The Wellness Community of Central Ohio offers those who are dealing with cancer diverse programs to improve and extend the quality of life.
Most of the programs are free, including a group relaxation and meditation class to reduce stress -- known as Qigong.
"It is a Chinese healing art that is designed through mild exercise affirmation. Meditation in order to induce energy to facilitate self-healing," said Debra Weisenberger-Lipetz, Qigong instructor at the Wellness Community.
Weisenberger said she came to the practice by necessity after a cancer diagnosis in the mid-1980's.
A snag in insurance coverage left her with little choice but to seek alternative therapies.
She said that diet and lifestyle changes including Qigong turned the tide -- and not just for her.
"I was able to eradicate and others have had dramatic reduction in their tumors," she said.
Each Thursday morning, for an hour, the Wellness Community becomes a tranquility base for cancer patients. The concerns drift away as the old energy is replaced.
"Western medicine mindset is different and I appreciated that, but their training and chemotherapy doesn't work for me. Through prayer, food, Qigong, I've done pretty well," said Sue Stillinger, a patient.
Weisenberger said that many integrate Western medicine, including chemotherapy with Qigong, which helps to reduce the side effects and bring order to the spiritual, emotional and physiological needs to defend against cancer.
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