More Cancer Centers and Doctors Encouraging the Use of Reiki

by Jack Bleeker

April 2010

With groups like the Society of Integrative Oncology, a multi-disciplinary organization of professionals, touting the advantages of complementary cancer treatment and recovery, new methodologies, including Reiki are gaining in popularity. More and more cancer centers and oncologists are beginning to recognize the benefits that these treatments – once dismissed with a snicker by those “in-the-know” – are providing for those who just don’t know where to turn to address issues like the pain and stress associated with cancer and its conventional treatments.

Complementary therapies - not to be confused with “alternative” therapies, which are unproven treatments – have gradually made their way to the forefront of cancer care as well-known oncologists who are lauded experts in their field begin to promote these supportive treatments as a natural part of cancer care. Even the National Institutes of Health operates a National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researching complementary therapies and then recommending proven ones for integration into cancer programs nationwide, including those associated with mesothelioma cancer.

Lately, the ancient form of spiritual healing known as Reiki (pronounced Ray-kee) has earned plenty of attention as a potential complementary therapy for all kinds of cancer, including malignant mesothelioma. Rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, Reiki was “rediscovered” in the early 20th century and became particularly popular in the late 1990s as Reiki Masters began to teach non-Buddhists that life energy flows through all persons, this technique strives to increase the life force energy of a sick individual, therefore helping him achieve better health and happiness.

Like many complementary therapies, Reiki takes a holistic approach – treating mind, body, and spirit – and is safe and natural. Many cancer patients who have tried it note an overall feeling of peace, relaxation, and well-being when the treatment is complete. Totally non-invasive, Reiki therapy involves the laying of hands on the fully-clothed patient by the Reiki practitioner. His/her hands travel through 12 different positions, staying in each place for about 5 minutes for a total of about an hour per treatment. The feeling of invigoration or tranquility results from the fact that Reiki causes the body's molecules to vibrate at a higher intensity, hence, dissolving energy blockages that lead to disharmony and disease, Reiki masters note. This assists in controlling pain, easing stress, or lessening side effects of traditional treatments like chemotherapy, including nausea and other debilitating problems for mesothelioma cancer patients. It is also believed to improve immune function.

With continuous positive reactions from many cancer patients, mesothelioma clinics such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center offer Reiki classes for cancer patients, including Sloan Kettering mesothelioma patients on a regular basis as well as in-service classes for their hospital staff. Other well-known hospitals to jump on the Reiki bandwagon include Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Columbia Presbyterian, the Yale Center, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America. The list continues to grow as patients use tools like the internet to advertise their positive reactions to this ancient healing art, enticing others to give it a try.

References:

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicines (http://nccam.nih.gov/)
Society for Integrative Oncology (www.integrativeonc.org
Chemocare.com, http://www.chemocare.com/complementary_medicine.asp)
The International Center for Reiki Training ( www.reiki.org)
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (www.mskcc.org)

NOTE: Approximately 95% of hospitals offer Reiki therapy as a complementary integrative treatment to conventional medicine.

NATIONAL WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK

This is a great time for all you women to think about YOU and YOUR health. After all, if you don’t take care of you, you won’t be able to take care of anyone else.

First things first, take TIME for YOURSELF. Yes, I’ve said it. TAKE TIME FOR YOU!!!!

I don’t care if that means going for a walk, starting a new workout program, going to a spa for a massage or a facial, reading a book, jumping in the tub for a soak or just enjoying a quiet time to think, with no noise, no one asking for you to do this or that.

If you want to have a happy, healthy life, you need to nurture yourself and nurturing yourself fosters good health. Oh, I’m not saying go out and spoil yourself. Well, okay, I am. Sort of. Just be good to you so you can maintain your sanity and have a little less stress.

Stress is the silent killer and we women do stress very well. Take a break from stress. Work on being with yourself. Your good company and hey, you really are worth it.

Happy National Women’s Health Week

Oh, and if you haven’t scheduled that doctors appointment or mammogram or blood test, take a moment now and do it. It won’t be hanging over your head and you’ll be glad you got it off your to do list. See, even that lessens the stress!

Copyright 2009. T Love. All Rights Reserved.

Omega Conference in NYC

Well, I just got back from the Omega Conference in NYC. It was FABULOUS! There's no other word for it.

Needing a bit of a boost, and spring is the time for renewal and that was the theme this year, I attended the conference this past weekend. WOW! It's amazing how a few hours of just thinking about things a bit differently and using some easy and quickly responding tools can flip a perspective and transform a person.

I took the "Loving Your Shadow" workshop with Debbie Ford and I must say, she is quite simply, AMAZING!

This woman knows her stuff and she puts herself out there to create a zone of comfort so we all may more easily put ourselves out there too!

I will expand on the workshop in an upconing blog but for now, if you've never attended and want to know more, I would suggest, NO, I would URGE you to get any and all of her books, watch The Shadow Effect (DVD) and then sign up for her workshop at Rhinebeck, NY this coming July 9-11. You will experience growth, transformation and an overall lightening of your body, mind and spirit. I expected great things, and great things were indeed delivered!

I will be writing an article about my experience for the June issue of Elevated Existence Magazine so be sure to check it out at: http://www.elevatedexistence.com/ as well as coverage on a lot of other workshops held there too.

