Thursday, July 21, 2016

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY for Cancer

JANINE KIRBY, INTEGRATIVE PRACTITIONER


‘It’s about being a person, it’s about being compassionate, it’s about being a healer.’

There are many different facets to healing besides traditional western forms of
treatment like chemotherapy and radiation. Based on your own personal
experiences and feelings on the matter, you may want to explore the various
complementary therapies available to find a holistic way forward with your
cancer or even your health in general.

Integrative practitioner73 and trained medical doctor Janine Kirby
explains that patients often look to other forms of healing during cancer
treatment because of the limitations of western medicine. ‘Essentially, in
western medicine what we are doing is suppressing symptoms. In
complementary therapies, we are promoting balance and healing.’

It is very much a personal journey and one in which the cancer patient’s
personal decision is crucial. Kirby says that often cancer patients have a socalled
C-type personality. C-type or cancer-prone individuals have three main
attributes. Firstly, they tend to suppress their own needs in favour of the needs
of others, and easily comply with the wishes of others. Secondly, they have
difficulty expressing their own emotions, tending to suppress strong painful
emotions especially. Thirdly, they often feel helpless and powerless.

‘Something has happened in their life that has been very painful and thus
strong feelings of sorrow, grief, anger and pain have been incarcerated in their
bodies.’

This sadness or pain, Kirby believes, may be the catalyst for cancer. In
order for these patients to heal, they need to make their own decisions about
treatment and not simply comply with what doctors tell them, as this is what
got them here in the first place. ‘It’s actually about making a very important
and positive decision for themselves and their own healing and their own
path, which can be very spiritual,’ says Kirby.

Choosing a type of treatment, whether chemotherapy or homeopathy, or
a combination of the two, comes down to how the patient feels about the
treatment. Kirby says that if, for example, a patient is under the impression
that chemotherapy is a drug that will only further damage him or her, it is not
a good treatment option for them. However, if the patient feels it is a drug
that will heal, then it is a good treatment option. ‘It is critical that patients feel
empowered when making choices for treatment, making healing decisions
that resonate with their world views; decisions that reflect self-compassion.’
It is therefore important to explore all of the available options and to make
the decision yourself. What follows is an overview of some of the more
popular complementary therapies available in South Africa.

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture involves pricking the skin or tissues with needles to alleviate
pain and to treat various physical, mental and emotional conditions. While it
originated in China, it is practised widely in South Africa.

‘Acupuncture is at least two centuries old, with research dating back even
further in the Chinese civilisation,’ explains Dr Natascha Wolf, an
acupuncturist based in Roodepoort. ‘The oldest acupuncture needle was a
stone in a needle-type shape.’ Wolf got into acupuncture after studying
homeopathy for six years and receiving her master’s degree. She has been
practising for twelve years, dealing with health issues like infertility,
musculoskeletal disease and mental illness.

For cancer patients, Wolf says that acupuncture is beneficial because it
helps to stimulate the body’s natural healing ability. ‘I personally use it pre-,
during and post-chemo for side effects and to increase energy and healing. It
is a great adjunct to medicinal treatment for cancer. I think it is also
important for post-chemo to try to re-establish balance in the body.’

In terms of general health, acupuncture can also be beneficial. It is noninvasive,
safe and has positive side effects that include deep relaxation and a
feeling of well-being. It can also be used alongside any kind of medication.

AYURVEDA

This traditional-healing system dates back over 5 000 years. While it
originated in India, it is gaining popularity in countries like South Africa.
According to the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa
(AHPCSA), ayurveda ‘is a complete system of medicine which advocates that
all beings come from nature and are an integral part of the whole creation’.74

It is ideal for those who believe that the body, mind and spirit should be in
harmony. While ayurveda is a complex belief system, built on the
understanding that the universe is made up of space, air, fire, water and
earth, its focus is that when everything is in harmony or balance, you will be
at optimum health.

The AHPCSA and the National Ayurveda Medical Association of South
Africa offer advice, resources and information for those interested in pursuing
this route.

MACROBIOTICS

Macrobiotics, meaning great or big (macro) life (bios), is the study of
energetics. Mandy Hoffeldt, a macrobiotic and whole-foods teacher at the
LiveMacro Wellness Centre in Johannesburg, explains that ‘if you apply
macrobiotic principles of balance, then you will be strong and healthy and
able to live a great life’.

