Rob van Overbruggen brings us the best review and discussion of theories and research in mind-body influences and interactions with cancer.
This book is written clearly, well organized, rich in quotations from the numerous authors cited, replete with case examples, and an excellent resource for anyone interested integrative medicine healing of cancer.
There are many facets of psychological health and disharmony that may contribute to the development of serious illnesses. Some are well known, other are less familiar. Here are but a few of the numerous aspects of this important aspect of understanding and dealing with cancer that van
Overbruggen clarifies.
The author marshals well-supported discussions on ways in which stress that is handled poorly can lead to serious illnesses. Stress is commonly assumed to occur with negative experiences, but van Overbruggen points out that positive ones such as marriage and relocation to a new residence or
work situation may be equally stressful.
Similarly, residues of traumatic experiences that are not released may fester within people, eventually manifesting in physical disorders. Cancer is commonly found to occur following such experiences.
It is not the things themselves that confuse people, but their judgment of those things. – Epictetus
A less well known factor is self-regulation. Grossarth-Maticek et al. (1995) interviewed participants in 1973 to assess their level of “selfregulation.”
Self-regulation is defined as people’s ability to notice the results of their behavior and correct it to achieve their goals. By definition, self-regulation can only take place when people have an internal locus of control. Fifteen years after the initial interview, they conducted a follow-up study to assess the participants’ health status. Of those who scored in the lower section of the test, only 2% were still alive. Of the participants who initially scored in the higher regions, 81% were alive. (p. 87)
The author points out that imagery is commonly used as a tool for transformation as a part of many therapies. It is often included in cancer treatments. What is less known is that assessments of the elements in people’s imagery can also have diagnostic value. [Jean] Achterberg came to the following conclusion: “The total scores were found to predict with 100% certainty who would die or show evidence of significant deterioration during the two-month period, and with 93% certainty who would be in remission… (p. 168)
Generous counterpointing quotes and client reports of their experiences with the various therapies make this book an engaging read. The many pages of references are a blessing to anyone seriously interested to know more about the many and varied available treatments for cancer.
This book is highly recommended to anyone interested in integrative medicine approaches to helping people who have cancer. It is also helpful in addressing end of life issues and facing death. “Death is not extinguishing
the light; it is putting out the lamp because dawn has come.” (p. 200)