also be avoided. The supplements need to be continued for the entire duration of the therapy. Where circumstances are pressing there may be no time for pretreatment, and Phenergan therapy together with the supplements should be inaugurated immediately.

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Procedure I. Phenergan alone (original protocol) Treatment is initiated by taking Phenergan as a 50mg dose one evening at retiring. On the next day a total of 3x25mg needs to be taken every eight hours in divided doses of 25mg (7am, 3pm, 11pm are suitable times) and thereafter for as long as necessary (see Continuity of Action, below). Surprisingly perhaps, only a minority of patients feel sleepy during the day. If sedation persists after a week, the regime may be altered to 10mg at 7am, 10mg at 3pm, and 25mg at 11pm.

WELLNESS NEWS 17

During the first day it is anticipated that products of tumour destruction will be excreted in the urine. Patients with close hospital connections might be able to commission analyses of urinary metabolite excretion, especially of nitrogenous components. On the next day it is absolutely essential to continue thereafter as in Procedure I, with 25mg every eight hours. In addition calcium, 200-300mg, may also be taken daily 30 min. after the last dose of Phenergan.

Diary Procedure II. Phenergan with Calcium The first day of therapy should be designated free of activity. Most of the side effects will be experienced on this day; two further days of rest should be planned. Patients cannot be expected to obey the instructions by themselves. When Phenergan is combined with calcium, subjects begin to feel very drowsy after an hour or so and usually fall asleep. For this reason it is essential to have a partner or close friend present throughout the first day to ensure the instructions are closely followed. The first day of treatment is unique. Meals should be light and carbohydrate-free. Omelettes, vegetables, bran preparations, fruit, and any foodstuffs low in sugar are all suitable. Apart from alcohol there are no fluid restrictions; drinking is to be encouraged. Tea, coffee and fruit juices should be sugar-free. For convenience treatment may be commenced at 9am. The schedule is as follows: 0hr: 50mg Phenergan. 1hr: 800-1200mg soluble calcium in 100-150ml (4-6fl.oz.) water. 2hr: 400-600mg soluble calcium in 100-150ml water.

Patients are advised to keep detailed and accurate records of their progress. The information should include dates of consultations, diagnosis, commencement of treatment and scans. Body weight, medications (drug identities and doses, frequency of medication), sessions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, measurements of scans and relevant blood components, sleeping pattern, general outlook and observations of well-being, and anything else relevant to alterations in condition should also be noted. Effects on the disease can be monitored by any means available. Even a dressmaker’s tape measure and a little native wit can provide useful information. The results from marker levels and scans should be interpreted with care. If therapy is commenced between measurements, it should be borne in mind that shrinkage due to Phenergan may be offset by tumour growth prior to commencement of therapy. A similar argument applies to tumour markers, where a decrease may be partly cancelled out by a previous increase. The temptation to delay in order to make comparisons between the effects of different treatments may appear attractive but should be resisted.

Continuity of Action

4hr, 7hr and 10hr: as for 2hr. 12-14hr (the exact time is not important): 25mg Phenergan. (See Warning section below). Soluble calcium is generally available as tablets in a variety of preparations, many of which are pleasantly effervescent; for example, 250mg, 400mg (UK; Sandocal), 600mg (Caltrate), 1000mg (Sandocal) or 1200mg (Calsource). Tablets of 1000-1200mg require to be snapped in two. To ensure solution, water (100-150ml) should be added 15-20 minutes beforehand. The total amount of calcium is 2.4-3.6g over a period of 9hr. The precise amount is not considered to be critical.

Success depends on sustaining destructive pharmacological pressure against the cancer over an appropriate period of time. It is vital, therefore, that every effort be made to keep closely to the timings. An hour or so either way is not critical, but if a dose happens to have been missed, it should be taken immediately. The protocols need to be continued beyond the apparent elimination of disease. At present this period is arbitrarily put at six months, but should be extended if any doubt exists. The reasons are discussed below (Duration of Treatment and Outcome). Even if the treatment fails to halt the progress of disease, Phenergan can enhance quality of life

MEETING THE CHALLENGE!

one day cancer wellness workshop

NEW CSA members can attend free!

continued on next page...

Life Changing Information for people with cancer presented by Dr. Peter Daale, Paul Alexander & Bavali Hill One day seminars for people living with cancer and their carers with a special focus on accessing key cancer information online, nutrition, and meditation. Held on the ﬁrst Friday of every month. Coming dates for workshops are 1st October, 6th November and 4th December from 9.30am-4.30pm.

To book phone CSA 9384 3544

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September 2009

and extend survival (see Introduction). In other words, the therapy places the patient in a no-lose situation. As a general point, although this treatment is not advanced as a substitute for surgical debulking, Phenergan reaches those parts which the scalpel cannot. In most countries Phenergan can be freely purchased in the form of 10mg and 25mg tablets; other phenothiazines are available only on prescription. Formulations in which the drug is provided in conjunction with other drugs should be avoided.