Underlying macrobiotics is the belief that there are two energy forces
governing all things: yin – expansive energy, also known as earth’s force – and
yang – contracting energy, also known as the heavens’ force. ‘These energies
influence and are present in everything, including the foods we eat. If we eat
extreme foods, which are foods that are either too yin or too yang, we
eventually become ill,’ Hoffeldt explains.

Using water as an example of yin and yang, she explains that in its
extremely expanded state (yin) water becomes steam and in its most
contracted state (yang) it turns to ice. Thus, nothing is ever completely yin or
yang; rather there are varying degrees of both in all things.

‘These energetic changes happen in our own bodies whenever we eat or
drink something, either causing some degree of expansion or contraction. By
eating balanced foods, like whole grains, legumes, vegetables and sea
vegetables, and by avoiding foods that are classified as extremely expansive or
contracting such as meat, dairy, refined food, alcohol and other stimulants,
we can achieve health,’ Hoffeldt says.

By taking diet into account, macrobiotics is also based on the theory that
eating local and seasonal foods is more balanced than eating foods that are
out of season or are grown in a region that is very different from the one in
which you live.

In terms of cancer, Hoffeldt says that because macrobiotics is a return to a
more natural way of eating and living, it can aid healing. ‘Macrobiotic foods
help to eliminate excess in the body, which is often a cause of many cancers.

The foods can help to strengthen and fortify people with cancer, and because
it is a completely natural approach, there are no ill effects. Many people begin
to “discharge” or “detox” when starting on macrobiotics, so they may feel
worse before they start to feel better.’

Treatment is simple, based on the principles of yin and yang. Hoffeldt
explains that if you have what is considered a more contracted cancer, like a
tumour, you would apply macrobiotic principles and various remedies to
address the particular condition by following a more yin-balanced diet. If you
are suffering from a more yin cancer, the opposite would apply. Macrobiotics
can also be used alongside other natural treatments like homeopathy and
reflexology or medical treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.

In all cases, the individual is key. ‘Macrobiotics is different for each
person, depending on that person’s condition and other factors like
environment and geographical position,’ says Hoffeldt. ‘Other
recommendations made to people who are ill include living more naturally,
avoiding electromagnetic-radiation exposure from electronic equipment or
cellphones, getting regular exercise, and engaging in practices like yoga,
shiatsu and meditation to help restore balance.’

In terms of living a healthy lifestyle, according to the principles of
macrobiotics everything eventually changes to its opposite. Just as night
becomes day and summer gives way to winter, our bodies are always
changing. ‘We need to continually change and adapt our way of eating to our
current circumstances, our current health and other factors that influence our
daily lives. This way we can truly experience health throughout our lives.’

As there are so many principles that guide macrobiotic teachings, Hoffeldt
recommends learning as much as you can and keeping a spirit of curiosity by
always questioning what is being taught. She was once even advised by a
macrobiotic counsellor to ‘practice moderation in all things, even
moderation. I like to remember this when I see people getting too stressed or
worked up about following any kind of dietary regimen too strictly and
causing themselves unnecessary angst.’

For those wanting to know more, Hoffeldt recommends books like The
Macrobiotic Way by Michio Kushi, The Hip Chick’s Guide to Macrobiotics by
Jessica Porter, Macrobiotics for Dummies by Verne Varona and The Great Life
Diet by Denny Waxman.

HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy is one of the most popular forms of alternative medicine and is
based on the law of similiars. Developed by Dr Samuel Hahnemann, the
concept of homeopathy is that anything that can produce symptoms can also
be used to cure symptoms. For example, an onion causes symptoms like
watery eyes and a burning nose. In homeopathy, a remedy that utilises onion
will be used to treat something like hay fever, which causes watery eyes and a
burning nose.75 Kirby, who has studied homeopathy as well as mindful-based
stress reduction, explains that homeopathy involves treatments that promote
balance and healing.

