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Mindfulness Exercise Benefits for Cancer Patients

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Cindy Collins, PhD, RD

The ancient Chinese art of Chi Kung (Qi Gong) has been realized worldwide as a calm way to mindfully exercise your awareness. Cancer patients everywhere are incorporating this into their battle, and have reported a better quality of life, with a sense of serenity and calmness of mind.

There are quite a few stories which demonstrate how Chi Kung has benefited the ailing population. The word “Chi” means life force and the Chinese believe that it brings balance of energy internally for optimal physiological function. The word “Kung” means practice, which in turn creates a practice of balancing your energy. The main idea is to maintain a rhythmic series of motions and breathe to fuel the biological processes strategically. The principle is to stimulate inner function by being mindful of the body, using the mind and spirit.

The health benefits of Chi Kung include:
• Bone density improvement (osteoclast/osteoblast function)
• Boosts immune system and lessens inflammation
• Reduces anxiety and mood disturbances
• Cardiopulmonary support
• Chronic pain reduction
• Balance and mobility enhanced
• Digestion promotion

Bob Eial shared his story of how he overcame stage four cancer enduring high doses of chemotherapy, multiple stem cell transplants and growth hormone to rebuild the immune system. He combined oncology treatments with the regular training of Chi Kung and found it to be a perfect blend for him. He has now been cancer free for 15 years and still performs Chi Hung daily. He reports, “I don’t even catch colds”.

SFRO offers Chi Kung at their Boca, Wellington and Jupiter clinics. For more information, call Cindy Collins, Ph.D., R.D. at (561) 512-0065

A Cancer Diagnosis; be kind to yourself.

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By Cindy Collins, PhD, RD
For centuries, the golden rule has been in use. We associate its use with someone who displays good principles and morals. Researchers are also gathering data that illustrates how equally important it is to treat ourselves with care and unconditional love. When is the last time you took care of yourself the way you cater to your boss, peers, or even family? In general, many of us tend to view the world as a place of give and take. Especially for those who receive a diagnosis, the reality under all of the daily pressures of work, home life and financial stresses, is that we must also engage in a fight for survival. Sometimes, while trying to manage a fragile balance for survival while still maintaining our quality of life we can experience feelings of resentment and frustration.

Ultimately, this is your time to reflect. How do you use the golden rule? A diagnosis can be an opportunity for some consideration, kindheartedness and benevolence toward your self. From that love and understanding, everything else will follow. Many psychologists suggest this new way of viewing things can guide you closer to others through experience and acceptance. They encourage you to nurture yourself and watch everything around you blossom. Pamper yourself, enjoy and share those feeling of serenity and joy!
For more information on self-confidence you can refer to the Monitor on Psychology, American Psychological Association, July/August 2011. Please refer to our RESOURCES page at www.sfrollc.com, for our new class guide and support group offerings.

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About Cindy Collins:  Cindy is a dietician and health psychologist. She coordinates the support groups at SFRO and blends nutrition science and psychology within her patient interactions. She teaches Progressive Relaxation and Mindfulness Meditation. The support groups at SFRO are designed to instill hope and assist cancer patients with coping styles and to enhance quality of life at all stages of cancer development.