Warning The availability of Phenergan varies from country to country; for example, in Canada the product has been withdrawn. Patients should be extremely cautious and make absolutely sure it is promethazine they are receiving. The use of adulterated or counterfeit products obtained from the internet will lead to failure. In view of the serious consequences of premature discontinuation, if a marked improvement is maintained after a few weeks patients would be well advised to purchase sufficient Phenergan to last for two or three months in case procurement becomes difficult. Some patients inadvisably take matters into their own hands and modify the procedures. This has occasionally led to disaster. For example, an elderly patient with cervical cancer decided to reduce the Phenergan dose to 10mg every evening, with catastrophic effect. The advice provided rests both on rational concepts and on input from a number of patients. For those who have become free of cancer but who decide on an occasional anti-cancer scavenge by following through Day 1 of Procedure II, the second (final) dose of Phenergan (25mg) should be omitted.

Side Effects After the first day these are confined almost entirely to a drowsiness which usually wears off within a week. Driving a car or using machinery or sharp tools are not recommended, at least for a fortnight. Sensations of nausea are uncommon, and can be suppressed by (nonalcoholic) drinking. Restlessness of arms and legs, described by one patient as ‘twitching’, on the first day is interpreted as a response to destruction of malignant tissue. Identical symptoms are seen in brain tumour patients undergoing treatment with clomipramine (Pilkington, personal communication). Fatigue and soreness can occur and may persist for a day or two, but on the whole patients do not find the experience unpleasant. By way of contrast the response of a subject who was free from cancer was quite different; only a mild transient sleepiness was experienced at 8-10hr, and there was no twitching. Similarly, no

r e c n a c t r o p p su

E N I L N O

signiﬁcant response was observed in a terminally-ill patient who died two weeks later. The initial phase of drowsiness is tentatively interpreted as indicating tumour destruction. No instances of pain resulting from the therapy have been reported, but paracetamol would be a suitable analgesic. Hardly any patients experience difﬁculty with Phenergan therapy, but there has been an instance of dry mouth. Chronic treatment is well tolerated. One patient maintained herself on the full schedule for over four years; another, who kept on for nine years (1998-2007), experienced a modest gain in weight. The only patient who found the therapy insupportable responded to every medication in the same manner. The very small chances that jaundice may develop within a few days, or that the white cell count may fall (leucopenia or agranulocytosis) after 4-6 weeks, cannot be ruled out. The former can be recognised by a yellowing of the features, the latter by sore throat. Thrombocytopenia (fall in platelet count) is again highly unlikely, and may be indicated when minor cuts bleed for longer than usual, or by bruising. Alternatively the condition may be caused by an excessive intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, as mentioned above. To date none of these conditions has been encountered.

Clinical Trials Logically, the next step would be to put the therapy through a clinical trial. Only small numbers would be required on account of the effectiveness of the regimes. Following success informed research could quickly bring about improvements such as shortening the period of treatment and extending the range of sensitive tumours. Despite the impressive weight of supportive scientiﬁc evidence (eg, see Notes on the Treatment of Cancer with Low-Dose Phenothiazines with Special Reference to Promethazine on the website of the Cancer Support Association of Western Australia. Research section: www. cancersupportwa.org.au/research2.php Username; robert1: password; australia) and numerous personal appeals over a number of years, quite apart from the evident urgency of the situation, no cancer charity, research council or pharmaceutical company has agreed to act. Patent cover for Phenergan has long since run out. When an approach was made to the manufacturer, the reply was that the costs of development were too great and the returns too small to justify action.

Response to Therapy A general improvement in terms of weight gain, improved sleep, restored appetite and general well-being should be noticeable at least by the end of the ﬁrst week. Lessening of pain is an encouraging sign, but where there is involvement of bone several weeks may pass before relief is noticed. The advice on offer is gentle and

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September 2009

WELLNESS NEWS 19

humane; for those with experience of the ﬁercer forms of chemotherapy and radiotherapy the difference will come as a welcome surprise. Patients suffering from radiation-induced injury may ﬁnd that Phenergan provides some measure of relief. Peripheral neuritis in a single case of post-mastectomy radiation cleared up after several months.

Scientific Basis Chemical energy is produced within cells by subcellular organelles known as mitochondria. In normal cells these structures produce some 95% of the energy required for cellular maintenance, but in cancer cells they exist in a continual state of partial disablement. This weakness, the Achilles heel of the malignant growth, is characteristic of all tumours investigated to date, and is thought to account for the wide range of sensitivity to Phenergan. A proportion of the energy produced is dissipated as heat, which explains why many tumours are hot to the touch. In theory, then, all cancers should be amenable to this form of therapy, but in fact a small proportion (see [7] above) is not. The tentative reason is thought to be an unusually high glucose content. Glucose facilitates recovery from injury; prolonged exposure to calcium is anticipated to deplete the sugar in the tumour mass, thereby further endangering tumour viability. Unpublished experimental findings indicated that pharmacological attempts to lower the blood glucose may not necessarily augment cellular damage, and that insulin promotes recovery of malignant cells from injury. The disruption of energy metabolism within malignant cells caused by Phenergan is believed to weaken defences sufficiently to allow calcium to enter the cells and wreak serious damage. Documentation can be found in Notes on the Treatment of Cancer... On the first day of Procedure II the major burden of tumour destruction falls on calcium. Calcium has the same overall effect as Phenergan, but with these differences; the damaging action is both more direct and more effective.

Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity. Hippocrates (460 BC – 370 BC)

Duration of Treatment and Outcome The therapy takes time; just how long it will be necessary to keep taking Phenergan will depend, among other factors, on tumour type, the extent of disease at the commencement of treatment, and on the state of nutrition. As discussed above (Continuity of Action), treatment needs to be maintained for at least six months after the disappearance of the last traces of disease. With Procedure I it may be necessary to stay with Phenergan for two years or more, especially where there are secondary deposits in the bone. The earlier the presentation, the better. Whether a favourable outcome ensues or not depends in part on the medical history of the patient. Other factors inﬂuencing the outcome have been discussed above. On the basis of current experience with a total of about sixty patients, the chances of remission are a little less than half; of improvement in the quality of life and extension of survival, about two-thirds. What is certain is that unless the therapy is started, there is no chance of success. No matter how hopeless the situation may appear, some positive outcome from Phenergan is not necessarily out of the question. Phenergan treatment should not be prematurely discontinued without good reason. Poor compliance has been responsible for failure. Of those who decided to abandon the therapy prematurely, none survived. If treatment is interrupted before the growth is wholly eradicated, residual tumour cells acquire resistance and Phenergan will be found to have no anti-tumour effect second time round. No reason is known for this peculiar behaviour, and no reliable means of resensitisation is known at the present time. However, in one or two cases sensitivity has returned spontaneously, but only after a year or so and for no apparent reason. One fortunate patient believed sensitivity returned as a result of switching to a diet free from gluten and dairy products, but her experience awaits conﬁrmation. If it is decided to try once more, continued on next page...

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20 WELLNESS NEWS

September 2009 it will be necessary to recommence one of the procedures as though starting from scratch. Advantage can only be taken if the disease is slow-growing; it is unusual for survival to last sufﬁciently long for resensitisation to take place. The maxim is: if in doubt, don’t drop out. It might be added that it is not considered likely that there will ever be a `cure’ for cancer in a journalistic sense. What is sure is that until the principle of destroying cancer by disrupting energy metabolism within malignant cells is accepted by the medical and scientiﬁc establishments, the merciless toll will continue. Properly directed research is vitally necessary.

Precautions

As One “The light of oneness is seeing, feeling and connecting to the divinity in all living beings and within ourselves. The light of oneness is to realise and to joyously express, ‘my precious teacher is the whole universe and I am in every being – one with the source in perfect balance, peace and harmony. Our true nature is already enlightened. We only need to purify our body, our mind, and open wide our heart and surrender to love. As one, we then bathe in the light of wellbeing, happiness, bliss and universal consciousness, blossoming and awakening to our true nature, our pure being, our home. We are the majestic waves of the Divine Cosmic Ocean.” Devi Atmajyotis

A leaﬂet is provided with the Phenergan packet; the instructions should be read and, apart from discontinuation, followed. Alcohol does not interfere with the anti-cancer action, but abstinence is advised by the manufacturer. Exposure to ultraviolet light and sunlight, especially sunbathing, are to be avoided as far as possible. The group of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors must not be taken in conjunction with Phenergan. The following example illustrates the danger from viral infection. At the time of commencing therapy with Phenergan there were thirteen `hotspots’ in the bones of a patient with metastatic breast cancer. Two years later none was active. An attack of inﬂuenza was then followed by drug-resistant resurgence at new sites; the patient survived for seventeen months. This single case would suggest that contact with viruses should be strenuously avoided.

Relationship of the Patient with the Doctor and Cancer Specialist The help and support of medical advisers is valuable and must at all costs be enlisted, retained, and respected. Being secretive is discourteous; keeping your oncologist fully informed is essential. Accurate reports of progress need to be requested. Tumour regression is always welcome, but even if the news is not good, abandoning the therapy should be considered most carefully. A diagnosis of cancer calls for an unusual measure of bravery. Those who manage best are sufficiently courageous to face the future with equanimity. The prognosis with conventional treatment should be requested. Doctors are sometimes reluctant to spell out the gravity of a situation. In providing a false sense of optimism patients may be left with an option that disguises a poorer chance of survival. If attempts are made to dissuade, it may be asked what the dangers of the treatment with Phenergan are perceived to be. Reassurance is likely to be given that the risks are small. Uniquely for an alternative treatment, this is a procedure with a firm scientific base. Reference can be made to “Successful Cancer Therapy with Promethazine: the Rationale,” published in Medical Hypotheses 46, 25-29 (1996). Further evidence and references to the literature can be found in Notes on the Treatment of Cancer with Low-Dose Phenothiazines... (see website above). The site also includes a list of the author’s publications on the theme of cancer destruction through interference with energy metabolism.

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September 2009

“Patients unaware of the seriousness of their conditions commonly believe that time is on their side, and adopt a wait-and-see attitude. Nothing could be more mistaken. Time is never on the side of the cancer patient. The overriding aim must be, as a matter of pressing urgency, to begin to get well as soon as possible.” Orthodox Treatment and Self-Medication In England doctors go to much trouble to sustain hopes of remission, and are the beneﬁciaries of measures of deep faith from their patients. Optimism is seen as a useful adjunct to recovery. An understandable reluctance exists to tell a patient that a condition is incurable, a shattering experience for which few are prepared. A dangerous sense of false security may be engendered by a favourable report of tumour shrinkage; difﬁculty is experienced in accepting the reality of subsequent relapse. In some instances there may be less time for deceptive sympathy, and the message appears blunt and uncompromising. In Australia when, as often happens, patients are often told that there is no hope of recovery, the Phenergan option is accepted with alacrity. It is not generally understood that remissions from conventional treatment are not always permanent, nor that once secondary growths become established the chances of recovery with orthodox treatment are poor. On the other hand, if a cancerous cell sensitive to Phenergan migrates and establishes itself elsewhere in the body as a secondary growth, there is no reason why its genetically-determined properties should undergo change as a consequence of the move. Available experience supports the idea that when a primary growth is sensitive to Phenergan, its secondaries can be expected to respond.