One of the most crucial aspects of homeopathy is an understanding of the
mental and emotional state of the patient. One of the greatest clues is the
words patients use to describe their symptoms; words like ‘heavy’ or ‘eating
away at me’. ‘One thing that I have learnt over the years … is to really listen
very carefully to what people say and the words that they use to describe their
illness and their experience of it. You can’t say what is happening in the body
is separated from the mind and the emotions,’ Kirby asserts.

Before they look at remedying a patient, homeopaths and integrative
practitioners first ask the patient to describe his or her exact experience of the
physical symptoms, as well as associated emotions and thoughts, so that they
can get an essence of the person. ‘It depends a lot on why someone has come
to see me and what types of questions they are asking,’ explains Kirby. ‘The
diagnosis of cancer is a diagnosis [that will] stop you in your tracks. You have
to re-evaluate everything very carefully in your life.’

It is because of this that she believes healing is much broader than just
what you eat. It is a decision that the patient makes to look after him or
herself, rather than a list of what he or she can and cannot eat, drink or do.
Along with homeopathic remedies, Kirby prescribes mindfulness and
meditation.

The benefits of homeopathy and mindful-based stress reduction extend
further than traditional medicine in that they can be kinder and gentler and
help people to become more whole, Kirby believes. Letting go of emotional
baggage in order to heal can, however, be a challenge. ‘It’s hard for all of us to
forgive. It’s hard for all of us to let go. My role is helping people connect the
dots and come to a deeper understanding of themselves, and the truth is that
they want to do that.’

NATUROPATHY (HERBALISM)

Naturopathy or herbalism offers a more natural, herbal alternative (or
supplement) to the chemicals and treatments prescribed by modern medicine.
A South African but American-based naturopathic physician, medical
herbalist and doctor of integrative medicine, Dr Kathia Roberts, is always
amazed at the human body’s design and how it is able to rebalance and heal
itself when we provide it with what it needs. ‘Working with the individual
and assessing their health needs in order to determine which combined
naturopathic and botanical medicine approach would be best for that
individual at that time is the most exciting part of being a practitioner,’ she
says.

Roberts’s approach is to educate patients so that they can be their own
naturopath/herbalist by utilising everyday natural kitchen remedies and
lifestyle practices to prevent disease and optimise health. ‘It empowers the
individual and provides them with the tools and inner mind-body wisdom so
that they are able to heal themselves. They start listening to symptoms instead
of suppressing them. The symptoms provide them with valuable information
regarding the imbalance and disharmony that needs to be addressed.’

When it comes to cancer patients, Roberts says this type of treatment is
beneficial on many different levels, as it addresses psychoneuroimmunology,
the study of the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous
and immune systems of the body. ‘Many studies have been done on the link
between stress and cancer. With stress we look at the part that depression, selfinternalisation,
grief, anger, resentment, behaviour and self-blame plays in
creating the cancer personality.’

Because the innate immune system and neurotransmitter are found in the
gut, naturopaths have found that the restoration of health starts with
addressing the body’s fundamentals, such as a healthy gut through good
nutrition and lifestyle practices. It is because of this that diet plays a large role
in this form of treatment.

‘This is the most important part, as our modern diets can contribute to
why we have cancer in the first place,’ Roberts explains. ‘Food sensitivity
testing [blood tests] will identify what foods cause inflammation and physical
stress in that individual, as well as what environmental and food chemicals
will act as carcinogens.’

Roberts’s natural treatments for cancer patients include:


  • An antioxidant-rich, liver-cleansing, mostly vegan, 40 per cent raw, 20 per cent juice diet low in sugar, and seasonal and constitutional specific.
  • No caffeine and no alcohol.
  • Cleansing practices, if applicable, such as hydrotherapy, sauna, colonic irrigations, coffee/chlorophyll enemas, etc.
  • A herbal protocol that may consist of essiac tea, adaptogenic tinctures, antioxidant-rich supplements, lymphatic and liver support, and whatever else is needed to balance the individual’s system and improve organ function.
  • Homotoxicology with complex homeopathic formulations to help with cellular detoxification.
  • Interleukin therapy with homeopathic cell regulation to address pain and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
  • Neurotransmitter therapy to help balance the sympathetic nervous system to address anxiety, depression, fatigue, etc.
  • Chlorophyll treatment, Bach flower essences, tissue salts and ginger syrup if receiving chemotherapy.
  • Meditation, hypnosis, visualisation, affirmation, and colour, sound and energy healing to balance the energy field.
  • Acupuncture and massage therapy where applicable.



