TCM is an incredibly complex system of diagnosing, preventing and treating illness – it’s not something you learn in a weekend workshop and dabble in on the side. It can be quite difficult to wrap ones head around the whole concept, and I’ll be the first to admit that I struggled with understanding and grasping it all in our acupressure class at Bancroft. But Amy and Nancy explain TCM, Yin/Yang, Zang Fu, etc. really, really well, and after reading this book, I feel like I finally “get it”. I found myself nodding and thinking “oh, ok, now I understand” often while reading it.

The authors also cover some of the history behind the origins and development of TCM, which is both interesting and helpful when learning. I always find that knowing why something is done a certain way (rather than just being told “it’s the way it is”) really helps me both remember and understand it.

The book opens with an intro about the origins of dogs and how they developed into the animals we know them as today, and then goes into several chapters about TCM, breaking it down into smaller components, explaining what each is and how it works, all with helpful examples of how a TCM practitioner would look at a particular imbalance to determine what the problem is and how best to treat it.

Topics covered include universal law, law of integrity, chi, disharmony, Yin/Yang, five-element theory (with a very helpful chart of which element corresponds to what), Zang Fu, meridians, and how to use “cun” measurements to find the correct points on your dog.

Chapter seven is a big chapter, covering the Zang-Fu organ systems and the meridians in detail. Each meridian has an intro, a detailed list of its functions, health and emotional issues connected to it, and an explanation of its location. And for each, there is an illustration of the meridian and important points outlined on a dog. Some also have a photo of a dog with the meridian outlined, which I thought was particularly helpful, because for me at least, it is not always easy to locate them on your own dog.

Chapter eight talks about the assessment tools, i.e. TCM diagnostic methods – The four examinations, the eight principles, and the patterns of disharmony. The authors explain why each assessment is done and what the findings can tell a practitioner (with helpful examples). The chapter ends with a great list of TCM concepts that give you a quick overview/reminder of each, which is hugely helpful.

Chapter nine takes you through an acupressure session from start (finding a good spot, asking your dog for permission, etc.) to finish (what to look for in your dog after a session), covering things like opening, finger techniques, how to use the Association points to assess the organ system, the Alarm points to figure out how deep an imbalance goes, how to work on Source points, closing the session, and what to feel for all along the way.

Chapter ten lists many different common conditions from emotional (grief, fear, etc.) to physical (arthritis, diarrhea, hip dysplasia, conjunctivitis, etc.) to some more general in nature (aging, strengthening the immune system) and outlines which points to work for each. The book ends with a glossary of both anatomical and TCM terms and a bibliography.

I would absolutely recommend this book to anybody who is interested in learning about TCM in general, and acupressure for dogs in particular. And if you’re planning to take one of Tallgrass’ introductory acupressure workshops, I’d say read this beforehand and you’ll be way ahead of the curve.

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I hope everyone had a nice relaxing break, and will have a fun and festive New Year’s Eve tomorrow.

As usual, if you know of an event that belongs on this list, please contact me and I will add it.

January is
- Walk Your Pet Month
- Adopt-a-Rescued-Bird Month

January 5 is National Bird Day
January 20 is National Penguin Awareness Day
January 21 is Squirrel Appreciation Day
January 22 is National Answer-Your-Cat’s-Questions Day

February is
- Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
- National Bird-Feeding Month
- Unchain a Dog Month
- National Prevent a Litter Month
- Pet Dental Health Month
- Responsible Animal Guardian Month
- National Cat Health Month

February 14 is National Pet Theft Awareness Day
February 27 is International Polar Bear Day
February 28 is Spay Day USA

February 10-12: Introduction to Equine or Small Animal Acupressure, Phoenix, AZ
Learn how to perform a complete acupressure treatment protocol as well as the basics of Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts and theories and how they relate to acupressure. Instructor: Kim Bauer of Tallgrass Animal Acupressure

February 13-19: Meridians & Specific Conditions 1&2, Phoenix, AZ
Learn about meridians and points, how imbalances can cause health issues, and which points of each meridian to work on to help with certain conditions. Instructor: Kim Bauer of Tallgrass Animal Acupressure

January 21-22: Animal Communication Workshop, Agoura, CA
Learn the basics of animal communication at this 2-day workshop. Instructor: Carol Gurney

February 3-5: Equine SENSE Workshop, Escondido, CA
3-day workshop at Elfin Forest Stables where you learn the basics of equine SENSE (bodywork based on the Feldenkrais method), as well as Feldenkrais techniques for yourself. Instructor: Mary Debono

February 7-8: Animal Reiki 1, San Mateo, CA
2-day workshop at Homeless Cat Network where you learn the basics of animal Reiki. Instructor: Leah D’Ambrosio

February 7-10: Equine Craniosacral Foundation Class, Santa Cruz, CA
Introductory workshop at Morning Sun Ranch where you will learn the basics of Craniosacral work. Instructor: Maureen Rogers of Equine Craniosacral Workshops.