Alternative Approaches Modern medicine is often miraculous. Antibiotics, transplants, open-heart surgery, joint replacements come to mind. Unhappily the conventional treatment of cancer has not kept pace with other advances in health care. The failure of orthodoxy opens the door to the glib operator or quack anxious dishonestly to line his or her pockets at the expense of the desperate. Critics of alternative treatments are right to point out that methodology is rarely divulged and that claims of success are never substantiated. Here the situation is totally different. Scientiﬁc evidence in support of the use of Phenergan in cancer is in the public domain (for references, see Relationship of the Patient..., above). Some patients have expressed a wish to conduct different alternative treatments in tandem with Phenergan. This has on occasion led to disaster. Because their impact on the anti-cancer action of Phenergan is uncertain and unpredictable, other treatments classed as alternative should emphatically not be run simultaneously. There is a belief that the treatment of cancer with phenothiazines amounts to alternative medicine, fringe medicine. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Sometimes one can sympathise with

WELLNESS NEWS 21

the opposition of doctors to complementary practices, especially when patients and their families are charged formidable sums for worthless advice and/or nostrums. The more expensive a treatment or preparation is, the greater is the need for scepticism. Some complementarists are honest enough to admit that all they can offer is palliation, but understandably patients and their families expect more and are often unwilling, unable even, to accept reality. Here the situation is totally different. Your doctor is unlikely to have heard of the therapy; cynicism can therefore be expected. In this situation the only question one can reasonably expect to have answered is whether or not harm is likely to ensue. In this materialistic age there is a general feeling that everything must have its price. Unlike private clinics and a majority of purveyors of alternatives, no fee has ever been charged. Some have mistakenly concluded that advice for which no payment is asked must by deﬁnition be worthless. They have later found themselves to have taken an expensive stance.

Publicity A high priority in this project has been to attempt to publish details of experience with Phenergan in cancer treatment. Efforts have been hampered by consistent refusals by oncologists to provide information or to enter into correspondence. Patients’ memories tend to be inaccurate and unreliable. It has not been possible to present data in a format acceptable for publication. Peer review, that muchvaunted criterion of excellence, has been repeatedly used by referees and editors of medical journals to block publication. A short note was published as an Appendix in the book In the Darker Shadow of Science (London: Cancer Research Press, 2007); a revised edition is currently in preparation. The continuing failure of the cancer establishment to recognise and pursue this line of attack has been intensely disappointing. If a return to normal life does come about, patients are requested to pass the advice on to fellow sufferers by all manner of means: word of mouth, especially within support groups, letters to newspapers and medical correspondents, calls to radio and television stations. If you have been lucky, is there not an obligation to help others? And why not let me know too?

Action If, after reading the above, uncertainty persists, the question remains: is this a chance worth taking? With all moribund patients the situation becomes hopeless when a point of no return is reached. The virtue of therapy with Phenergan can lie in moving that point farther away into the future. This is particularly true where metastatic spread is well established. However, even if tumour growth is not stemmed, beneﬁt is not necessarily out of the question. Now is the time to decide whether or not to go ahead, and if so, to make plans this very minute. What is certain is that the sooner the treatment begins, or, put another way, the smaller the tumour burden, the quicker the patient may become cancer-free. Delay confers no advantage whatsoever. Patients unaware of the seriousness of their conditions commonly believe that time is on their side, and adopt a wait-and-see attitude. Nothing could be more mistaken. Time is never on the side of the cancer patient. The overriding aim must be, as a matter of pressing urgency, to begin to get well as soon as possible. Once more, then: what is there to lose? ✦

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22 WELLNESS NEWS

September 2009

Spring Cleanse Some tips on cleansing the body, mind and spirit By Elson Haas, M.D.

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September 2009

WELLNESS NEWS 23

Have you ever wondered how you would feel if you took a total break for one week – took a holiday from the foods that drain your energy? Speaking personally, until I did my ﬁrst ten-day juice fast in 1975, I couldn’t make any kind of comparison. Sure, I had days when I felt pretty good, but the rest of time, I tended to walk around in a sluggish, semi-productive state – and I didn’t even realise how low my energy was until I began experiencing a more energised and vital way of being.

Healing

Fasting and juice cleansing can be a terrific source of vitality and a great healing tool. A good cleanse can remove congestion and toxins, and help you feel youthful. If you work in a high-pressure, fast-paced job, you may find this can give you the competitive edge you need. If your energy is good, but you want to be even healthier, this is a worthwhile approach to a higher level of health. For those of you who are in mid-life and find yourself slowing down more than you want, this can actually remove some of the signs of aging. I have many positive personal and patient anecdotes.

