Exciting news! Columbia University / MDAnderson Cancer Center researchers say that there is new and real evidence supporting the use of some mind-body therapies for breast cancer.
My belief is that if a mind/body works for cancer it likely works for other diseases, too, so this is promising. It’s certainly worth considering, no matter what you are dealing with.
Did you know that some 80% of people with a history of cancer use integrative and mind/body therapies? That’s why I’m thrilled to see reputable research supports some of the techniques.
Meditation is effective–no surprise!
Here’s what the study of breast cancer patients found:
For Anxiety & Stress Reduction
Music therapy
Yoga
Meditation
For Depression & Mood Disorder
Meditation
Yoga
Relaxation
Massage
Music therapy
To Improve Quality of Life
Meditation
Yoga
To Reduce Chemo-induced nausea & vomiting
Acupressure & Acupuncture
There was no strong evidence for the effectiveness of ingested dietary supplements or botanicals.
Here’s what seems to work best:
Meditation showed strongest evidence of effectiveness, according to researchers. I know this to be true from my hypnotherapy practice and the downloadable guided imageries I offer. These have been working well for patients who have undergone surgery or are using them to manage chronic pain and chemo symptoms.
It’s frustrating because I know hypnotherapy and guided imagery are helpful and yet, most people would rather take a pill. It’s “easier.”
But really, if there’s a chance to try integrative means to relieve pain, enhance recovery or handle other symptoms, why wouldn’t we?
No side effects. No special equipment. Just engaging the power of the mind to help heal. This even works by Skype–no need to be there in person.
For one person’s account of how hypnotherapy helped him remain pain-free and have a super-fast recovery after painful surgery, see this.
If you’d like to talk about how I might help with hypnotherapy via Skype or in person, email me: carol (at) ahealingspirit.org
If you’d like to order a super-affordable downloadable audio to support chemo, manage pain, reduce anxiety or prepare for surgery, here’s where.
Yoga, meditation and music therapy? Check, check, check. I love Kirtan.
The more we read about yoga and meditation, the more we realize how wonderful they can be for everyone. In fact, my mom and I are going to try it…
It’s amazing how much power our minds really do have. I hadn’t heard this before, but it’s definitely some good information. Thank you for sharing.
Cancer is a terrible thing for anyone to have to go through. I think if there is anyway to help, that is a great thing! Thanks for sharing.
I have a long list of breast cancer victims and survivors in my family. I am a firm believer that treatment should be multi-faceted to include mind and body therapies along with medical intervention. Our bodies can do incredible things when fueled with the right foods and released of stress and anxiety.
I’m a (nearly) three-year breast cancer survivor. I’m still taking the daily anti-hormone meds, but I’m confident in my healing. I am a true believer in the healing qualities of meditation as well.
I’m so happy for your results! Yes, this stuff works.
I love reading about this. It’s got a lot of great information in here. I think yoga and meditation are amazing. There are a lot of great benefits to it.
What great findings. I like how you broke down illnesses with potentially beneficial therapies to try. Yoga and meditation are my top 2. Thanks for sharing!
I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer 8 years ago. My doctor suggested yoga, massage and meditation which I have done and continue to do. I did do a chemo for 7 years in pill form, but I am done with that now!
I’m so glad you did so well!
I used to meditate daily. I need to make time to do it again. It really seemed to help with my anxiety.
Great post and so informative. A friend of mine is currently battling breast cancer so I will definitely pass this over to her for a read. I think mindfulness, in any form, is alway a positive.
The benefits of yoga and meditation are amazing. I can definitely see why it would be important to work on both your mind and your body when suffering from an illness.
I have to admit this isn’t research I’ve heard of before but I am sure having a positive attitude can help so many things.
The more I read about yoga and meditation, the more I’m fascinated by their overall health benefits. This is great information!
I agree why not give it a try! Everyone wants a silver bullet to make us all better, but we all know one pill that helps with everything and anything just does not exist!
I think music therapy is something I should get into – especially on days when I am feeling overwhelmed. I will definitely look more into it.
I’m all for more natural therapies. I always thought meditation was just for clearing your mind. The more you know!
This is great information! Yoga is starting to show many other benefits besides flexibility and mobility.
Getting chemo or radiation is just part of treatment for cancer. I would agree that meditation and yoga have great roles in some of the problems that treatment brings.
I found that yoga, meditation and pilates helped to calm down my anxiety induced panic attacks. Learning how to breathe properly was the key for me. I am a great believer that meditation can help in some way when faced with a disease like cancer – having a calmer and optimistic state of mind surely helps,.
I am a yoga newbie, but so far I am LOVING it. I go at least 2x a week and it’s a definite stress reducer.
Thank you for sharing! I started yoga in January and love it. Meditation and relaxation really do work.