February 26: Fundamentals of Animal Massage, Southern CA
One-day workshop where you learn the basics of animal massage. Instructor: Lola Michelin of the Northwest School of Animal Massage

January 17-18: Animal Reiki, Castle Rock, CO
2-day class where you learn the basics of Usui Reiki for animals. Instructor: Shelley Sheets of Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage (RMSAAM)

January 19-22 & February 16-19: Canine Massage Level 1, Castle Rock, CO
4-day certificate massage class (with required pre and post course work). Instructor: Linda Aaron of (RMSAAM)

January 23 & February 25: Intro to Working with Animals and Essential Oils, Kaeru Studio, Littleton, CO,
1-day workshop where you learn the basics of essential oils and how to use them with animals. Also includes an intro to applied kinesiology. Instructor: Frances Cleveland

February 4-5: Reiki I & II, Castle Rock, CO
2-day workshop where you learn, get attuned, and certified for Reiki Level 1 and 2. Instructor: Anna Twinney of Reach Out To Horses

January 10-13 & February 6-9: Canine Massage Level 1, Cape Coral, FL
4-day canine massage certificate class (pre and post course work required). Instructor: Kelly Legarreta of Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage

February 3: TTouch Lecture and Demo, Lihue, HI
Learn about TTouch for dogs at this evening lecture at the Kauai Humane Society. Instructor: Sage Lewis of The Dancing Porcupine

February 4-5: TTouch for Dogs, Lihue, HI
2-day workshop at the Kauai Humane Society where you learn the basics of TTouch and how to use it with dogs. Instructor: Sage Lewis of The Dancing Porcupine

February 6-11: TTouch for You and Your Dog, Kailua Kona, HI
6-day TTouch class where you learn the basics of TTouch and how to use it both on yourself and your dog(s). The class also includes a boat trip and swimming with dolphins. Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones

February 26 – March 3: TTouch for Horses, Kailua Kona, HI
Learn the basics of the Tellington TTouch method for horses in this class that also includes a boat trip and swimming with dolphins. Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones

January 4: Canine Massage, Oak Park, IL
Evening workshop where you learn the basics of canine massage. Taught by Canine Massage Chicago

January 7: Canine CPR and First Aid Basics, Oak Park, IL
Learn the basics of first aid and CPR for dogs. Taught by Canine Massage Chicago

January 23: Canine Massage, Glenview, IL
Learn the basics of of canine massage. Taught by Canine Massage Chicago

January 28: Animal Communication, Timonium, MD
Workshop at the World of Pets Expo where you learn animal communication techniques. Instructor: Terri Diener

January 28-29: Help Your Dog Become Calm and Confident with Tellington TTouch, Timonium, MD
2-day workshop at the World of Pets Expo where you learn how to manage your dog’s response to stress and help him build self-confidence with the help of TTouch. Instructor: Kathy Cascade

January 28-29: Parrot Behavior, Timonium, MD
2 half-day workshops at the World of Pets Expo. Instructor: Jessie James

January 29: Flower Essences, Timonium, MD
Learn about flower essences and mix up a bottle of your own combination to take home to your pet at this workshop at the World of Pets Expo. Instructor: Dori Mayer

January 29: Reiki for Animals, Timonium, MD
Learn about animal Reiki at this workshop at the World of Pets Expo. Instructors: Kathleen Lester and Inez Donmoyer

January 14: Animal Communication, Minneapolis, MN
Introductory one-day animal communication workshop at Amanae & Frequency of Brilliance Center. Instructor: Jenny Gott of Peace of Mind, Body & Soul

January 18: Using Essential Oils With Animals, Minneapolis, MN
Evening workshop at Metro Dogs where you learn the basics of how to use essential oils with animals for a variety of health issues. Instructor: Jenny Gott

January 22: TTouch For Dogs, Bloomington, MN
Half-day canine TTouch workshop at Bloomington Obedience Training Club. Instructor: Sage Lewis of The Dancing Porcupine