The self-experience of fasting is a truly inspiring educational experience. Most people need to be guided and supported through a cleanse only once. Then, in the future, they ﬁnd they are able to do it on their own, as the process is self-teaching. Once we learn a safe and healthy approach to fasting and cleansing, we know how to apply it to our life. We then can not only use it for personal healing; we can even guide others in its application

Here are some guidelines to consider when undertaking your spring cleanse:

Keep the digestive tract clean and clear It’s important to keep the bowels actively cleansing with laxative teas, enemas, colon irrigation, or an internal saltwater bath. Some form of cleansing bowel movement should happen at least every other day after initial clearing. Consider trying an internal bath: First thing in the morning, drink a litre of warm water with two teaspoons of sea salt dissolved in it. It washes right through you! For people who retain water easily or for those with high blood pressure, the saltwater ﬂush might be avoided; yet, when it works, it’s great!

Exercise Some other activities important for healthy cleansing and for general health include regular exercise and sweating, and hiking or spending time in nature. The fasting process helps to make us more attuned to our environment. We may be motivated to support a healthier environment, and reduce pollution. When we are cleansing, we become much more aware of unhealthy surroundings – chemicals, smoke, and fatty or meat food smells. And we will begin to appreciate more, if we do not already, the aromas of fresh foods and our natural surroundings.

Spiritual and emotional cleansing During the transformative process of cleansing our body, the effects spread throughout many areas of our life. There is often improved clarity of mind that develops. Emotional cleansing and subsequent insights also happen. Spiritual awareness is sometimes profound. We are more sensitive to subtle vibrations of people, situations, emotions, and nature. Intuition is enhanced and procrastination disappears. With new energy and focus, we may want to clean up our room, our home, or ofﬁce. We may even want to reorganize our whole life. I often suggest fasting, or juice cleansing, particularly for people who appear in a life transition zone or who wish to begin a whole new diet approach.

Fasting is also very useful for a wide variety of illnesses, including colds and ﬂues, bronchitis, allergies, and gastrointestinal problems. I also suggest other healing therapies during a cleansing program. Massage is very beneﬁcial. Counseling therapy, either psychological or career, may help clarify with new directions; and nutritional guidance is very important. Often though, this healing, counseling and guidance come from within!

Enhance your control over your own health

Please realise though, that fasting is not for everyone. I do not fast people with deficiency problems: For those with fatigue, anemia, immune weakness, nutritional deficiency, or underweight people I will not usually suggest fasting therapy. Nor is it suggested for pregnant or nursing mothers, or for youngsters. I only encourage juice cleansing with congestive-type problems, such as frequent colds, allergies, hypertension, constipation, back pains, or headaches. If detoxification is needed, there are other ways to do this through dietary shifts and herbal medicines. Overall, after 25 years of medical practice, I have to say that the fasting/cleansing/detoxification process is the greatest and most effective healing tool I have found. It is an important component for the prevention of degenerative diseases and a key to transformational and evolutionary medicine and healing. ✦ From the website: Staying Healthy with Dr Haas: www.elsonhaas.com

Copper in Your Drinking & Showering Water Can Cause Serious Health Problems • Nutritional & Environmental Medicine practitioners, using hair analysis, have discovered excessive levels of copper in a large percentage of people tested. • Some of the major problems experienced by people with excessive copper are Joint Pain, Chronic Fatigue, Hormone Imbalance, Anxiety/Depression & Cancer. • Copper piping has been identified as the major source of contamination. “Waterways” CC1 (USA) Carbon Filter removes 99.9% copper plus high % of other heavy metals, chlorine, bacteria etc. Independent testing has been carried out by a South Australian Government Laboratory - report available. The CCI Filter is one of the world’s biggest selling filters due to its advanced technology. Why purchase a “Waterways” CC1? • independent laboratory report available • unique filtering & safety features • retention of “good” minerals • Australian Standards Approved • superior USA filter housings • ”Waterways” 35 years experience • 3 year warranty

Call Gai 9336 3707 www.clservices.com.au “Waterways” filters are used & recommended by doctors & naturopaths throughout Australia.

Note: water systems that alkalize, ionize or restructure water do not remove copper. Water that is effectively copper-free can be achieved by adding a “Waterways” CC1 unit.

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24 WELLNESS NEWS

September 2009

healing cancer

with juice By Bob Davis

Virtually any improvement in the diet which includes more fresh

fruits and vegetables is detoxifying. When the diet mostly consists of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially if it is concentrated in a program such as Juice Fasting which is a powerful detoxiﬁcation method, the results are usually immediate and dramatic. Similar results may be had by taking only water for an extended period of time. However, water fasting does not provide the healing nutrition required for a body to replace faulty cells with healthy ones.

Juice fasting can be successfully accomplished by the patient if they have the necessary understanding. Books can be found on the internet on the subject. The requirements for juice fasting require careful preparation. A good juicer is a must. The nutrition of fruits and vegetables is in the juice. A juicer separates the juice from the fibre. Although some fibre is beneficial, the amount of nutrition required is so large that it would be virtually impossible to eat the amount of food necessary.

It is recommended that a person contemplating an extensive detoxiﬁcation program should place themselves under the supervision of a nutritionist. This should not be confused with a dietitian.

