Last May marked the one year anniversary of the loss of my mother to pancreatic cancer. Time appears to have flown since then, however the knowledge gained from self-didactics on the topic of Integrative oncology and Alternative treatments for cancer, justifies the time transpired.
Credit of course is due to organizations such as the Gerson Institute; Oncology Association of Naturopathic physicians (OncANP); Society of Integrative Oncology (SIO) and the Cancer Control Society. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez who embraced alternative cancer treatments and were fearless in going against convention, making these treatments available to the cancer community. Special mention also to Dr. BM Berkson for his generosity in communicating with me regarding his anti-cancer protocol.
Years prior to an individual being diagnosed with cancer, there are biochemical changes occurring in the body. The three stages of tumor genesis are induction, Promotion and Progression. Chronic stress in a major contributor in cancer promotion. More specifically it is the physiological response that ensues when one is habitually exposed to stress; that is to say, stress of increased frequency and duration. Under chronic stress conditions, the body will ultimately shifts into a state that impedes health.
The mechanisms by which this occurs is multifactorial and includes an intricate system involving the brain, the adrenal glands- two kidney shaped glands that sit on top of each of the kidneys, and the thyroid gland. The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are the parts of the brain involved in this system. This system is commonly called the HPAT axis.
Although these chemicals generally affect the body positively, with exposure to chronic stress, there is a disruption in the normal mechanisms of the HPAT axis, which ultimately results in an alteration of the normal metabolic processes of the body, precipitating decreased immunity and Increased TH2 chronic inflammatory immune response, and the synthesis of specific growth factors that act as fertilizer to cancer cells The ensuing environment promotes autoimmune diseases and other chronic debilitating diseases such as cancer.
Stress cannot be avoided, it is a side effect of a modernized society and a digital age, so are we all doomed? In fact it is not that the event of stress that renders us susceptible to disease, but rather our physiological response to stress and is a true attestation to the “Mind-Body: connection.
One simple, in-expensive intervention strategy in stress management are deep breathing exercises. This process does not require you to be a meditation Guru in order to yield positive results all that is required is a quiet space and initially 10-15 minutes of your time. Music and candles optional whilst beneficial, it is the physical breathing technique that is the therapeutic factor.
In your designated space of solitude, find a comfortable chair. There is no need to feel obligated to assume the “meditation posture”. Closing the eyes simply eliminates any visual stimuli that might interfere with your ability to relax. Begin by taking a deep breath in, filling and expanding the abdomen. Hold this cleansing breath for 5 seconds, then slowly, exhale through the mouth expelling the air from your lungs. Your abdomen should flatten as the air is expelled. Being mindful of your body becoming more relaxed with each successive inhalation and exhalation.
If you are hesitant in performing this breathing techniques, or require more extensive instruction, several guided breathing exercises are available online. One powerful breathing exercise, in its ability to reduce stress, is the Ho-oponopono breathing exercise, available on Youtube.
Deep breathing exercises, often referred to as meditation, has been scientifically proven to generate a specific type of brain wave called Theta waves. Theta waves are a “rhythmical” type of wave emitted from the brain during periods of deep sleep or during a deep meditative state. Brain waves are measured using an instrument called an electroencephalogram or EEG.
Although deep breathing exercises cannot be touted as a cure for cancer, it can be used to manage the effects of chronic stress and its detrimental effects on the body and thus can be an important tool in cancer prevention and management. Take deep breaths and exhale as often as time allows, in fact if time does not allow make time in your day, every day to perform deep breathing exercises. Don’t “Wait to Exhale.”