January 26: Using Essential Oils With Animals, Minnetonka, MN
Learn how to use essential oils with animals for a variety of health issues at this evening workshop at the Sunu Wellness Center. Instructor: Jenny Gott

January 14-15: Beginning/Intermediate Animal Communication, New York, NY
2-day workshop at the Open Center where you learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Marta Williams

January 16 & 18: Level 1 Reiki and Reiki for Animals, Woodstock, NY
Learn the basics of Reiki and how to use it both on humans and animals. Instructor: Diane Anderson of Woodstock Reiki Works

January 27-29: Equine Acupressure & Aromatherapy, Nelsonville, OH
Learn the basics of how to use essential oils with acupressure in this 3-day hands-on class at Hocking College. Instructor: Tallgrass Animal Acupressure

February 17-20: PetMassage Foundation Workshop, Toledo, OH
4-day foundation workshop where you learn the basics of animal massage, anatomy, physiology, ethics and marketing. Taught by PetMassage, Ltd.

February 26-29: Canine Massage Level 1, Synergy Farm, Circleville, OH
4-day canine massage workshop where you learn the basics of canine anatomy, massage techniques, and general canine wellness. Taught by Integrated Touch Therapy

February 4 & 5: TTouch For Companion Animals, Decatur, TN
Half-day workshop where you learn about TTouch for companion animals. Instructor: Deirdre Chitwood

January 18: Great Nutrition – Great Health, Houston, TX
Learn how to read pet food labels, how to select the right diet for your pet and when and how to use supplements. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way

January 22: Canine Massage, Houston, TX
One-day workshop where you learn the basics of animal massage and how to use it with dogs. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way

January 29: Animal Communication, Houston, TX
One-day workshop where you learn the basics of how to communicate with animals. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way

February 4: Animal Communication, Dripping Springs, TX
Learn the basics of how to telepathically communicate with animals. Instructors: Kim Shotola and Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way

February 5: Flower Essences & Crystal/Color Therapy, Dripping Springs, TX
One-day workshop where you learn the basics of flower essences, crystals, and color therapy and how to use them with animals. Instructors: Kim Shotola and Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way

February 8: Kinesiology, Houston, TX
One-day workshop where you learn how to use kinesiology to determine allergies and discover which food and topical products best suit your animal(s) and yourself. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way

February 16-19: Shamballa Master Healer, Houston, TX
Learn about Shamballa Multidimensional Healing and how to use the technique with humans and animals. The class also covers Shamballa meditations, chakras and how to work with angels. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way

February 22: Crystal & Color Therapy, Houston, TX
Evening workshop where you learn about the the healing properties of colors as well as the history and benefits of crystals, how to make crystal essences and how to use them with animals. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way

January 7-8: Animal Reiki 1, Westfield, VT
2-day workshop at Butterworks Farm where you learn the basics of Reiki and how to use it with animals. Instructor: Kelly McDermott Burns

January 21: TTouch For Horses, Haymarket, VA
One-day workshop at Hickory Grove Farm where you will learn the basics of TTouch for horses. Instructor: Sandy Rakowitz of One Heart Healing Center

January 7-8: Animal Reiki I, Westfield, VT
2-day workshop where you learn the history of Reiki and how to use it on both humans and animals. Instructor: Kelly McDermott-Burns of Heart Song Reiki

January 15: Animal Reiki Level 1, Vashon Island, WA
1-day workshop where you earn the basics of Reiki and receive your first attunement. Instructor: Lola Michelin of Northwest School of Animal Massage

January 21: Animal Death & Spirituality, Seattle, WA
1-day workshop where you learn to communicate with animals in spirit. Instructor: Mary Getten

January 28 & February 25: Reiki Level 1, Issaquah, WA
One-day hands-on class where you learn the basics of Reiki and how to use it with all living things. Instructor: Polly Klein of Tonglen Healing Arts for Animals

January 29: Fundamentals of Animal Massage, Vashon Island, WA
Learn the basics of animal massage at this one-day workshop. Instructor: Lola Michelin of Northwest School of Animal Massage

February 4-5: Introduction to Animal Communication, Issaquah, WA
Two-day class where you learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Polly Klein of Tonglen Healing Arts for Animals

February 4-5: Canine MLT Foundation Course, Vashon Island, WA
Learn the basics of Manual Ligament Therapy™ and how to use it on dogs. Instructor: Lola Michelin of NWSAM