Another restriction is the eating of fruits and vegetables together. Vegetables require a longer digestion time than do fruits because of the vegetable ﬁbre. However, fruit and vegetable juices may be taken together because they digest at the same rate. It is, therefore, permissible and palatable to juice fruits and vegetables together.

For the purposes of this writing, a dietitian is one who follows the basic guidelines of the typical food pyramid, which is a one-sizefits-all plan which includes certain amounts of dairy products, meat, fruits, vegetables, grain etc. A nutritionist, for the purposes of this writing, is one who is specifically trained to evaluate the particular nutritional needs of an individual and can provide a juice fasting plan that considers the person’s vitality, extent and urgency of the treated disease, and also constantly monitors progress. Many naturopathic specialists are qualified nutritionists.

Be aware, you can and should have a severe reaction to the juice fast, especially if you are ill with a severe degenerative disease. This is called a Healing Crisis. The body is extremely conservative in its operation. It uses a protocol called homeostasis which, among other things, prevents the excessive poisoning of one organ or system by distributing toxins somewhat uniformly throughout the body. When the blood detoxiﬁes, the other storage areas of the body start to unload their toxins into the blood stream. The stored toxins may consist of chemical products that have been absorbed into the body.

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September 2009

WELLNESS NEWS 25

Permanent wave chemicals and other beauty products are infamous for this kind of problem. Also, industrial solvents and such chemicals can be stored as well. I talked to a practitioner who supervises such programs. One patient broke out in boils which were found to contain automobile painting products. He worked in an auto body shop. Prescription drugs stored in the body can be released into the blood stream, causing a drug overdose. It is important to have good supervision from a professionally trained practitioner if this kind of problem is to be successfully encountered. You may feel worse before you feel better. You may experience the worst “ﬂu” that you have ever had. The “rule of thumb” is to continue the fast until you have returned to normal for at least two days. However, if the patient is severely ill it may not be practical or wise to continue. A practitioner may have the patient juice fast for three days a week until the process is complete. In a crisis, as when the patient is given a few weeks to live, the process may be accelerated and carefully supervised. Carrot juice is the base of most juicing programs because carrots are uniquely nutritious. Other vegetables such as dark lettuce and beet roots and tops can be added. A half apple may be added as well, but, fruits should be used in moderation because of their high sugar content. Carrots also are high in sugar, but they are universally accepted as the best vegetable to use. The restriction of sugar is vital in treating cancer because cancer feeds on sugar. Sugar also impairs the immune system. One “dose” of sugar can shut down the immune system for several hours. The usual consumption of juice is 13 glasses of freshly made juice per day. Some advocate the preparing of juice for the day and keeping it in airless (no air under the lid) covered container. My personal opinion is that freshly made juice is best, but if you don’t have the time to continually prepare the juice and clean the juicer, then storing the juice may be the best alternative. Juice fasting can produce immediate and dramatic improvement. I have seen results producing a “cancer free” condition in as little as three weeks. In my observation, the biggest problem experienced in achieving success is an uncertain and inconsistent attitude toward the program. Often a juice fasting procedure is all that is needed for successfully treating cancer. It is important to recognise the signs of the Healing Crisis when it inevitably occurs. Often patients try to treat the symptoms which emerge as if it were a disease and either quit the program, or try to relieve the symptoms, which can abort the healing process. Dr Stanley Bass says of the Healing Crisis: “As you move toward better health with natural healing programs and better nutrition, healing begins to occur. As part of the healing process the body will begin to discard toxic residues which have built up in your body over the years. During the initial phase of healing, as your body begins to detoxify and your vital energy begins to repair and rebuild internal organs, you may experience headache, uneasiness, ﬂu like symptoms and fatigue. It is important that you adequately rest during this time. These symptoms will pass as your body begins to normalize to a new level of health. As you continue to improve, you may begin a process called retracing. You may feel worse before you feel better. For example, if you used to get skin rashes, the rashes may reappear or get worse for a period of time as your body eliminates toxins through the skin. You may also experience an initial increase in urination, or you may feel more nervous. In actuality, you are not getting worse, you are actually getting better. Eventually you will reach a plateau of better health. During the healing crisis, it is important to not suppress these temporary symptoms with drugs or the healing process may become interrupted.” ✦

organic vs. COMMERICAL I believe in using only ORGANIC produce for your juicing. This is ESSENTIAL! When you make fresh juice, you are not only concentrating the vitamins, minerals and enzymes – you are concentrating any pesticide residue left on the plants. If the unlabelled produce is genetically engineered, who knows what you may be concentrating! Some people will say not to worry about this because the juicer naturally filters out pesticides, and since they are water soluble your body can eliminate them easily – but I disagree. You just don’t need this added grief when you are trying to cleanse and purify yourself and start a new healthier lifestyle. You also need as much concentrated nutrition as your body can absorb, and the denser nutrition found in organics helps. If you can’t get organic produce where you live, or it is too expensive, you can have it shipped. Several websites offer shipping. You can also subscribe to CSA Farms in some areas (community supported agriculture) – such as Mimsbrook Farm in Armadale. Another benefit of juicing organically is that you can use the pulp in other raw recipes! Don’t waste your pulp! Even after juicing it is rich in vitamins, minerals and all-important fibre. However, it has to be organic because when you juice produce, any pesticide residue or other toxins will end up concentrated in the pulp. When you must juice with commercial, non-organic produce, toss out the pulp. ✦ From: rawfoodlife.com

Bob Davis is a retired engineer who was diagnosed with advanced terminal cancer. He healed himself of cancer using alternative methods including juice fasting. This article and details of his program can be found at: www.cancer-success.com

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26 WELLNESS NEWS

September 2009

SPRING

g n i c i u j

“Let food be thy medicine, and let thy medicine be food.” Hippocrates

Spring is the ideal time for juicing to revitalise your health and restore energy.

