Cancer patients can think themselves to a stronger immune system using relaxation and guided imagery techniques, a British researcher said on Saturday(4/15/00). Professor Leslie Walker, the director of the Institute of Rehabilitation and Oncology Health at the University of Hull in northern England, said the psychological techniques can also help patients to cope better with the disease. ``Our results show that relaxation and guided imagery can bring about measurable changes in the body's own immunological defenses,'' he said in a statement. But Walker, whose research was funded by the Cancer Research Campaign charity, stressed that although the techniques boosted immune cells, effects on the cancer itself are not known. He also emphasized that so far there is no proof that psychological interventions can prolong survival. ``However, the study provides strong evidence that, for some patients, relaxation and imagery have a very beneficial effect on quality of life,'' he said. Walker and his colleagues tested relaxation techniques on 80 women suffering from breast cancer. They presented their findings to the annual meeting of the British Psychological Society. All of the women received standard medical treatments for breast cancer, but half were randomly selected for training in muscular relaxation, guided imagery and cue-controlled relaxation. Guided imagery involves imagining the body's natural defenses battling the cancerous cells. In cue-controlled relaxation patients learn to relax by thinking of special words. When the researchers tested all the women, they found that those practicing the relaxation techniques had higher numbers of important immune system cells. ``These results demonstrate that, even in patients with large tumors receiving immunosuppressive treatment (chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy) relaxation therapy and guided imagery can produce immunological changes,'' Walker said. A seven minute approach to healthy living JNCI, June, 2001 Review Author of several books gives some advice on meditation More From Roger Jahnke J Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 2001 Meditation May Boost Immune System Hypnosis for Hot Flashes in BCa Survivors Stress Hormone epinephrine Causes Changes ca cells The Mind Prepared: Hypnosis in Surgery Sat Dharam Kaur-"A Call to Women" p283-5. General Hospital Psychiatry, 10/01 www.mapi.com LINK to site for CD J Psychosomatic Medicine, 9-10/02 Pet Ownership in Immunocompromised Children - Review Dementia Patients Enjoy Visits From 'Furry Friends' (800)706-3619 doctorzojourner@msn.com Harvard Health Publications, 3/03 Music Therapy, Mood Disturbance Abstract # 8214 ASCO, 2004 LINK to site " Alternative to formal meditation practices" Eur J Onc Nursing, 3/04 LINK to site on coping with cancer using the art/science of collage Various articles, information, links Self-Portraits (Art) as Diagnosis of Anxiety Expression Mindfulness-based art therapy - RTC Women w/Cancer LINK: " healing physically, emotionally and spiritually. It's about women coming together to form a community of healing and support for each other. And it's about empowering ourselves with self-healing tools to aid in our cancer recovery." LINK:"place in which women could receive support, education, and comfort, after receiving a cancer diagnosis and meet others who have had a similar experience". Proceedings of National Acad of Sciences, 11/04 Book: Letting Go: Self Help Manual for Emotional Well Being Prog Neuropsychoparmacol Bio Psych, 2/05 Transcendental Medication Reduces Rate of Cardio Disease Review of Mindfulness Meditation By author Maureen Murray, a breast cancer survivor LINK to ovarian cancer survivor (credentialed survivor counseling) Sally Miller's 'week-long journey to wellness' Links and information WHYME House Foundation, Inc LINK to site offering prayers and support LINK If you’re living w a chronic illness & trying to balance healthy living &—whoa—fun, then you're DEFINITELY in the right place. If you're sick of reading depressing, clinical dissertations on disease, then you're going to feel right at home. If you're hunting for creative approaches to life, come on in. Online community for babes (who just happen to be chronic). LINK to supplier of "original Basalt Massage Stones as well as other stones - such as Chakra stones, cold stones, spa heaters & a full range of accessories". Dr. Nancy Mramor Posted 9/06 Articles, Links, Studies Crisis of Breast Biopsy:Testing Reiki Intervention Reiki for Fibromyalgia Studied in Seattle Reflexology Helps Those with Cancer What is Reiki? Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.