February 11-12: Equine MLT Foundation Course, Vashon Island, WA
2-day hands-on workshop where you learn the basics of Manual Ligament Therapy™ and how to use it on horses. Instructor: Lola Michelin of NWSAM

ALBERTA
February 18-23: Introduction & Ongoing TTouch Training for Companion Animals, Calgary, AB
6-day foundation and on-going class where you learn the basics of TTouch for dogs, cats and other companion animals. Instructors: Robyn Hood and Kathy Cascade of Tellington TTouch Canada

BRITISH COLUMBIA
January 14-15: Pawspoint Reflexology, Port Coquitlam, BC
Learn the basics of reflexology for animals at this 2-day workshop. Instructor: Yvette Eastman of Touchpoint Reflexology

ONTARIO
January 2012: Animal Communication I, Toronto, ON
Learn the basics of animal communication at this workshop at Cedar Lane Farm. Instructor: Christine Riedel Gagnon

ENGLAND

CAMBRIDGESHIRE
January 13-15 & 25-27: Equine Touch Level 1, Wittering
Learn the basics of equine touch at this three-day workshop. Instructor: Emma Overend

CORNWALL
February 18-19: Camelidynamics, Porkellis, Helston
Two-day workshop at Carthvean Farm where you learn basic camelidynamics, llama handling, training and husbandry. Instructor: Julie Taylor-Browne of Carthvean Alpacas

ESSEX
February 16-18: Equine Touch Level 1, Roxwell
Learn the basics of equine touch at this 3-day workshop. Instructor: Kate Prowse

NORFOLK
February 24-25: Crystal Therapy for Animals, Norwich
Weekend course where you learn about working with crystals and how to use them on animals (also covers animal anatomy, chakras, meridians and auras). Instructor: Niki Senior

NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE
January 28-29 & February 25-26: Foundation Course in Canine Communication, Flixborough, Scunthorpe
Learn the Amichien® Bonding method and the basics of animal communication at these 2-day workshops. Instructor: Jan Fennell

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
February 5: Animal Communication, Daventry
One-day workshop at Holistic Equitation Centre where you learn the basics of how to communicate with animals intuitively. Instructor: Julie Lines of Voice of the Animals

February 18: Animal Communication Playshop, Daventry
Evening workshop at Holistic Equitation Centre where you get an introduction to communicating with animals intuitively. Instructor: Julie Lines of Voice of the Animals

February 23-24: Canine Touch Level 1, Holdenby
Learn the basics of canine touch at this 2-day workshop. Instructor: Emma Overend

OXFORDSHIRE
January 13-14 & February 23-24: Reiki For Animals, Level 1, Chinnor
Learn the basics of Reiki for use on both humans and animals. Instructor: Jo Rose of Rose Holistic Therapies

January 28: Equine Muscles, Movement and Stretching, Chinnor
Learn about the equine muscular system and practice passive stretches that help with range of movement. Instructor: Jo Rose of Rose Holistic Therapies

January 28: An Introduction to Applied Zoopharmacognosy, Chinnor
1-day introductory workshop where you learn about Zoopharmacognosy and how you can assist your non-foraging animals in selecting healing plants by offering them essential oils and plants to choose from. Instructor: Jo Rose of Rose Holistic Therapies

February 2 & 29: Equine Merishia Massage, Chinnor
Hands-on one-day practical (pre course work required). Instructor: Jo Rose of Rose Holistic Therapies

February 3: Canine Merishia Massage, Chinnor
Hands-on one-day practical (pre course work required). Instructor: Jo Rose of Rose Holistic Therapies

SOMERSET
January 27-29: Equine Touch Level 1, Glastonbury
3-day basic equine touch workshop. Instructor: Lyn Palmer

SURREY
January 21: Animal Communication, Guilford
Learn about communicating with animals intuitively in this introductory “playshop” at Wild Croft Rare Breeds Farm. Instructor: Julie Lines of Voice of the Animals

WORCESTERSHIRE
February 18: A Beginners Guide To Canine Massage, Bromsgrove
1-day workshop where you learn the basics of canine massage. Instructor: Natalie Lenton of Canine Massage Therapy Centre

February 19: K9 Massage For The Agility & Sporting Dog, Bromsgrove
1-day workshop where you learn the basics of canine massage as well as pre and post event massage routines. Instructor: Natalie Lenton

