While many of us are familiar with the benefits and challenges of Western medicine, we are only beginning to comprehend the benefits that medical models from the East have to offer. Whole foods, Qigong, and the use of group support are tools that we can learn and employ for self-healing.
These tools complement Western treatments, and follow an important rule of medicine—do no harm. They form the core of the Noble Circle Project as practiced in Dayton, OH.
Whole foods are foods that have not been processed, and their use helps to maximize the nutritional value of the foods. These foods are straight from the garden or field, and preferably organic. Vegetarian foods such as grains, vegetables, and fruits are stressed; however, for some people, animal foods have their place in a balanced diet. Regardless of the specific food, good quality and freshness are essential.
At the retreat, we discuss the basic facts of whole foods, learn simple food preparation techniques, and enjoy delicious, freshly prepared, organic meals. We will also have fun getting to know each other around the dining table. Eating is something we do every day, and it affects each cell in our body. Thus, it is a logical and practical tool for self-healing.
Annie Burns and Suzanne Shaw from the initial Noble Circle retreat have collaborated with chefs from the kitchen at the Heartwood Retreat Center, site of the first Noble Circle retreat, to provide an introduction to whole foods cooking and a collection of basic recipes. Their recipe book is organized as follows :
Introduction to Whole Foods (includes Glossary)
1. Whole Grains
2. Beans
3. Vegetables
4. Greens
6. Soups
9. Tempeh, Tofu, Fish and Fowl
10. Sweets
What is Qigong (pronounced “chee gong”)?
Qigong is a practice of gentle exercise, usually done in community groups, that dates back to the Zhou Dynasty (1028-221 B.C.) in China. According to the theory, the body has energy channels, or meridians, throughout. Qi, which could be described as life energy, flows along these channels. With daily practice, energy blockages are dissolved, and Qi flows smoothly.
You may recall seeing photos of China, where people gather in public parks, and move like a crane, a bear, or a deer. On the outside, it looks very simple. However, internally muscles are relaxing, organs are massaged, and Qi is moving and strengthening the body.
Qigong focuses on rebalancing the body. Many people with cancer have turned to qigong to recover their health. Like any healing modality, the power of qigong lies in the commitment and self-discipline of learning the technique. If you are interested in reading the personal stories of individuals who recovered from cancer with qigong, you can read 101 Miracles of Natural Healing by Luke Chan, as well as the accounts on his website, www.chilel.com.
In addition to the qigong classes associated with the Noble Circle Project, there are other Dayton-area classes for Cancer Survivors where one can learn and practice Qigong.