I'd like to share with you several key practices I've learned on my 3-year journey with cancer that can help heal or prevent cancer and other illnesses. I’ve come up with an acronym to help us remember these important points: it’s the vowels AEIOU and Y. The word ‘heal’ literally means ‘to become whole.’ Many people who’ve gone into remission from cancer have done so by making these whole-body, whole-life changes:

A is for Alkalize. Acidity in our body is a breeding ground for cancer and other illnesses. What creates acidity are our foods and our ‘tudes: foods like sugar, dairy, meat, refined grains, and alcohol, and ‘tudes like worry, anger, stress, and guilt. That’s why changing our diet and our attitudes are important keys to healing. Things that alkalize our body are practices like meditation, prayer, yoga, tai chi, and dance, and foods like green leafy vegetables, broccoli, green tea, and lemon juice, which has an alkalizing effect in the body. (You can buy pH strips at a health food store that will measure your alkalinity and acidity.)



E is for Exericise. A recent study revealed that people who sit around a lot are more prone to cancer. That makes sense when you realize that exercise oxygenates us, reduces stress (and therefore acidity), and activates the immune system and the lymphatic system (which detoxifies our bodies). A bouncing movement will especially stimulate the lymphatic system (using a mini-trampoline, jump rope, exercise ball, or jogging, etc), as will whole-body shaking, like a dog shakes water off his fur. I shake every morning to the Beatles song, “Shake it up baby now, twist and shout!” Instead of a milk shake, have a whole-body shake! Instead of a coffee break, take a shake break!

I is for Immune system enhancement. We all have cancer cells in our bodies, but what keeps them from multiplying is a strong immune system. Stress suppresses our immune system, so I can’t stress strongly enough the importance of reducing stress. Stagnation also suppresses the immune system; there is a delicate balance between doing too much and not doing enough. Some of the things that enhance the immune system are dancing, laughter, hugs, and love, which includes doing what we love, doing our souls work. When we align with our spirit, we not only enhance our immune system, we raise our vibration into a state of grace place where life flows more easily.

O is for Oxygenate. Cancer is anaerobic; it flourishes in conditions of low oxygen. If we take ten deep diaphragmatic breaths, it not only oxygenates us, it activates the relaxation response, the lymphatic system, AND our immune system. Taking ten deep breaths is one of the most powerful healing tools we have, and it’s completely free! I’ll breathe to that!

U is for UV sunlight. The sun has gotten a bad rap in recent years, but in fact it is a powerful source of healing (when we use good sense and moderation). It boosts not only our moods but our immune system and endocrine system as well. Since 90% of light enters the body through our eyes, it’s important to spend some time outside without glasses, again using good sense and moderation. Of course, don’t look directly at the sun; just being exposed to the light of day will help. So let the sun shine in and face it with a grin :o) (smiling stimulates the immune system).


Y is for Yuck! - as in yucky toxins. The toxins in our lives create acidity and weaken our immune system. Therefore, it’s important to reduce the chemicals in our foods, water, household cleansers, and hygiene products. Also, reduce the toxic electromagnetic overload from computers, television, cell phones, etc. Negative thoughts and feelings are also toxic, as they increase acidity and inflammation, a hotbed for illness; clearing negative emotions is very beneficial to our health. One of my favorite ways to release negative emotions is to make non-verbal sounds expressing the feeling. I love growling when I’m angry! It usually ends in laughter, which is a powerful healing tonic in itself.

There you have it: the AEIOU & Y of holistically healing (and preventing) cancer and other illnesses. For optimal good health, I highly recommend having a daily ‘vowel’ movement!

Author's Bio: 

Janet Jacobsen is the author of the book, "Oh No, Not Another “Growth” Opportunity! An Inspirational Cancer Journey with Humor, Heart, and Healing". If you or someone you know has cancer or other life challenges, you can read more of her inspiring, and informative FREE articles as well as excerpts from her book at http://enlightenink.com/