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Cancer care
with Chi Dynamics
(18/05/07)
By Dr. Gan E M,
Chairman of Healing Chi Association of
Malaysia
Chi Dynamics is an
“Art” developed by its founder Grandmaster
Anthony Wee that has helped thousands of
practitioners in their quest for promoting,
cultivating and maintenance of their
health. The beneficial effects of the “Art’
is now extended to cancer patients, as a
special focus group, in their endeavor for
‘self healing’ and recovery.
Chi Dynamics approach
to cancer care is unique and encompasses 5
aspects. The following is a brief
introduction of this approach.
-
Energy
activation
Taking the right breath
is vital to the body’s metabolism, at the
cellular level. Chi Dynamics ‘Block of
Breathing’ method emphasizes on deep
diaphragmatic breathing and is the basis for
the activation of “chi’ or the life force
energy which is fundamental for the body’s
state of health.
In addition, numerous
physiological functions are enhanced,
helping to keep the body in a balanced
state, including certain endocrine
functions, PH system and stimulation of the
immune system.
An additional benefit
of this method of breathing is the release
of endorphins, the naturally occurring
opiods( morphine like substances) in the
body. By ‘pacing’ their ‘Block of
Breathing’, cancer patients can overcome
perceived pain through the release of the
endorphins.
‘Chi Meditation’
technique focuses on the breath, the essence
of which is to heighten self awareness, self
acceptance and finally self empowerment.
This practice of
directed attention enables one to also lead
the “chi’ through the body’s energy
channels, thus balancing any deficiencies,
blockages or excesses. This is the basis of
the mind- body connection.
The practice of
meditation is also accompanied with a
slowing of the body’s metabolism, promotion
of relaxed awareness, heightened
parasympathetic tone, and a slowing of brain
waves resulting in improved sleep.
Overall, the ‘Block of
Breathing’ method and ‘Chi Meditation’
results in a total relaxed state of the
body, giving one a sense of control over
one’s physical and emotional faculties, and
this is extremely therapeutic.
In addition, Chi
Dynamics’ gentle exercises ranging
from ‘tapping of the sun’s energy’ to others
enhance ‘Chi’ activation, and ‘Chi’
flow/blood flow aiding the body’s recovery
process. Increased physical activity in the
cancer patient is important to improve their
appetite, conserve lean tissues, and improve
functional capacity as well as quality of
life.
In addition,
stimulation of acupressure points releases
stress and enhances energy (‘chi’) flow
through particular areas of the body and
organ systems.
- Nutrition
One simple law of
nature holds true ‘you are what you eat’.
Dietary modifications
are an essential component in the prevention
of cancer, as numerous dietary factors have
been shown to be associated with an
increased risk of certain types of cancers.
Taking the proper
nutrition in a person afflicted with cancer
is important to enable their body to fight
the cancer and to cope with its treatment.
Generally, a diet for cancer patients should
provide enough calories and protein as well
as essential vitamins and minerals. This is
to help maintain energy levels, prevent
breakdown of tissues and promote rebuilding
of new tissues. (The weight of cancer
patients has a huge impact on their survival
rate. Loss of as little as 5% of their body
weight can affect their response to cancer
therapy and hence their survival)
The World Cancer Report
highlights a primarily plant based diet in
its recommendation for primary prevention of
cancer. This is also applicable for the
secondary prevention of cancer .Generally;
the emphasis is on whole grains,
unprocessed, unrefined products, providing
adequate vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein
and calories. Vegetables and fruits intake
are emphasized, as is a reduction of red
meat, intake of total fats and oils, salt
and salting.
Natural herbs and
spices are mentioned as substitutes for
seasoning. Cancer patients could perhaps
take a stepwise approach in their change for
a more healthy diet, so as to reduce the
stress of not ‘being able to eat what they
like’ and to maintain the pleasure of
eating.
-
Detoxification
Pollutants are present
in the air we breathe, the water we drink
and the foods we eat. This includes an array
of industrial chemicals, e.g. pesticides,
solvents, noxious gases, heavy metals,
residues from drugs, and hormones etc. Our
body system removes these ‘toxins’ as well
as waste products of metabolism through the
functions of the liver, kidneys, skin,
colon, lungs and the lymphatic system.
Chi Dynamics specific
lymphatic and inner organ exercises enhances
the functions of these various organs.
Detoxification can also
be carried out using a natural
vegetable/fruits diet. In addition to
providing the fiber needed for good bowel
movement, it also contains vitamins,
phytonutrients and valuable sources of
enzymes.
- Positive
mental attitude
‘You are what you think
you are’
There is a close
relationship between our thoughts, feelings
and our behavior- hence the way we think
influence the way we feel and behave.
Putting in positive
thoughts and having a strong belief system
in recovery, helps put the body in a ‘self
healing’ mode. Faith reinforces this belief
system. It is an inner positive attitude.
Healing itself is due to this confidant
expectancy that acts as a powerful
suggestion to our subconscious mind, thus
releasing its healing potency.
- Emotional
support
Cancer patients are
known to undergo an ‘emotional
rollercoaster’ while on treatment. The words
of one cancer patient highlight the
emotional impact of cancer treatment.
“We travel a road paved
with an awesome mingling of hope and
despair, courage and fear, humor and anger,
and constant uncertainty”.
It is without doubt
that emotional support from caregivers such
as family, friends and cancer support groups
play a major contributory role in a cancer
patient’s road to recovery.
Chi Dynamics Cancer
Care Trainers provides this support, in
addition to their other roles of teaching
the Block of Breathing, and advisory role on
the other aspects of the association’s
approach to cancer care.
“WE ARE HERE, WE HEAR,
WE UNDERSTAND, WE CARE”
This sums up Chi
Dynamics approach to cancer care.
(2nd May 2007)
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