Race Runner

Ingredients 1 lemon • 2 radish • 1 beet • 1 slice Spanish onion So you’ve made the decision to run the race of heaven. To give it your all. To live without needs or wants. To be a servant. To deny self. To live in the spirit of peace, kindness, hope and joy. To war against spiritual realms, praying always. To stilling the storms of the soul through trusting in God. To be willing to suffer. Then, here is the juice for you. Make it in the morning just before a brisk walk of discipline. Make it a walk of war against doubt, fear, worry, lazy thinking, role-playing and frustration. As you walk, adjust the face of your soul so that it shines with peace, love and joy. And do it with all your power and might.

Eat less to slash cancer Restricting main meals to just two adjacent meals per day, and thus leaving a long period each day without eating, has been found by researchers at Sydney University’s Department of Infectious Diseases to slash the incidence of cancer. The indications were that skin cancer would reduce by over 10 times and there would be major reductions in breast cancer, lung cancer and leukemia. The cancer reduction benefits would be achieved if main meals are consumed either for breakfast and lunch or for lunch and dinner, with the third meal being fruit only. The preference [in my opinion] is for a fruit breakfast and main meals at lunch and dinner. Alternatively, you could replace one meal a day with a delicious vegetable juice.

Source: CISS Newsletter, Vol 25, No.5

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The Cancer Killer Ingredients • 1 beet • 1 carrot • 1 celery stick Rudolf Breuss’s, anticancer mixture has helped literally thousands of people. This juice blend, during fasting, exerts a death blow on cancer. This was attested by over 24,000 patients who wrote to him describing relief from their diseases. His patients were given small amounts of this juice over 42 days. A tea composed of nettle, St. John’s wart, marigold, artemisi and monarda was also given. By “starving out” the cancer, Rudolf Breuss reported a 96% success rate for the thousands of patients he treated over 30 years of practice. (Rudolf Breuss died in 1989 at 93 years of age.) Its composition is: 55% beet root, 20% celery root, 20% carrot, 3% potato, 2% radish. Juice Recipes amd text from: FASTING TO FREEDOM by By Tom McGregor.

Email your healing recipes and food news to the Wellness News editor: editor.wellness@yahoo.com.au

September 2009

WELLNESS NEWS 27

Why I love to Juice!

I was introduced to juicing carrots when I was 24 years old. I juiced ocassionaly because I was told that juicing was good for one’s health. It wasn’t until I was in my early 40’s that I began a raw food / juice program. My youngest of 5 children was about 2 years old and I had been struggling with some health problems. I was always tired and had aches and pains in my shoulders and back. I had no energy to go from day to day. I was not in the best of health. A dear friend once again reminded me of the benefits of juicing and eating raw foods.

The Niagara Falls Cleanser Ingredients • 1 wedge watermelon • 300g red grapes Watermelon rind has chlorophyll, vitamin A, protein, potassium, zinc, iodine, nucleic acids and enzymes which aid digestion. Ninetyfive percent of the nutritional content in watermelon is in the rind. The seeds may be a little noisy but are harmless to the juicer. You may be curious about the name. When you put a sloppy wet piece of watermelon in the juicer it comes out like Niagara Falls. Because watermelon is a great diuretic, your kidneys and bladder will experience a honeymoon of youthful health. If you are short on money, watermelon juice is the ticket. You can add just about anything to watermelon juice, so again, we encourage you to have some fun.

Benefits of Red Grapes Red grapes naturally produce a powerful antibiotic in their skin called Resveratrol which is also an antioxidant. One of the most impressive health benefits of resveratrol is its unique ability to keep off and fight various types of cancers as well as other life-threatening diseases. Resveratrol’s other important health benefits are that it helps to maintain blood sugar levels, keeps overall cholesterol levels low, helps in thinning blood thereby preventing strokes, etc.

I recommend juicing to anyone who is dealing with health problems. For years I, like many had been eating processed and impure foods. When I began my raw food / juicing program, I noticed a change immediately. Juices help to cleanse the body and begin to nourish bodies that have been depleted for years. This is exactly what happened to me. I had an extreme burst of energy, then went through a sluggish period as I was detoxing and then once again continued on with energy. I was told by many friends that my eyes sparkled and my skin looked so youthful. I felt youthful. I had energy, my aches and pains disappeared, I thought more clearly. I was more active and felt more confident. It was as though I were in my early 20s again. By taking in fresh raw vegetable juices my body was able to build and get stronger. When drinking raw fresh juices the digestive process is so much easier on the body. It takes a lot of energy for our foods to digest, especially after many years of abusive eating of processed unenriched foods. My entire family benefited from my juicing program. My children loved the fresh juices I began to make for myself. Soon we were all enjoying the yummy fresh taste and nutritional benefits from raw fresh juices. Some of their favourites were purple grapes with celery. Just a perfect blend sweet with salty. They also enjoyed fresh squeezed orange juice and grapefruit juice. Another favourite was celery, cucumber, small handful of parsley, romaine lettuce, green pepper, garlic, cayenne pepper (pinch) and fresh home grown tomatoes. Kids also love the sweeet, yummy taste of plain carrot juice. This was always a big hit. They began to add carrot juice to their granola cereal instead of almond milk. Carrot and celery was another juice enjoyed by everyone. We added cucumber to the celery and carrot. We just became creative. Just remember to wash your vegetables and fruits really well. We peeled the vegetables that weren’t organic. We grew a lot of our vegetables which helped on our grocery bill and knew they were organic. Juicing was fun and benefited our entire family in many ways besides good health. We had fun learning and caring for our bodies. We had fun creating our own receipies and growing our own vegetables. It was a fun time together. ✦ From: www.juicerecipe.info