YORKSHIRE
January 27: EFT for Animals, York
Learn how to do EFT on animals with the help of surrogates. Instructors: Gwyneth Moss and Heather Smiles of Emotional Health

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2. Holistic Animal Health Events & Workshops – USA, Canada & UK – April & May 2011 Winter is pretty much done, and I saw the first...
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It turns out that many have not heard of the things we tried with Sadie (which can all also be used for humans), so I decided to share here some information about the different supplements and treatments we used. Please keep in mind that I am not a doctor or veterinarian, and what I’m posting here is not medical advice. I just wanted to put it out there so that you can at least know about it, have a starting place for your own research and ask your vet or doctor about it. Many have had success with these things when the cancer is caught early (which it unfortunately wasn’t in Sadie’s case), and hopefully you will have better luck than we did.

Alternative Medicine

We tried:
Tong Ren
There are many testimonials and cases online where people tell the story of how they have been cured of cancer with the help of this unusual energy healing method. Also see the Tong Ren for Animals post here on AMG.

Acupuncture
Mostly to help with pain relief, and it really did seem to work. Sadie moved better and more smoothly, and rested easier and slept deeper after each session.

PEMF
Pulsed electromagnetic therapy (for more info, see this PEMF post). According to the published research, they are curing lymphoma with it in Russia and we felt had nothing to lose, so we tried it, but it was very late in the game, and we only managed to fit in two treatments. Did not notice anything special after each.

Homotoxicology
Similar to homeopathy (and also invented by a German, Dr. Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg), but there are some major differences: In classic Hahnemann Homeopathy, diagnosis is based on the patient’s entire being, including personality and emotional state, and the treatment is based on the theory that “like is cured with like” (i.e. you give the patient a small amount of a very diluted version of a substance that in higher concentrations would cause the disease or symptoms he is suffering from). In Homeopathy, you use single-source remedies directed at the symptoms, not the cause of them.

In Homotoxicology (often described as a bridge between homeopathy and allopathic medicine), disease is diagnosed “the allopathic medicine way”, but the theory is that all disease is caused by toxins. The body continuously flush out the toxins we are all confronted with every day (external and internal), but when it for some reason cannot rid itself of them, we get sick. In Homotoxicological theory, there are 6 phases to illness, and it is only in the last 3 phases that illnesses start to show signs, so the key is to help the body rid itself of toxins before they get stuck. Homotoxicology uses homeopathically prepared combination remedies (like GalliumHeel, Traumeel, etc.). that are are directed at the toxins that cause the symptoms.

Anthroposophical Medicine
We also ordered mistletoe extract from Austria through Weleda here in the US (but it arrived too late so we never had a chance to try it). It is widely used in Europe for cancer (more than 50% of all cancer patients in Germany are treated with it), and there have been studies done that indicate it helps with survival time and quality of life, particularly in conjunction with chemo. Weleda’s proprietary cancer treatment formulation is called Iscador and it was first used in Switzerland 90 years ago. The Mistletoe is injected and it helps the immune system slow down the growth of cancer cells.

From the National Cancer Institute: “Extracts of mistletoe have been shown to kill cancer cells in the laboratory and to boost the immune system. For this reason, mistletoe has been classified as a type of biological response modifier (a substance that stimulates the body’s response to infection and disease). Extracts of mistletoe have also been shown in the laboratory to prevent the growth of new blood vessels needed for tumors to grow.”… “Many studies involve using mistletoe as adjuvant therapy in patients with cancer. One retrospective cohort study done between 1993 and 2000 looked at the use of a mistletoe extract (Iscador) as long-term adjuvant therapy in 800 patients treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for colorectal cancer that had not spread. The study found that patients treated with Iscador had fewer adverse events, better symptom relief, and improved disease-free survival compared to patients who did not receive Iscador as adjuvant therapy.”

In the US, Mistletoe is not approved by the FDA as a cancer treatment for humans, and injectable Mistletoe is only allowed to be imported for use in clinical research (to find ongoing trials, go to http://clinicaltrials.gov and type in Mistletoe in the search window).

It’s ok to use on pets however. Your vet needs to send a prescription to Weleda (make sure to call Weleda first – there are several varieties of Mistletoe, and different kinds are used depending on what type of cancer it is) who will then order it for you.

