Articles

There is evidence to suggest that some cancers are influenced by immunological reactions. There is some similarity between immunological reactions and allergic reactions. Some allergic reactions can be modified by meditative experience. Furthermore. some cancers are influenced by endocrine reactions, and some endocrine reactions can be modified by meditative experience. With these ideas in mind I wrote to your correspondence column (Journal, October 25) seeking referral of suitable cancer patients to conduct a small private experiment to see if the progress of their condition could be influenced by intensive meditation. Only three patients made themselves available and two of them soon dropped out of the experiment.

The third patient, a single woman aged 49 years, has continued steadfastly in the experiment for the past six months. She has pathologically proven carcinomas of both breasts. She had been given radical radiotherapy to both breasts, with initial regression of the tumours. However, they soon recurred and she developed radiologically proven metastases in the spine. She underwent oophorectomy. There was a remission of symptoms, but she relapsed again and had treatment with Lactril (an extract of the apricot kernel) in Mexico. Her condition deteriorated and she required a blood transfusion. Treatment with cytotoxic drugs had been strongly advised, but for reasons of her own the patient kept putting off the decision to accept the treatment.

When I first saw the patient six months ago she was frail, debilitated, and in pain. Her left breast was wooden and immovable on the chest wall and the skin over it was so tight that it appeared in danger of rupture. The right breast had t large, wooden lumps in it and the nipple was retracted. Her general condition continued to deteriorate for the first six weeks in which I saw her. Her weakness became greater and she had severe pain in the back. Her condition necessitated two more transfusions. She developed ascites which had to be tapped on two occasions. After six weeks further deterioration gradually ceased. Strength began to return. After the second paracentesis her abdomen started to refill, but the fluid has been reabsorbed. Three months ago the patient was barely able to keep down any food at all, whereas now she says she has enjoyed steak and onions. Initially she barely had the strength to come to my rooms and now she has been swimming in a friend's pool. She has had no analgesic treatment at all for the past ten weeks. The left breast is still hard, but there are definite soft patches developing in the under surface. It is now freely movable on the chest wall, and the skin is still tight, but very much less so than when the patient first presented. The nipple of the right breast is no longer retracted. Her abdomen is now soft to palpation. Her face has filled out, but there is still very marked loss of flesh above and below the clavicles, in spite of the loss of fluid from her abdomen, in the last seven weeks she has. gained 9 lb in weight.

In the six months the patient has attended more than 100 sessions of intensive meditation in a small group under my guidance. She has also practised what I have shown her for many hours, both in my rooms and at her home.

Whatever the final outcome of her condition may be, there is no doubt that the progress of her condition has undergone a dramatic change for the better after the intensive meditation, and that this change is much more than the relief of pain and improved attitude of mind which one might expect from intensive meditation.

The purpose of this preliminary report is to request the referral of other patients to see if it is possible to repeat this very favourable effect. Such patients must have active cancer with the diagnosis proven beyond all possible doubt. They must be fully aware that their attending me is in the nature of an experi-ment and that there is no evidence to suggest that the favourable result in this first case can be repeated. They must have decided for reasons of their own not to pursue further orthodox anti-cancer treatment, but must be prepared to continue with their present medical attendant for their ordinary medical needs and for monthly assessment of their condition. They must be prepared to attend my rooms every weekday for three months and to practise what I show them for two or three hours at home each day. Above all they must be capable of developing a sense of complete commitment to the venture.

Reference:
Meares Ainslie, Regression of cancer after intensive meditation, Medical Journal of Australia, July 31, 1976.