Level 3: The Body as Garden
Western scientific thought regards the body as a machine. Doctors are the “mechanics” and disease is viewed as a condition that springs from a flaw in the human machinery. In Eastern medical systems, the body is often seen as a garden. Doctors are “gardeners” who seek to discover and heal the roots of disease, planted in the past by a patient’s heredity, dietary choices, daily activities, environment, and ongoing mental processes. This metaphor of “The Body as Garden” can greatly inspire and empower patients to take a more active role in their care.
After the basic elements of a patient’s conventional cancer treatment are resolved and understood (Level 1: Education and Information), and patients believe they have an acceptable degree of psycho-social support (Level 2: Connection with Others), it is common for them to ask, “What else can I do to help myself?” This is the doorway for meaningful discussions about the role that diet, nutritional support, acupuncture, visualization, and other safe and effective complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies can play in their treatment plan.
Level 3 is the realm in which CAM approaches to healing find their natural home and function. Here, CAM therapies are not regarded as cancer treatments per se, but are used to augment conventional care in safe and rational ways. Such an approach is the basis for the growing movement of integrative medicine.
Modalities such as massage, deep relaxation techniques, exercise, and healthy foods can serve as very meaningful demonstrations of love and regard for the garden of one’s self. They can also substantially assist in the healing process and greatly enhance quality of life. Other valuable modalities include yoga, exercise, herbal therapies, homeopathy, chiropractic, Reiki, healing touch, and Ayurvedic, Tibetan, and Chinese medical practices. These techniques can enhance conventional care by cleansing, relaxing, and strengthening the body, thus giving health and well-being the greatest chance to emerge.
Modern cancer programs should assist with the exploration of complementary approaches to healing and, ideally, incorporate many of them into clinical practice. Special care should be taken with the use of herbs, vitamins, and antioxidants, which may interfere with the activity of conventional cancer treatments and other medications. Please make sure to discuss these with your physician, particularly while undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.
Take action: see How You Can Accomplish Level 3 Today.
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