We’re used to thinking that we must use a medication to find relief or remission. It’s the traditional way. But. Many cancer patients believe that there’s something else they can do to enhance treatment: visualization. No joke. Real oncologists have used this with their patients. And as I explain, note this reduced version of a card from our deck of healing affirmations.
The late O. Carl Simonton,M.D., a radiation oncologist, explored and made public the mind-body connection in fighting cancer. As a young doctor he noticed that patients who got the same radiation treatment sometimes had different outcomes.
As he looked more deeply, he concluded that those with more positive attitudes had fewer side effects AND lived longer. He began recommending meditation and medical imagery for his patients. His approach was termed “will to live” and it made quite an impact back in the 1970s. You’d think more researchers would pick up on it immediately. But it took a while.
Independently, researchers at Stanford University and UC Berkeley back in 1989 found that women with advanced breast cancer who got emotional counseling–that affected their attitude– lived about twice as long as those who did not. And today even cancer organizations point to studies showing that some cancer patients who wrote about their feelings about their disease had significantly fewer symptoms and cancer-related doctor visits.
So something is happening with the mind-body connection. But research is frustratingly slow.
I should point out that traditional medicine does not believe that evidence supports the use of imagery to affect cancer’s outcome–but it’s also true that guided imagery is used more and more to help with treatment or disease side effects. Bottom line: there’s a lot we don’t know about how to use guided imagery or attitude-affecting affirmations or emotional counseling to influence outcome–or if it really can. But we DO know that it doesn’t hurt outcome and it CAN help side effects.
So there’s nothing to lose and something important might be gained. Why not go for the possibility of an extra edge in treatment?
I believe deeply that researchers in the future will have a better handle on how to use these alternative methods for better health. After all, who thought famous hospitals would offer their patients the energy healing of Reiki? And yet, many big treatment center hospitals do just that.
And that’s exactly why and how I developed my healing products that harness the power of the mind-body connection: a deck of 50 compact, beautiful healing affirmations that can be used as daily visualization mantras or meditations and a guided journal that has pages of prompts and activities patients can use to express feelings about their disease.
Because some studies show this can help–and we know it can’t hurt.
If someone you love is facing a tough health challenge, why not support them by sending one of our pretty, affordable healing gifts?
The large gift pictured on the left has the affirmations, journal, a rose quartz healing stone, heart-shaped candle, a “you’ve got this” sticker and a luxury lip balm and the small gift contains affirmations, a candle and the sticker.
Gifts are always shipped free in the U.S. and shipping to most other countries is discounted. Your message or ours on an enclosed gift card.
Visit the Gifts tab for more information.
Journals and affirmations can also be purchased alone and they’re super-affordable. The deck is available as an online subscription, too. We also offer cancer patients a downloadable guided imagery they can listen to during treatment.
I strongly believe in the power of visualization. Hopefully though, I won’t have to use it for a very long time 🙂
Mona Andrei recently posted…Lately I seem to know a lot about raccoons. Also, chaos.
This is such a brilliant concept. I always think of Patch Adams, the amazing doctor who incorporated laughter into treatment. The mind is capable of such astonishing things.
These gift packs are absolutely inspired!
Diane recently posted…Life’s Elixir
You are right Carol, what do you have to loose! I know several breast cancer patients who were successful in their recovery using visualization!
Haralee recently posted…I Don’t Endorse any Supplements but this ONE!
This is an excellent post. The “will to live” approach makes a lot of sense. Most people I know who’ve had positive thoughts in dealing with cancer have gone into remission. I’m sure there are other factors included; but, having a positive frame of mind clears your mind of negativity that goes along with having cancer.
It is so true that a good and positive attitude will always be helpful in all situations but specifically with medical illness. I don’t have any close relatives or illness myself but this was quite impressive.
Melissa Chapman recently posted…4 Hacks People With Hyperhidrosis Should Have Up Their Sleeves
What a brilliant and positive concept. I can definitely see how visualization can be beneficial for those going through something.
Love this, I have been going through something and visiting MD Anderson several times to find answers. My office always gives me little pick me ups. It truly makes you happy!
You’re so right. It’s doesn’t hurt to try. I think it’s true when they say that negative thoughts will eat you alive. While a diagnosis of cancer can cause one to go through an emotional roller coaster, trying to remain positive is definitely worth trying.
Theresa recently posted…Shrimp Is The Fruit Of The Sea
Healing affirmations really do work. I am a strong believer of mind over matter!
I believe in the mind/body connection and that we create our realities with our thoughts. It can only help, and not hurt, so well worth looking into this extra edge for patients.
Estelle recently posted…Interview with Jane Friedman, Publishing Expert
We underestimate the power of our minds in regards to our health. I love that people’s will to live really does have such positive effects. Definitely something to remember when dealing with the hardships life throws at us.
Thank you for addressing this. A pioneer in the subject of epigenetics , Dr. Bruce Lipton, wrote a phenomenal book on the subject called “The Biology of Belief.” Well worth a read.
I like the sound of gifts like this. There is great power in the mind. And I believe in it.
What a brilliant idea of healing affirmations. Indeed if a person is filled with optimism and is happy, he intends to live longer. And these affirmations come across as a source to make one happy and motivate the will.
Interesting post with some informative details of past research. Would be interesting to see further research done about it. As you say there is nothing lose.
Where Roots And Wings Entwine recently posted…Disney on Ice Worlds of Enchantment review
I think getting better is not just about drinking your medicine. It has a lot to do with our mind as well. This post makes a huge point when it comes to dealing with an illness such as cancer.
AnnMarie John recently posted…Home Maintenance Tips for Spring
I honestly think my mom survived breast cancer because of this. I didn’t know it then but I recognize it now! Such a great post!
What is that saying? Seeing is believing. To visualize something is so real and I believe in its powers!
Komal recently posted…3 Beauty Products I’m Loving
I wouldn’t think about doing the journaling being a help. But getting a therapist would definitely be helpful talking through a lot of the emotions swirling at that time.
David Allen Elliott recently posted…The Single Dad’s Guide to Fake News: May The Fourth Be With You Edition
I think women are more apt to need to get those feelings out on paper than most men. There’s research that shows how helpful it is for breast cancer and kidney cancer patients and so by extension, this is can be helpful to so many conditions.
I wholeheartly believe in the power of the mind. I have multiple autoimmune diseases, the most serious being SLE Lupus and manage all of them 100% naturally and medication free. Maintaining a positive mindset is at the top of my arsenal against my illnesses.
Michele Dennis recently posted…May Shopping Guide 2018
It is very good to have a positive attitude. These affirmations help us to do so. Both of my parents have survived cancer, and both of them were mentally powerful from the start and did not allow them to contain negative thoughts.
My mums friend gave use so many alternative ideas and meals etc for when my mum was having radiotherapy. Some great advice here.