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Guided Healing: Dr. Jen Green’s Journey Through Integrative Oncology and Empowerment
Episode 257
This episode of Integrative Cancer Solutions features Dr. Jen Green, a naturopathic doctor specializing in integrative oncology, as she shares her personal journey with HPV-positive head and neck cancer. Dr. Green describes her diagnosis after 25 years in the field and her decision to pursue a de-escalated, non-surgical treatment plan at the University of Michigan. She introduces the concept of a "divine curriculum," viewing her cancer experience as an opportunity for growth and learning, and highlights the creation of her guided imagery album, "Be Loved," designed to empower and comfort cancer patients during treatment.
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the benefits of guided imagery in cancer care. Dr. Green explains that guided imagery is a low-risk, accessible therapy that can reduce anxiety, depression, and nausea, while also boosting immune function by increasing natural killer cell activity. She emphasizes the importance of making such resources widely available, noting that her album can be accessed on platforms like Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and YouTube. The conversation also touches on research showing that guided imagery can lead to better surgical outcomes and cost savings. Dr. Green and the host discuss the critical role of community and human connection in the healing process. She shares how support from her community helped her navigate the trauma of cancer and underscores the broader importance of relationships for healing. The negative impact of loneliness is highlighted, with Dr. Green advising patients to build a "circle of care" that includes both conventional and integrative providers, as well as family and friends. She also introduces the No Oncology website, which offers a database of integrative oncology resources and a provider network. The conversation expands to address the environmental and societal factors contributing to cancer. Dr. Green argues that cancer is largely an environmental disease, influenced by industrial growth, toxic exposures, and societal choices. She advocates for living in harmony with nature, prioritizing sleep, and consuming organic foods. Dr. Green encourages patients to take ownership of their health and make empowered, informed choices to improve their well-being.
Finally, Dr. Green discusses the evolution of integrative oncology and the future of cancer care. She highlights the growing body of research supporting natural agents and nutrition, the potential of repurposed drugs, and the use of AI in developing targeted therapies. Dr. Green stresses the importance of personalized, less toxic treatments and patient empowerment. She concludes by sharing resources available through the No Oncology website and her own platform, Be Loved Cancer Support, offering creative ideas for supporting loved ones through cancer and reinforcing the value of community and integrative approaches in healing.
- Dr. Jen Green, a naturopathic doctor specializing in integrative oncology, shares her personal journey of becoming a cancer patient and the lessons she learned from her experience.
- She highlights the power of guided imagery and mind-body therapies in supporting cancer patients, citing research on their benefits for anxiety, immune function, and surgical outcomes.
- The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, connection, and emotional support in healing and reducing trauma during the cancer journey.
- Dr. Green discusses the environmental and societal factors contributing to cancer, advocating for empowerment, informed decision-making, and individualized care plans.
- She introduces resources like the KNOWoncology.org database and her BeLovedCancerSupport.com website, offering research, guided imagery, and creative support ideas for patients and caregivers.
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Published on 4 weeks ago