Several years after my husband, Brian, died of pleural mesothelioma, I returned to the workforce prime.
I could always find a job in retail because I had experience in this area, but I wanted a more meaningful employment.
As luck would have it, SolarisCare, an Australian cancer support organization that regularly bought my book "Lean on Me," learned that I was looking for work. I was offered a position of volunteer coordinator and office for their organization.
My decision to accept their offer opened the most rewarding way for the task I had never taken place.
volunteers are LifeBlood support Center
My role as volunteer coordinator involved the recruitment of men and women willing to volunteer their services four hours a week or every two weeks professional and non professional.
Fortunately, it was a relatively easy task. people constantly broadcast in the office ready to offer their services to people with cancer. Although their reasons for volunteering varied, most had lost a loved one to cancer ?? or had recovered from a cancer themselves. Some treatments against cancer actually have been subjected to at the time of application to volunteer.
volunteers are the cornerstone of SolarisCare.
Such a person was Maria. She had pleural mesothelioma and was in the early stages of his illness. The reason for volunteering Maria different from other volunteers. His life expectancy was short and she wanted to do something meaningful with the little time she had left, instead of waiting for the worst to happen
Humiliated by the courage of this beautiful woman ready to put the needs of others above his own, I could not refuse. It has become a valuable SolarisCare 'meeting and greeting' staff. His responsibilities included welcoming people with a cup of tea as they came into the center, listening to their concerns and planning their complementary therapies.
Maria volunteer with us a few months before actually declining health impossible for her to continue. I will always remember his gentle and quiet smile, caring manner. it was a source of inspiration for the whole world privileged to have met him.
group sessions with alternative therapies
Thanks to the number of professional therapists who generously gave of their time, we were able to offer a wide range of complementary therapies for cancer patients and caregivers who attended our center. therapies include massage, reflexology, Reiki, pranic healing, kinesiology, counseling and qigong.
During the five years I worked for SolarisCare, I witnessed the positive effects of these therapies. When it came to sustainable benefits, qigong (pronounced CHEE-GUNG) therapy was above the rest.
- Since the group therapy, qigong allowed patients with cancer and their caregivers to participate together.
- group therapy also provided cancer patients and caregivers the opportunity to meet and connect with others experiencing similar circumstances.
- once they learn qigong techniques, cancer patients and caregivers could practice at home without the need of a therapist.
What Is Qigong?
Qigong came from China. It is an ancient healing system that uses breathing techniques, gentle movement and meditation to balance and strengthen the body.
The great attraction of qigong is that everyone can enjoy, regardless of ability, age, belief system or life circumstances. These factors are an ideal complementary therapy for cancer patients and their caregivers
There are many forms and qigong styles that fit into three main categories
- Medical : .. Intended to heal yourself and others
- Martial: .. Designed to improve fitness
- Spiritual :. Designed to relax and enlighten the mind
In general, all qigong practitioners incorporate exercises and techniques of the three categories in their therapy sessions.
Benefits of Qigong
a number of health professionals agree that qigong practice is a very effective and recommended as an effective form of complementarity. Medicine
The benefits of qigong
- Lowers blood pressure
- Lowers cholesterol
- Strengthens the immune system
- improves bone mineral density.
- reduces falls among the elderly.
- improves sleep in elderly people.
- Improves the quality of life and fitness for people with heart failure.
- Improves balance for people with Parkinson's disease.
Qigong and cancer
An article in 2012 published in Medscape Medical News highlights the benefits of qigong, indicating that cancer patients who practiced qigong as a complement to their regular maintenance of cancer has improved their quality of life, particularly in the field of social and emotional functioning.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center adds its voice to this theory. A 2013 study by the center found that the qigong therapy reduces depressive symptoms and improves quality of life of women undergoing radiation for breast cancer.
Ask your doctor Classes
Qigong can be a great benefit to cancer patients and their caregivers. If you and the loved one you care for would give it a try, ask your oncologist if they have suggestions about courses available in your area.
If it is impossible for you to attend classes qigong in person, there are videos you can buy and YouTube that can teach you how to perform simple exercises in the comfort of your own House.
Reaching out to Qigong Qigong Association or the National Institute for more information and resources.