What is most important, Roberts explains, is that where integrative protocols
need to be applied, cancer should be approached on an individual basis. ‘We
are complex beings and cancer is a complex disease.’

PLANTS

One area in South Africa that has been extensively examined when it comes to
more natural remedies is the use of plants in healing. Dr Gerda Fouché and
her team in the bioprospecting research division of the Council for Scientific
and Industrial Research (CSIR) are investigating the possibility of a plantbased
drug for the treatment of cancer.

Fouché, who joined the CSIR in 1998, is involved in scientifically
investigating 24 000 South African plant species in collaboration with
traditional health practitioners, as they have found that many people consult
one or more of the 200 000 traditional healers in South Africa for treatment
with natural remedies based on indigenous knowledge.

‘For the past decade, our group, with collaboration from the National
Cancer Institute in the United States of America, has focused on – among
cures for other diseases – mining possible anticancer leads from plants
reportedly containing medicinal properties, even validating remedies and
testimonies from traditional healers who claim to have cured cancer with
specific plants,’ says Fouché.

This is not a new concept. In fact, a large percentage of drugs on the
market for the treatment of cancer are isolated or derived from natural
products, especially plants. It is a tedious process, however, and one that
Fouché says takes between ten and fifteen years of research and development
before the drug can be put on the market. With the focus shifting to cancer
prevention in recent years, they are also investigating the use of herbal
remedies for this application.

The CSIR’s research into this field stems from the need for a more
effective cancer drug. Fouché explains: ‘The drugs on the market for certain
types of cancer are not very effective and have numerous side effects mainly
because of non-selectivity towards normal cell lines. These drugs are also very
costly and the success rate very low.’

While diet does not play a role in their research, Fouché, who lost her
mom a few years ago to sarcoma cancer, says that she feels it is very
important to consider. She adds that the public need to be more informed
about major diseases and their causes.

In the meantime, Fouché and her team continue to search for a plantbased
drug that could aid with healing and treating cancer.

REIKI

Reiki, the ancient art of ‘laying on of hands’ in order to heal, addresses the
connection between emotions and health. According to reiki master Karen
Lange, when it comes to cancer patients, ‘Reiki restores balance to the body's
energy systems and helps with the effects of chemotherapy, as well as creating
a perfect environment for boosting immunity and the body's ability to self
heal.’

Rei – the spiritual power or universal transcendental spirit – and ki – the
essence of vital life-force energy – uses touch to convey feelings like warmth,
serenity, love and healing through the channelling of energy. This energy is
said to enhance a person’s life force. While not considered a religion, Western
Reiki techniques are based on ancient Tibetan healing methodologies that
enable one to tap into the infinite and limitless source of life-force energy to
heal.

Those who practise Western Reiki believe that there are many different
vibrations of ki within the human aura, as well as chakras that help to sustain
the physical body, thoughts, feelings and spirituality. When ki is out of
balance, negative energy forms around the physical body and within the auras
and chakras. This energy cannot flow freely and results in illness in the body.

By removing this negative energy, healthy ki can flow freely once again and
heal the body. Eastern Reiki is more about living by the reiki principles
(compassion, gratitude, duty and peace), understanding and working with the
body’s energy wave and stimulating the lymphatic system to release toxicity.

Lange says, ‘Reiki healers channel positive ki to the area of the body,
chakra or aura where negative energy is harboured, allowing it to be released
from the person’s energy field and replaced by healthy ki, resulting in the
natural flow of positive ki. In short, reiki healers channel through pure
universal love.’

While not advocated as a replacement for modern medicine, reiki can
assist individuals in that it allows them to take responsibility for their own
health and happiness. The benefits of reiki include physical improvements like
easing aches and pains, relaxing muscles and tension, relieving fatigue,
clearing toxins, supporting the immune system, reducing blood pressure and
helping with better sleep, as well as emotional and mental improvements like
relaxing the body and mind, promoting feelings of calmness and well-being,
relieving stress, encouraging emotional release and unlocking suppressed
feelings.

You can approach the Reiki Association of Southern Africa to find out
more.

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