We embrace all modalities of medicine as each can build synergistically and work in concert with the others.
Holistic Complementary and Alternative Therapies used at Kokolulu
Holistic Complementary and Alternative therapies are taught at Kokolulu with the goal of empowering the individual towards taking control of his/her own healing and may include Massage, Qigong, Reiki, Meditation, Acupuncture, Herbal remedies and more. They are an integral part of the Kokolulu model and are used as means to help facilitate self-awareness and healing. When combined with program elements such as nutritional diet, exercise, education, individual and group counseling sessions, they contribute towards a holistic approach to one’s personal healing process.
Massage Therapy
The use of massage therapy has been shown to help with symptoms of: sleeplessness, anxiety, and muscle discomfort often associated in the various stages of dis-ease and/or conventional treatment and can help speed up the body’s natural healing processes. Massage is a natural way of providing physical release and allows the body to experience a healthy state of relaxation.
Qigong
Qigong (also spelled chi kung) is a practice that is over 4000 years old in China. It is meditative, healing and spiritual and has been found to be a powerful way to maintain health, treat disease/addictions, and cultivate wisdom.
How does Qigong work?
The body is enlivened by a life-force energy, which when blocked or weakened, can predispose a person to illness. Treatments, such as Qigong, that can increase the energy flow can be curative. Like a radio with a spent battery, a human body with low levels of energy (qi) performs poorly. Qigong is the practice of bringing qi (energy) from the universe into the body, and the cultivation of that vital energy to flow throughout the body unimpeded by blockages. Blockages are formed throughout our meridians (energy pathways) by stress, disease, addictions, improper diet, pollution and other environmental toxins. Qi is the true energy of being alive, it keeps us healthy. According to Chinese medicine, when qi and blood are circulating freely, there is no disease or pain
Zhong Guo Hui Gong Therapy
We use the very powerful Zhong Guo Hui Gong (Chinese Wisdom Super Energy Qigong) Therapy developed by Master Zhang, Yu Lei you lives and practices in Mainland China. This treatment has been used successfully in treating chronic illnesses, diseases, addictions, and behavior disorders without the use of medication. Master Zhang has successfully treated tens of thousands of individuals in China. His program has been approved by the Chinese government.
In 1998 Lew and Karin brought this process to the United States and have successfully incorporated it into the healing programs at KoKoLuLu. Lew continues to study with Master Zhang in China and consults with him on a regular basis.
How Zhong Guo Hui Gong works in healing:
It is well know that the heart and the brain are interconnected – one cannot function properly without the other.
When an individual is affected by the abuse of drugs/alcohol, poisons of medication, the stresses of life (within family, school, job, and community environments), environmental pollution, inadequate nutrition (including processed foods or foods tainted with pesticides), lack of appropriate exercise, or other negative influences, damage can occur to the connection between the heart and brain. These two critically important organs are like the control centers for the entire body. The brain is the “master computer”, when damage occurs it is like a major glitch in the hard drive. The heart is said to be the home of spirit. When damage occurs to either the heart or the brain it affects the other organ. Once the damage occurs it puts the person at risk for major health problems both physically and mentally.
Zhong Guo Hui Gong (along with proper exercise, nutrition, and a positive environment) repairs the connection between the heart and brain, allowing the person to regain their inherit goodness, physical and mental health.
Guided Imagery
Guided imagery is based on the concept that your body and mind are connected. The power of the mind to influence the body is remarkable. Imagery is the way we think; it is the language that the mind uses to communicate with the body. When you learn to direct and control your thoughts and the images in your head, you can help your body heal itself. Behaviors that help you feel empowered can enhance the activity of our immune systems. Research shows an increase in immune function with daily use of Imagery. One study found that people with cancer who used imagery while receiving chemotherapy felt more relaxed, better prepared for their treatment and more positive about care than those who didn’t use the technique. Virtually everyone can successfully use imagery.
Reiki
Reiki is a very simple and non-invasive form of healing. It is an ancient vibrational healing art, combining Tibetan symbols and specific laying on of hands techniques to channel the universal life force with intention to heal, harmonize and balance all levels of the client. Reiki involves the transfer of energy from practitioner to patient to enhance the body’s natural ability to heal itself through the balancing of energy. Reiki utilizes specific techniques for restoring and balancing the natural life force energy within the body. It is a holistic, natural, hands-on energy healing system that touches on all levels: body, mind, and spirit.
Acupuncture
When appropriate, we use auricular (ear) acupuncture to help our clients through the detox and therapy stages of our program, as well as to assist with relaxation.
There is something magical in those ten tiny needles placed in the ear.
In Hong Kong in the early 1970s a surgeon named Dr. Wen noticed that when he gave his patients acupuncture after an operation, they needed less pain medication, if any at all. His style of acupuncture with the use of needles placed in a patient’s ear delivered a feeling of calm and comfort throughout the patient’s body.
Meditation
What is Meditation?
There are many things in life that are beyond our control. However, it is possible to take responsibility for and to change our own state of mind. This is the most important thing we can do. Meditation is a real antidote to the stresses of anxiety, sleeplessness, and confusion.
Meditation is a way to transform the mind. Meditation is a technique that encourages and develops concentration, clarity, and emotional stability. By practicing regular meditation one learns the patterns and habits of the mind, and the practice helps to cultivate new, more positive ways of being. With discipline and patience these calm and focused states of mind can deepen into profoundly tranquil and energized states of mind. Such experiences can have a transformative effect and can lead to a new understanding of life.
The techniques of meditation are very simple. However, reading about them is no substitute for learning from an experienced and reliable teacher. At Kokolulu, a teacher will be able to offer you guidance in how to apply the technique and how to deal with difficulties. Perhaps most importantly, this teacher can offer encouragement and inspiration by their own example.
Spiritual Development
People, especially those dealing with a disease process such as cancer, often describe themselves as having a spiritual void. Spirituality can be an aspect of oneself that is quickly lost through the progression of diagnosis. At Kokolulu we believe that we create a sacred environment for people to discover, or perhaps re-discover, their connection with a Higher Power, however they may identify it.
Fitness Program
Daily fitness is a crucial component to the recovery process. Our fitness and medical staff works together to assess the appropriate level of fitness activity for each individual person.
While attending Kokolulu’s programs, who may participate in a variety of exercise activities as able, including but not limited to: daily walking routines; Qigong; Yoga like stretching; muscle toning; and walking or just being, in the garden. Scheduled exercise activities occur each day as part of the daily schedule and participants are further encouraged to use the facilities in their spare time.
To register for a Kokolulu Cancer Retreat please contact us today!
We offer these online healing sites and resources to you, as well!