In the meantime, go to Debbi Fords site at http://www.debbieford.com/ and read a bit about her, her books, events and workshops - you will be SO glad you did.

Transformation could not be any easier or clearer. Oh, and her staff, SUPERB! Helpful, polite, caring, and all certified by her as shadow workers. The energy was awesome and the results phenomenal!!!

It may sound too good to be true, but it is NOT. It's one of the best things to do for yourself, your life, your heart and soul......it's a must do for you!

Copyright 2010. T Love. All Rights Reserved.

ATTITUDE IS THE ONLY DISABILITY

That says it all doesn’t it?

So many of us cop an attitude when things don’t go our way. What does that really do for any of us? It’s not healthy. It’s not attractive. It doesn’t solve anything and it doesn’t make anyone happy or RIGHT.

Our attitudes direct us and guide us through all ours days on this journey of life.

When something goes wrong – instead of thinking, “well, of course that would happen to ME” or “that’s just my luck” and then maintaining an attitude of the victim – look at it as growth.

In all of life’s situations there is an opportunity for growth. If we maintain THIS attitude, and KNOW that from the bad situations that arise we really do grow, we live in attitude of peace, love and understanding, then we will continue to grow and the growth will be less stressful because our attitude is of acceptance. We KNOW that we must grow and we are allowing the growth to occur and finding the peace and happiness that it brings to us.
Our attitude toward life and all the circumstances that surround our own individual little worlds manifests that which we receive.

Allowing yourself to look at things negatively only perpetuates that negativity.

I’m not saying it’s easy to find the silver lining and be positive, but if you do it, you’ll find the disability in your life, disappears.

Go forth with a positive attitude and see how your world changes.

Copyright 2010. T Love. All Rights Reserved.

Crystal Singing Bowl Therapy Video

BECAUSE OF LOVE from Willy Eagle

This true inspirational message was sent to a small group of people.

My hope is that it will make your day just a little bit better.

A brother and sister had made their usual hurried, obligatory pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm was where they had grown up and had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine, which topped the hill behind the farm. Through the years the tree had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The young siblings had fond memories of their childhood here, but the city hustle and bustle added more excitement to their lives, and called them away to a different life.

The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, and getting out to the barn on those frosty mornings was getting harder, but it gave them a reason to get up in the mornings and a reason to live. They sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end.

Angry, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks "Why do you not at least dispose of The Old One." She is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had foals
from her. You should cut corners and save so you can have more for yourselves. How can this old worn out horse bring you anything but expense and work? Why do you keep her anyway?"

The old man looked down at his worn boots, holes in the toes, scuffed at the barn floor and replied, " Yes, I could use a pair of new boots. His arm slid defensively about the Old One's neck as he drew her near with gentle caressing he rubbed her softly behind her ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Nothing else, just love."

Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. The old couple shook their heads in sorrow that it had not been a happy visit. A tear fell upon their cheeks. How is it that these young folks do not understand the
peace of the love that filled their hearts?

So it was, that because of the unhappy leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One".

In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury. His wife back from calling for help cradled him in her arms, clinging to each other, they wept at their loss.

By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife, exhausted from their grief, huddled together before the barn. They were speechless as they rose from the cold snow covered ground. They nodded thanks to the firemen as there was nothing anyone could do now. The old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as his shaking old hands clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has
spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us gather strength and climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared and pray for our beloved most precious gifts that have been taken from us.

And so, he took her by the hand and slowly helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his old and withered hand.

The journey up the hill was hard for their old bodies in the steep snow. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they paused to rest, looking up to the top of the hill the old couple gasped and fell to their knees in amazement at the incredible beauty before them.

Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. They were breathless as the old man held his wife tighter in his arms.

Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy.

Amazed and mystified, he took his wife by the hand and pulled her forward. There, beneath the tree, in resplendent glory, a mist hovering over and glowing in the darkness was their Christmas gift. Shadows glistening in the night light.

Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe.

At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping cautiously through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares that were in foal with a new years crop of babies, pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of the old man and his wife. Those she loved she had not disappointed. Her body was brittle with years, tired from the climb, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift---

Because of love. Only Because of love.

Tears flowed as the old couple shouted their praise and joy. And again the peace of love filled their hearts.

Copyright 2009. T Love. All Rights Reserved.

Finding Your Soul in the Stillness of Nature's Beauty

I woke up to a light dusting of snow this morning and although less than a week ago we had a storm that left us with 15" to shovel, my heart simply soars at the sight of freshly falling snow.

I love the quiet that comes along with it. It is so easy, for me, when the snow is falling, to be in the present moment of the stillness. It is as though you are at your core essence and can feel the power of your own soul.

As I looked out the window, while preparing for the day ahead: yoga, clients, class at 6:00pm, I watched as 5 deer sauntered across the snow covered lake in the back yard. A sight to behold for me. They are such gorgeous creatures. They ARE the stillness and beauty I am feeling.

How very fortunate I feel to be able to experience this at the start of my day and what a most beautfiul way for my day to start.

I intend that each of you find the stillness within and go there - enjoy the beauty in your life and in your self.

Copyright 2010. T Love. All Rights Reserved.