Re: A Simplified Explanation of Holistic Health

May 5, 2009

This is somewhat of a disappointing list. No one is going to argue

the opposite of these things. The worst is that a conventional

oncologist might argue that some of these aren't very important. I

have seen too many people who lived like this before they were

diagnosed with cancer. One must always look for deeper explanations

and more focused strategies.

Some of these items say nothing: " People are encouraged to hold a

strong belief in their wellness team both as people and as to the

practices they recommend. "

The only time a " team " will agree on anything is when the whole

strategy has been watered down to please even the dumbest advisors

among them. I can do this too: " You should breathe both in and out

throughout the day, you should always have appropriate nutrition,

focus on healing, and accept only good advice. These are common

traits among those who get well. " If I said something like this at

our seminars the participants would want to hurt me -- and I would

cast the first stone at myself.

At 08:23 PM 5/5/2009, you wrote:

>American Holistic Health Association(AHHA) Featured Article:

>A Simplified Explanation of Holistic Health,

>by Greg of the Cancer Conquerors Foundation

>

><http://ahha.org/articles.asp?Id=82>http://ahha.org/articles.asp?Id=82

If we hope to integrate the belief in and practice of holistic health

on a wide-scale basis, we must first " unmuddle " our communication of

the principles.

Through the Cancer Conquerors Foundation, we have attempted to do

this. The context is our work with cancer patients and their

families. The format is a combination of lecture and small group

discussions. Participants attend a weekly session which lasts two hours.

Although we were certainly helping people, it became clear we were

missing the mark when it came to putting the program into meaningful

use. Participants would get a bit here, a piece there. Confusion on

what to do or when to do it was often the biggest problem.

We need a simple-to-understand and easy-to-implement model that

brought all the plan's elements together. In response, we developed

the following eight-point wellness plan. This simple tool has been

credited with making holistic health understandable and workable for

thousands of people who had vague or negative perceptions of the principles.

We first teach the fundamental principle that wellness is much more

than the lack of physical symptoms. Total well-being and the

interdependence of body/mind/spirit is new to nearly all our

participants. We emphasize that our minds and spirits are ill only if

we allow it. This issue of personal responsibility for our choices is

a theme that is carried throughout the program.

Each of the eight points of the Cancer Conquerors wellness program

cover basic holistic beliefs and practices. One point in the plan is

typically emphasized each session.

Treatment We teach participants to practice these techniques in

addition to, not in place of, appropriate qualified physical,

emotion, and spiritual guidance.

People are encouraged to hold a strong belief in their wellness team

both as people and as to the practices they recommend.

Beliefs and attitudes Most of our time is spent challenging the myths

about illness. There are widely-held beliefs that cancer means death.

Similar beliefs of suffering, incapacitation, or one's imminent

demise are also held for other illnesses. We teach that each person's

experience is different and that there is much we can do to influence

our personal encounter with disease.

Exercise Cancer Conquerors teaches a simple program of " comfort zone "

physical exercise. Full-body stretches that can be done whether one

is confined to bed or is mobile are possible for everyone. For those

who are able, we encourage a walking routine working up to a maximum

of 30 minutes per day.

Work/Play We give people permission to play. For many, it is one of

our most important teachings. For others, we encourage a new look at

their life's purpose, helping them explore and find a work that

brings fulfillment on many levels. We strive for a work/play balance.

Social support We ask people to make an appraisal of the

relationships in their lives, both personal and professional.

Participants are encouraged to give minimal time and emotional energy

to those relationships that are toxic. This frequently means some

relationships need to be put " on hold " for a time. Social support

also means participation in the weekly support groups.

Diet and nutrition We recommend a " modified " vegetarian plan that

emphasizes fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and lots of whole grains.

Fish and poultry, in moderation, are included. We also recommend

considering antioxidant supplements.

Creative thinking Progressive physical relaxation accompanied by

affirmation, meditation, and visualization is taught. We use the

relaxation response method developed by Herbert Benson, M.D. This has

become an important daily wellness action point for thousands

associated with Cancer Conquerors.

Spiritual Emphasis is on spirituality, not religion. Unconditional

love, acceptance versus approval, forgiveness, and following God's

will are the keys.

The result of teaching holistic health in this simple and

straight-forward manner has been a greater understanding and practice

of the principles by a larger number of people. While this model is

not a complete discussion of holistic health, for the vast majority

of people, it is just the level of understanding needed by many.

May 6, 2009

Could not agree with you more on this .

Three and a half years ago i had a female patient in her late 50s who was

diagnosed with sclc (small cell lung cancer).

This type of lung cancer is highly related with smoking. It is rare to see this

type of cancer in non smokers. The woman had never smoked a cigaret in her life,

and was not exposed to second hand smoking either. Moreover, three years prior

to diagnosis, she and her husband (who suffered from osteoartheritis) became

vegans and ate 100% organic. She ate what she tought was the best nutrition a

person can have...

Years ago she immigrated to Israel from Russia, but lived there nowhere near

chrnobyl .

Here in israel she lived in a very clean and green environment. very small

exposure to electromagnetic radiation, clean air, etc.

she was religious and lived a life that was quite tranquil.

No history of cancer in her family either.

In short, as hard as i was looking for any sunstential risk factors, i was

unable to come up with any.

....and while generalising from single cases to the general population would be a

fallacy, this case, as well as several other cases,

thought me that when it comes to cancer, it would also be a mistake to

generalise from the general population to individuals.

Each case is totally unique.

Gubi

Re: [ ] " A Simplified Explanation of Holistic Health "