Herbs and Supplements

Wholly Immune
Recommended by Sadie’s vet. Wholly Immune was developed by Dr. Friedrich Douwes, founder of the St. Georg Medical Klinic (a cancer clinic in Germany) and Dr. Stephen Levine, founder of Allergy Research Group (who makes Wholly Immune). It has over 60 nutrients and herbs in it, and according to ARG, it “works synergistically to enhance immune system function, decrease oxidative damage, and to promote liver detoxification.”

Chinese herbs (Chih-ko and Curcuma & Gynostemma)
Also from our vet.

Chih-ko/Curcuma was developed based on a formula called Pingxiao Dan, used by a Chinese cancer specialist, Jia Kun. Chih-ko/Curcuma contains a bunch of herbs that resolve phlegm masses, resolve static blood, and eliminate toxins.

Gynostemma is a single herb said to restore normal function in all body systems (immune, digestive, cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive).

From Gynostemma.org: “Studies into the anti cancer activity of Gynostemma have shown a significant inhibition rate on a broad cross section of cancer cells. Intensive studies are being conducted into both its anti cancer activity and its potential as an immune protection / prophylactic agent for HIV infected patients. There is research indicating that Gynostemma may prevent cells from becoming cancerous in the first place and may disrupt cell division in existing cancer cells.”

Turkey Tail mushrooms

Myco-Immune
A mix of seven mushrooms – Cordyceps sinensis (Caterpillar mushroom), Lentinula edodes (Shitake), Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), Grifola frondosa (Maitake), Coriolus versicolor (Turkey tail), Tremella fuciformis (White wood ear) and Schizophyllum commune (Split gills) – that have been shown to enhance the immune system “by increasing tumor necrosis factor alpha, stimulating macrophage phagocytic activity, improving NK cell number and activity, stimulating Interleukins 1 and 2, B-lymphocyte stimulation, improvement of T-cell ratios, gamma interferon stimulation, and improvement of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity.”

Studies in New Zealand found that a combination of Reishi and Cordyceps extracts had beneficial effects on the quality of life for some advanced cancer patients. Researchers believe that a mixture of the active ingredients from different mushrooms maximizes the immune response by providing multiple stimuli to the body’s natural defenses.

From Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: “Cordyceps stimulates the number of T helper cells, prolongs the survival of lymphocytes, enhances TNF-alpha and interleukin 1 production, and increases the activity of natural killer cells in cultured rat Kupffer cells. Enhanced proliferation of erythroid progenitor cell in the bone marrow of mice is also shown. One study suggests that cordyceps can stimulate progesterone production in animal cells. Another study shows that cordyceps may be effective against tumor celIs by down-regulating MHC class II antigen expression… “Animal studies showed proliferation of progenitor red blood cells. Therefore, cordyceps should not be used by those with myelogenous type cancers.”

From the American Cancer Society: “Several potential cancer-fighting substances have been found in shiitake mushrooms… There have been some studies in humans. At least one randomized clinical trial of lentinan has shown it to prolong life of patients with advanced and recurrent stomach and colorectal cancer who were also given chemotherapy. Lentinan is a beta glucan (sometimes called beta glycan) that is found in several mushrooms, yeasts, and other foods. Beta glucan is a polysaccharide, a large and complex molecule made up of smaller sugar molecules. The beta glucan polysaccharide is believed to stimulate the immune system and activate certain cells and proteins that attack cancer, including macrophages, T-cells, and natural killer cells. In laboratory studies, beta glucan appears to slow the growth of cancer in some cell cultures.”

From Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: “In vitro and animal studies indicate that reishi has chemopreventive effects, alleviates chemotherapy-induced nausea, enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy, and increases the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin [a chemotherapy drug]. It was also effective in preventing cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. In small clinical studies, reishi increased plasma antioxidant capacity and enhanced immune responses in advance-stage cancer patients. Remission of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been reported in a few cases.”

From NIH: “Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) has previously exhibited strong anticancer activity by increasing immune-competent cell activity. In a non-random case series, a combination of MD-fraction and whole maitake powder was investigated to determine its effectiveness for 22- to 57-year-old cancer patients in stages II-IV. Cancer regression or significant symptom improvement was observed in 58.3 percent of liver cancer patients, 68.8 percent of breast cancer patients, and 62.5 percent of lung cancer patients. The trial found a less than 10-20 percent improvement for leukemia, stomach cancer, and brain cancer patients. Furthermore, when maitake was taken in addition to chemotherapy, immune-competent cell activities were enhanced 1.2-1.4 times, compared with chemotherapy alone. Animal studies have supported the use of maitake MD-fraction for cancer.”