of the Cancer Support Association of WA September 2008 Cancer SupportMagazine Association www.cancersupportwa.org.au

28 WELLNESS NEWS

September 2009

CSA

community would like to post notices somethingIf you on the Bulletin Board email your notice to the Editor: editor.wellness@yahoo.com.au

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH ASSESSMENT SCREENINGS. REDUCED PRICE FOR MEMBERS Paul Alexander, one of Australia’s leading natural health practitioners, is offering a very comprehensive Health Assessment Screening at a reduced price for CSA members. Contact Paul at the Tara Centre, or discuss this option with Dr. Peter Daale at CSA.

Online Cancer Chat

Natural Wigs Contact Lisa on 0418 366 998 for a free consultation. She supplies natural looking human hair wigs. Many styles, all lengths.

Enjoy learning REIKI Roger Weston is oﬀering CSA members the opportunity to learn Reiki for $100 which is half price. Contact Roger for more information on 9384 2344. Put Healing in Your Hands!

Valet Parking If you are attending CSA and would like assistance parking your car, please stop in the drive at the front of the building and ask reception.

riddles

I have three letters, and I read the same forward and backwards. I rhyme with a word that is important to everyone. What word am I? Count every “ F” in the following sentence: Finished files are the result of years of scientific study combined with the experience of years. How many did you find?

brain teaser What do the following words have in common? Assess Banana Dresser Grammar Potato Revive Uneven Voodoo Brain Teaser: If you take the ﬁrst letter and move it to the rear of the word, you get the same word when read backwards.

Mandy BeckerKnox, editor of Wellness News Online will be present in the Chatroom on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 10am-12pm Perth time to faciliate the online forum.

Riddle: Eye (rhymes with “I”.); The letter F appears six times in that sentence. Most people think there are only four For some reason the brain doesn’t identify the Fs in “of”.doesn’t identify the Fs in “of”.

www.cancersupportwa.org.au environment • wellness • healing

Groups & activities at CSA...

A weekly group held every Tuesday at CSA from 10am – 12noon. Anyone who’s life has been aﬀected by cancer or other life threatening illnesses is welcome to attend.

Meditation Made Easy weekly meditation classes with Bavali Hill Every Monday at CSA from 10am to 11.30am. Newcomers welcome. Cost: Free for CSA Members, $5 for non-members. No booking necessary.

in the Sun Room at CSA A gentle, holistic, relaxing class with Sydel Weinstein Tuesdays 9.30 – 10.30am. Suitable for beginners.

Grief and Loss Support Group at CSA Last Wednesday of each month. 1-3pm. This open support group is for anyone experiencing grief as a result of losing a loved one to cancer. Join us for an opportunity to share these feelings with others in a safe and compassionate space.

FREE FOR MEMBERS. $10 NON-MEMBERS.

CSA Laughter Club

HE WHO LAUGHS LASTS!

with Kimmy O’Meara At the CSA every Wednesday morning 11.45am to 12.45pm. Cost: CSA Members $3; Others $5. For enquiries phone CSA on 9384 3544.

30 WELLNESS NEWS

September 2009

In fond memory of those who have shared part of their journey with us... Colin Woodfield Pauline Outram Carol Palmer Peta Paton Tatiana Dalby

Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain...

The Cracked Pot An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.

Thankyou... Thankyou to everyone who has donated to the Cancer Support Association this year. We particularly thank the following generous donor: Mill & Ware Holdings Pty Ltd

But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. ‘I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.’ The old woman smiled, ‘Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side?’ ‘That’s because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.’ ‘For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.’

AMENDMENT: In the August 2009 Wellness magazine we published a story credited to Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This story was originally titled ‘The Marionette’ and was written by Johnny Welch.

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it’s the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You’ve just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them. SO, to all our crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path! Anonymous

www.cancersupportwa.org.au environment • wellness • healing

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contact cancer support association... 80 Railway St, Cottesloe, Western Australia. PO Box 325 Cottesloe WA 6911 Australia Phone 08 9384 3544, Fax: 08 9384 6196. Email: csa@cancersupportwa.org.au Web: www.cancersupportwa.org.au

Wellness News magazine is published by the Cancer Support Association of WA Inc (CSA). Wellness magazine contains a diverse selection of articles and information on subjects related to cancer, wellness and healing. 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 when making treatment, dietary and lifestyle choices. © Copyright of all articles and images remains with individual contributors.