By Katie Cummings
my country, 'tis of
you, land of the Cluett
Shirt Boston Garter and Spearmint
Girl With The Wrigley Eyes (of you
land of the Arrow Ide
and Earl &
Wilson
Collars) of you i
sing:land of Abraham Lincoln and Lydia E. Pinkham,
land above all of Just Add Hot Water And Serve--
from every B. V. D.
let freedom ring
- ee cummings
Cancer is a biological response to immune deficiency and has been directly linked with patients who have a weakened immune system. This disease thrives in the presence of an impaired or weakened immune system. There are several factors that can contribute to a weakened immune system such as emotional stress, physical stressors such as inadequate sleep or athletic overtraining, environmental and occupational chemical exposure, UV and other types of radiation, common viral or bacterial infections, certain drug therapies, blood transfusions, and surgery.
Immune responses can be depressed by other external influences including dietary habits. Excessive fat, alcohol or refined sugar consumption, or inadequate protein, calorie, vitamin, mineral, or water intake foster decreased immune performance as well. Deficiencies suffered by your mother in the months before you were born and environmental factors can contribute to immune debility.
The Traditional Approach
Conventionally, the cause of cancer has been attributed to a single, primary tumor. This primary tumor has been labeled the disease. Traditional therapy holds the belief that to cure the disease the primary tumor must be eliminated by destructive means such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. This thesis has severe shortcomings and side effects. Recurrence and metastasis are frequent and have occurred even in early detection. It can be concluded that cancer is a disease of the whole body, rather than an isolated incident.
The term 'magic bullet', coined by bacteriologist Paul Ehrlich in the late 1800s, originally described a chemical with the ability to specifically target microorganisms. Cancer research has continued in the same direction for many years. Research is aimed at finding that elusive "magic bullet" through development of ever more toxic synthetic chemicals. The lack of progress in cancer treatment can be attributed to this dominant focus that deliberately excludes any alternative approach to the disease.
The Traditional Approach Isn’t Enough
So far the results of traditional therapy are at a stand still. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are all damaging to the body, yet our leading medical practitioners and research developers continue to support this approach. New procedures that are not in harmony with the natural structure of the body are being considered daily, such as preventative surgery for breast cancer.
These intrusive procedures can contribute to the high recurrence rates of cancer. The immune system is directly affected by stress that can be attributed to procedures such as chemotherapy. Here the body is in a state of chemical trauma as well as emotional trauma. There is a wealth of support networks for cancer patients with good cause.
Alternative Cancer Cure: The Body’s Natural Defense
Homeopathy is a long respected medical discipline known for its emphasis on the wisdom of the body. The medicine utilized in homeopathy stimulates the body’s immune system to bring about whole healing. Some modern medical practices are modeled after homeopathy. Allergy treatment is an example. Present day treatment of allergies with a minute dose of the offending substance is the foundation of homeopathic medicine. Vaccines are diluted preparations of killed bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. These treatments stimulate the production of antibodies, which are specific antagonists to the particular disease being protected against.
The basis for homeopathic treatment of cancer is a holistic approach known as immunotherapy. The goal of this alternative cancer treatment is to rid the body of immune compromising chemicals and support a healthy immune system through dietary and psychological maintenance. The underlying principle is that the body is able to produce a natural defense against diseases such as cancer. Until we rid ourselves of the traditional approach to cancer and look at the greater picture, many more will suffer its effects.