From the American Cancer Society: “More than 2 dozen human studies of PSK (Turkey Tail Mushroom) have been reviewed by experts at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Almost all of these studies were done in Japan and focused on cancer of the esophagus, stomach, colon, or breast. Most of them found that people with cancer were helped by PSK. People who received PSK with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, generally had longer periods of time without disease and had increased survival rates compared with patients who received only standard treatment. Side effects from PSK in these studies were very mild. Smaller studies have suggested PSK may not be as effective against liver cancer or leukemia.”

And in one of those strange coincidences that happen so often, the owners of the dog Sophie, whose battle with DM was featured in this Hydrotherapy post here on AMG, contacted me out of the blue to share some good news. Sophie had been diagnosed with cancer, but had made a miraculous recovery with the help of supplements recommended by their holistic vet. When I told them about Sadie, they immediately offered to share some of their supplements with us and put us in contact with their vet. The products they had used were:

Lactoferrin (which is also in Wholly Immune). A safe supply of iron; tumors need iron to grow and will drain the animal’s system of free iron so you don’t want to give your dog regular iron supplements – it will just feed the cancer. Lactoferrin is iron that is tightly bound up with other elements and when the tumor tries to ‘grab’ the iron, it turns into a “tug-of-war” as the tumor iron receptacles being plugged up and not able to grow.

From NIH: “Several physiological roles have been attributed to LF (lactoferrin), namely regulation of iron homeostasis, host defense against infection and inflammation, regulation of cellular growth, and differentiation and protection against cancer development and metastasis. These findings have suggested LF’s great potential therapeutic use in cancer disease prevention and/or treatment, namely as a chemopreventive agent.”… “In experimental studies, bovine lactoferrin (bLF) has been found to significantly inhibit colon, esophagus, lung, and bladder carcinogenesis in rats when administered orally in the post-initiation stage.”

From the Journal of Dairy Science: “In the present work, the effects of bovine milk lactoferrin on human breast cancer HS578T and T47D cells were studied. The cells were either untreated or treated with lactoferrin concentrations ranging from 0.125 to 125 μM. Lactoferrin decreased the cell viability of HS578T and T47D by 47 and 54%, respectively, and increased apoptosis about 2-fold for both cell lines. Proliferation rates decreased by 40.3 and 63.9% for HS578T and T47D, respectively. For the T47D line, cell migration decreased in the presence of the protein. Although the mechanisms of action are not fully known, the results gathered in this work suggest that lactoferrin interferes with some of the most important steps involved in cancer development.”

Yunnan Baiyao – famous for being carried by the Vietcong to stop bleeding during the Vietnam War. A mix of Chinese herbs that stops external and internal bleeding (anything from shaving accidents to gunshot wounds!) and tonifies the blood. There are conflicting opinions about the use of this herb and cancer, so definitely check with someone who knows what they are talking about before using it. Sophie’s vet advised us not to use it with Sadie.

Sea Buckthorn

Gippofain – a natural form of serotonin from the bark of the sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides, L.) tree in Siberia. Attacks cancer cells and makes the animal feel good.

From NIH: “A 70% ethanol extract of the branches of Hippophae rhamnoides exhibited remarkable antitumor activity in an in vivo two-stage carcinogenesis test in mice“… “The clinical trials and scientific studies during the 20th century confirm the medicinal and nutritional value of sea buckthorn, and the most important of them is its anti-carcinogenic properties.”

If you search online, try “sea buckthorn”, “Hippophae rhamnoides”, or “Hippofae.” The word Gioppafain gets you mostly sites in Russian.

Diet

We also tried giving Sadie a high fat, low carb diet, which seems to be pretty universally regarded as a good way to slow cancer. We used sauteed ground beef (grass fed), beef liver and rice (oh, how she loved that diet!), but be careful not to switch your pet’s food overnight – it can cause terrible stomach upset. Slowly mix it in with the regular food and keep changing the proportions until your pet can eat the “cancer diet” without problems.

As I said before, this is not to be regarded as medical advice, and I am in no way qualified to give such advice, but I did want to share what we have learned and discovered when it comes to battling cancer. I hope you never ever have reason to use this information, but if you do, I hope this is of some help. Please make sure to do your own research – there are many conflicting opinions on the effectiveness of all these therapies and supplements. And if you have used any of them already, I would love to hear about your experience with it/them.

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