BREAST CANCER HEALING
Spiritual and emotional healing
According to Dr. Louise Hay, an international renowned counsellor, teacher and lecturer, frequently patients with cancer have a deep hurt, long standing resentment, a deep secret or grief eating away at self. There is a general belief that before one can be cured or go into remission, some psychological work must be done. It is important to focus on nurturing and releasing the emotions behind the illness. The starting point has to be oneself but the devastation and disbelief which one experiences when diagnosed with breast cancer or any other cancer is common. The tears, the anxiety, the questioning, the stress, the disturbed sleep are high on the list. According to research, the causes, a tiny percentage of which are hereditary are linked to diet, environmental toxins, infection and mental and emotional stress. It is easy to sink into depression on diagnosis but it is far more important to understand that one can immediately embark on an uplifting journey of emotional healing and cleansing. One can practise many of the recommended techniques and begin to enjoy life to the full and become stronger. I took note and started to focus on nurturing myself almost immediately. My sisters invited me to India on an unforgettable spiritual journey to Parmarth Ashram, in Rishikesh in the foothills of the Himalayas. This helped in my healing. And every day in a strange sort of way much of what I do is linked to healing and so the healing goes on and on and life seems to have taken on a special new meaning.
HELPFUL TIPS
> Remain positive and practise visualisationHarbouring negativity can affect healing by breaking down the immune system. Caress one's mind with healing thoughts and verbally affirm that all is well and that healing is taking place in the breast and other parts of the body. Aim to do this on a daily basis until the thoughts become internalized and actuality occurs. People have attributed positive changes in the body from using this technique.
Highly recommended
Moving Stillness cd by Barbara
Siddall, Senior Therapist at the Breast Cancer Haven, London. To order
telephone the Haven 0207 384 0099
RECOMMENDED CDS
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
> Think love
and live only in the present time
Surround yourself with close
friends and family as this will help to reduce feelings of depression
and anxiety.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
> Live your life with appreciation and gratitude
Even in illness we have so much to be grateful for! Identify the good that can and has come from your illness.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
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> Have a good laugh
Laughter is fantastic for raising
our spirits and giving us a real energy boost. Dance as much as possible,
watch comedies and non-violent films.
> Spirituality, prayer and healing.
Initiate a spiritual
practise daily. You might like to light a candle. Let go and surrender
to the divine. Find a quiet, comfortable space to reflect, pray and feel
at peace. Read your spiritual diary and some healing affirmations. Be
aware of your angels. The angel oracle cards are wonderful.
This is a great start to the day and works positive
wonders!
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
RECOMMENDED ORACLE CARDS
RECOMMENDED CDS
> Spiritual healing
Studies have shown that the recovery rate after surgical intervention is significantly greater when a healer is used. Spiritual healing has also been found to ameliorate the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.
National Federation of Spiritual Healers
Is a registered charity and has a register of qualified healer members.
Tel: 0845 123 2777
www.nfsh.org.uk
Reiki healing
Reiki is a Japanese word meaning "universal light". It is a spiritual energy healing using divine light energy which is called upon to heal and is channelled through the healer's hands.
Reiki federation - will help to find a reiki practitioner.
www.reikifed.co.uk
Retreats/healing pilgimages
Getting away from it all to a loving, nurturing environment is sometimes what one needs. Cancer retreat/healing retreat in South West Wales.
Tel: 01267 241999
www.heartspring.co.uk
Healing pilgrimages with Barbara Siddall, Senior Therapist at Breast Cancer Haven in London.
www.mindjourneys.com
Retreats and holistic holidays
www.thespiritoflife.co.uk
Mountain High
- Spirit of Adventure
www.mountainhighme.com
> Yoga/meditation and breathing
Works on body, mind and spirit and will help one find an inner peace. Yoga rejuvenates the whole body and is an ideal way to improve digestion and boost toxin elimination. Ten minutes per day is all that is necessary. Simple breathing helps the respiratory system and provides our cells with vital oxygen. The postures help to keep the body flexible and reduce stress and tension.
Meditation can help you to find more serenity and calm in your life.
The focus on breathing will help to eliminate the "mind clutter" that constantly tries to invade our minds. With practise the result is peace which allows the body to let go of stress and allow healing to take place.
British wheel of yoga
www.bwy.org.uk
Tel: 01529 306851
Recommended - meditation cd
Moving Stillness by Barbara Siddall, Senior Therapist at the Breast Cancer Haven in London.
Tel 020 7384 0099
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
> Chanting
The healing power of sound has long been recognized. Chanting chooses sacred phrases or mantras from various traditions, for example, "om". They are sung repeatedly for minutes or hours. The human voice resonates with the chakra system, activates the flow of subtle energies, uplifts the mood, balances mind and aura and can lead to a state of blissful joy.
RECOMMENDED CDS
> T'ai chi
Is an ancient healing and martial art from the Far East which emphasises the mind/body connection. The physical side of t'ai chi is a series of coordinated moves with breathing techniques to encourage the body's energy flow through the meridians in the body.
> Qi gong
Is an ancient Chinese practise which works with the body's energy or "qi" (pronounced "chee"). The focus is on controlled breathing, concentration and simple movement. It is believed that by moving "qi" through the body, the blocks are removed, energy flows freely and the body heals and restores itself.
Tt'ai chi and qi gong classes nationally.
www.taichifinder.co.uk
RECOMMENDED DVDs & BOOKS
> Relaxation
Find time for relaxation. Relaxation helps
to release muscle tension, relieve stress, reduce tiredness and pain,
and improve sleep and peace of mind. The best way to relax is by doing
what you enjoy doing. You may want to relax by listening to music, watching
a dvd, treating yourself to a complementary therapy or by listening to
an audio book if you are unable to read.
RECOMMENDED CDs
RECOMMENDED DVDS
> Complementary therapies
Are uplifting and good for
relaxation. Many GP surgeries, hospitals and hospices are now offering
them.
| - Aromatherapy The use of aromatherapy is hundreds of years old. It is the use of essential oils or other aromatic compounds from plants to affect someone's mood or health. It is used in massage, in burners or poured in the bath to encourage stress-relief and self healing. There is little evidence that it prevents or cures illness. Some of these oils are very potent so consult a health professional in cases of serious illness. A few drops of lavender oil on your pillow at night will help aid sleep and the same in your bath is wonderfully uplifting. Essential Oils - Click to Purchase |
- Flower remedies - Click to Purchase
These flower essences are created from
the flowers of plants, bushes and trees. The energy of the plant is then
used to treat our mental and emotional problems. Each plant transmits
a different vibration frequency. A number of the remedies are used to
lift the spirits.
- Acupuncture
Is an ancient system of healing from the
East which can help to relieve pain. Fine needles inserted into the skin
at certain pressure points clear energy blocks and open up the meridians
or energy lines around the body. A study in China showed that acupuncture
enhanced cellular immunity in patients with malignant tumours. It can
help with stress and emotional problems by returning you to a state of
equilibrium. Evidence suggests that it can help with the side effects
of chemotherapy and may help to eliminate the pain and hot flashes caused
by tamoxifen (a breast cancer medication). A number of GP's surgeries,
hospitals and hospices now offer acupuncture.
British acupuncture council
Tel: 020 8735 0400
www.acupuncture.org.uk
- Emotional freedom technique
Eft or emotional freedom
technique releases negative feelings whether they are emotional or physical,
and whether they refer to past, present or future. It is an energy therapy
that starts from the premise that what troubles us is not what happens
or has happened or may happen to us but what happens to our bodies' energy
systems in response to these things. It works by rebalancing the energy
to eliminate the effect of the disruption. It is based on acupuncture
and acupressure. It invovlves concentrating on a particular problem while
tapping on different acupuncture points or meridians. It is sometimes
described as acupuncture without needles. This technique can be applied
to a wide range of problems and can be a highly effective and useful
self-help tool.
For information on eft and help in finding
a practitioner.
www.emofree.com
- Have a Massage
Massage can help release energy that has
been stuck for a long time. There are various massage techniques which
are beneficial. Massage will speed up the removal of toxins that can
then be eliminated through the bowel. It is helpful for improving the
flow within the lymphatic system and helps to restore circulation in
all parts of the body, enhancing cell activity which in turn leads to
a more efficient set of internal organs. It also boosts immunity and
reduces tissue swelling.
Shiatsu orJapanese Massage - has been used for centuries to reduce the body's toxic levels. To detox, experts recommend twice weekly treatments for a month combined with a healthy diet and plenty of water.
The Bowen Technique is a gentle but powerful holistic soft tissue remedial
therapy developed to treat musculoskeletal problems including back
pain and frozen shoulder. It can also be used to manage conditions
such as asthma, hay fever and digestive disorders.
The bowen association uk
www.bowen-technique.co.uk
- Indian Head Massage
Will nourish the hair and help
it to return to its normal state following chemotherapy.
- Reflexology
Involves massaging ' energy' points on the
feet and hands to help with energy imbalances and stimulates the body's
natural healing systems. It can also alleviate stress and emotional tension.
Association of reflexologists
Tel:0870 567 3320
www.aor.org.uk
> Exercise
Gentle exercise is best. It strengthens the
immune system, oxygenates the blood and liver, improves metabolism, releases
endorphins which help to create happiness, shifts certain toxins in the
body, and keeps weight down. It also helps with lymphatic drainage as
lymphatic fluid is moved along through muscle movement.
Research shows that just thirty minutes of walking, three times a week can cut your risk of the disease by 50%. If you don't like walking any form of aerobic exercise will do.
Walk in nature or go for a light jog/ alternatively use a treadmill
Cycling
An exercise bike at home if one is unable to
cycle outdoors.
Dancing
Put on your favourite music and let rip
Vibration training/power plate
Used by Kylie Minogue
to regain her fitness. The machine is suitable for a full range of fitness
levels. As well as toning, it is remedial and rebuilds strength. Achieves
amazing results with minimal effort. (see vibration training)
Rebounding
Gentle rebounding is a great way to get the
muscles working.
Rowing machine
This helps to strengthen the arms, back
and legs even with very gentle rowing.
Swimming
A great form of general
exercise. If you swim in a chlorinated pool be sure to wash the chlorine
off as soon as you can.
Detox
box/infrared sauna
Safely and effectively detoxifies the body
of many lifelong accumulated toxins and heavy metals. It also assists
in weight management.
USEFUL CONTACTS
Counselling and support groups
The love and support of our friends and family is wonderful at this time. However, many of us find it helpful and healing to talk and share experiences with others who have been through similar experiences. I was very lucky to have gone to the Haven in London. It was like coming home. There was much love and nurturing from Barbara Sidall, our SeniorTherapist. It was beautiful. She taught us some simple meditation and visualisation techniques as well as breathing exercises. They have been a great gift and I came away feeling whole again. I also made lovely friends. Her meditation cd, Moving Stillness, can be bought from the Breast Cancer Haven. Telephone 020 7384 0099.
Breast Cancer Haven - offers a two day workshop,
counselling and alternative therapies.
Effie Road, London, SW6 1tb.
Tel: 020 7384 0099
Or 37, St Owen St, Hereford, Hr1 2jb.
Tel: 01432 361061
www.breastcancerhaven.org
Maggies centres
- are support
centres around the UK which offer emotional and psychological support.
Included in the programme are stress management, relaxation and visualisation
techniques.
www.maggiescentres.org
Breastcancercare - they
have a good chat forum. You can also read all kinds of questions and
answers and ask your own questions relating to every aspect of breast
cancer. Tel 0808 600 800
www.breastcancercare.org.uk
Cancer backup - has cancer
information, advice and a comprehensive list of support groups. Freephone:
0808 800 1234
www.cancerbackup.org.uk
The cancercounselling trust - offers free telephone counselling sessions
to cancer patients, their family or friends and also offers support
if a friend or relative has died of cancer.
Tel: 020 7704 1137
www.cctrust.org.uk
Cancerlink
Helpline 0808 808 0000
Cancerwise - drop in centre to support,
inform and befriend.
Tel 01243 778156
www.cancerwise.org.uk
Carers, self help and home support
Macmillan cancer relief - support
for people with cancer and their families. Access to 2,000 nurses for
community and home help. Tel 0845 601 6161
www.macmillan.org.uk
Marie curie - care for thousands of people in their own homes and at hospices throughout the uk.
Tel 0800 716 146
www.mariecurie.org.uk
Carers uk
Helpline 080 8808 7777
www.carersonline.org
Positive action on cancer - free professional and
counselling service.
Tel 01373 455255
www.positiveactiononcancer.co.uk